5 reasons to study on the Gold Coast

If, like many graduates before you, you decide you’re not ready to leave the Gold Coast after university, you don’t have to! Through the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) you are able to enjoy three-year post-study work rights, along with plenty of other benefits.

The visa will also offer you access to additional regional visas, priority processing of visa applications and bonus points towards skilled migration to Australia.

This gives studying on the Gold Coast a unique advantage above other Australian cities, such as Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney where you can only legally work for up to two years after graduating.

Working on the Gold Coast after graduation will allow you to benefit from the wide range of job opportunities available in sectors such as tourism, research, manufacturing, IT, the marine industry and the health industry, amongst others.

If all of this sounds too good to be true, be prepared to learn another major benefit of studying on the Gold Coast: it’s cheaper than other major Australian cities. In the latest QS Best Student Cities, it was named the most affordable Australian city featured, ranking 98th worldwide.

According to Numbeo, a single person living on the Gold Coast would need around £713 (˜AU$1,270), compared to around £755 (˜AU$1,345) in Brisbane. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Gold Coast would set you back around £1,018 (˜AU$1,814), in comparison to £1,471 (˜AU$2,620) in Sydney’s city center.

In fact, Study Gold Coast estimates that student accommodation in Gold Coast would cost significantly less, at only £450 per month (˜AU$800) – so you won’t have to break the bank!

The Gold Coast offers all of the benefits of a major city – employment opportunities, diversity and endless activities – with only a fraction of the people.

According to the latest QS Student Cities data, the Gold Coast contains a population of around 638,000 people, compared to Sydney’s 5.2 million and Melbourne’s five million.

Residents of the Gold Coast are generally an extremely friendly and welcoming bunch. They love being outside and enjoying the beauty and the weather that the Gold Coast has to offer.

Despite the city’s smaller population, it’s recognised for its multicultural environment, offering many international cuisines and even an annual festival celebrating its cultural diversity. 

The universities in the Gold Coast each have their own diverse communities, with 19 percent of the city’s students coming from other countries.

If your idea of a perfect study abroad destination involves a beautiful natural environment, there’s no better place than the Gold Coast.

Many people choose to study on the Gold Coast for its change of pace. Life is generally a lot slower. There’s always time to take in the beautiful beaches, waterfalls and mountains, to go on hikes and to soak up the sun.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a bit faster paced, surfing is a popular activity amongst students and local residents alike. The city also contains thrilling theme parts and a vibrant cultural scene with cafes, restaurants and festivals dotted all around.

Nestled within the city is a host of World Heritage rainforests and national parks, which serve as the home for hundreds of species of wildlife and plants, while also acting as a great place to view magnificent waterfalls on scenic walking trails.

And what’s more – due to Australia’s sub-tropical climate, the sun is almost always shining, with an average yearly temperature of 29 degrees° Celsius and an average of 300 days of sunshine each year!