Everything you need to know about the Gold Coast’s graduate job scene

Did you know that you can stay on the Gold Coast for up to three years after graduation? While most countries require you to obtain a work visa to stay in the country after university, Australia makes it easy for students to stay on and work after graduation.

International students who have recently graduated with a degree from a Gold Coast institution are eligible for a temporary graduate visa (subclass 485) which will allow you to stay in Australia for up to three years after graduation.

This visa will allow you to live, work and complete further study anywhere in Australia – including on the Gold Coast. Even better, you will also be able to bring your immediate family along to stay with you for the duration of your visa.

It’s easy to find career opportunities on the Gold Coast with the wide variety of resources available for students and graduates.

For example, Study Gold Coast has launched a dedicated student jobs platform for local students. Gold Coast Student Jobs can help students find casual work while studying, volunteering experience or an internship.

The student jobs platform also helps graduates secure career jobs. It connects the city’s students and graduates directly with local employers, helping them find job opportunities to suit them based on their experience and qualifications.

The annual Gold Coast Careers Festival is an opportunity to meet local employers and education providers in person and attend informative workshops. It’s a fun and informal way to find out about jobs on offer in the local area and learn more about how to perfect your job application.

Three of Gold Coast’s top universities feature in the QS World University Rankings 2021. These schools each offer their own personalised careers support for students.

Bond University’s Career Development Centre provides services and support for students and graduates looking for work, helping them connect with top employers.

Students at Griffith University can take advantage of the university’s excellent Careers and Employment Service which helps students plan their career path and offers valuable advice. The school’s Mentoring Programme helps students gain industry exposure and expand their professional network.

Southern Cross University’s Career Hub offers valuable career advice and their Bright Futures Student Alumni Mentoring Programme matches students with alumni in specific industries to help them get a head start in their careers.

While studying on Gold Coast, students can benefit from Study Gold Coast’s dedicated student hub.

The Gold Coast Student Hub is a study, support and networking space designed by students for students. It provides free information and practical support for all domestic and international students studying on the Gold Coast. It’s also a great place to meet other students.

Students can attend events put on by the student hub. These range from social events to workshops on topics such as professional development, people skills and conversational English to industry engagement sessions. 

The Gold Coast Student Hub also provides qualified counsellors for students, offering free careers advice and professional guidance including cover letter and CV checks.