Study Abroad Programs in Gold Coast, Australia

There are two major universities in Gold Coast, Bond University at Robina and Griffith University at Southport, where you can enroll to have access to a full course load while you study abroad in Gold Coast. There are also a variety of smaller colleges and academic institutions across the city where you can take classes in specialized subjects.

Some of the most popular academic paths for students who study abroad in Gold Coast include International Business, Environmental Studies, Sustainable Development, and Australian Studies. You are by no means limited to these disciplines; if you enroll at a full university, then you can take any classes you like from the course catalogue while studying abroad!

Traditional study abroad programs in Gold Coast run for either one semester or a full academic year and will allow you to take courses which transfer back as academic credit at your home university. Shorter programs are also available over the summer or winter seasons, generally lasting from two to six weeks. Remember that the seasons are reversed in Australia, so while the climate is warm year-round in Gold Coast, the peak of the summer season actually lands around Christmas time.

With a population of just under 600,000, Gold Coast reigns in as the sixth largest city in Australia. It is located just south of the much larger city of Brisbane, and together the two form a metropolitan area of over 3 million people. The city sits along over 40 miles of continuous golden beaches, making it literally a Surfers Paradise (which is also the name of its central tourism and entertainment area).

Gold Coast has developed historically as a popular travel destination because of its laid-back atmosphere, thriving cultural scene, and beaches which are considered some of the best in the world. It is no surprise then that more and more students choose to study abroad in Gold Coast; with a bevy of music, arts, and food festivals paired with a thriving nightlife and easily accessible adventure travel activities, Gold Coast is a winning destination on many fronts.

A fairly small city, Gold Coast is interconnected by both a bus and light rail system which make transportation around town a breeze while studying abroad. Some of the most popular destinations that you should be sure to check out include the Adrenalin amusement park, Surfers Paradise district, and night markets.

No sense in beating around the bush, Australia is an expensive country to study abroad in. While general costs of living in Gold Coast are a bit cheaper than in other major Australian cities such as Sydney, you may want to plan a budget ahead of time so that you can keep track of your expenses. Also you can check out our Scholarship Directory for information about financial aid opportunities while you study abroad in Gold Coast.

International students generally have the options of living in a homestay, individual apartment, or campus dormitories while studying abroad in Gold Coast. Each have their own pros and cons, so put some thought into it before jumping on your first inclination. For example dormitories are a great way to immerse yourself in student life, homestays in local family life, and individual apartments for doing your own thing!

You will generally have to apply for a visa before travelling to study abroad in Gold Coast. While Australia has a convenient electronic visa system, the exact type of visa you will require may vary depending on factors such as the length of stay and your home country. You can check out our Embassy Directory for more information about which visa you will need.

Adventure. Australia is quite possibly the best study abroad destination in the world for students who love adventure travel. From the Outback to the Great Barrier Reef, you will have your hands full seeing as much of the country as possible from your home base in Gold Coast.

Connections. Studying abroad in Gold Coast is your opportunity to meet peers from all over the world and build friendships that will last far beyond the duration of your study abroad program. It’s an outgoing city, so join in the pulse!

Fun in the Sun. Gold Coast is a laid-back beach city that gets over 300 days of sunshine each year. Need we say more?

Read our comprehensive guide on studying abroad in Australia.