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The Gold Coast
…is all about experience. Taste the salt air along pristine ocean beaches, hear the sound of bird calls in some of Australia's most biologically diverse rainforests, feel your adrenalin rush on a thrillseeking ride. The 5000sqkm region is a place of superlatives. The 70km coastline, which stretches from South Stradbroke Island through to Cabarita Beach in New South Wales, features Australia's largest expanse of calm water. It is a place of warm and welcoming weather - 300 days
of sunshine a year - so watersports, golf, alfresco dining and simple family walks are enjoyable year-round.
Our City
The Gold Coast - has something for everyone and offers truly great value for money with the A$ being so low at the moment. The Gold Coast is Australia’s leading tourist destination. Millions of visitors come here each year from around the world. We have great, championship golf courses, sandy beaches and lovely Hinterland for bush walking and sightseeing. There are also many fine restaurants catering for all tastes, great shopping, sporting and entertainment facilities.
Climate
The Gold Coast climate is subtropical and very close to perfect! We have sunshine throughout most of the year with temperatures between 20-30ºC (68-86ºF) in summer and 9-20ºC (48-68ºF) in winter.
Living Costs
Australia offers excellent value for money, with living expenses and tuition costs in Australia considerably less expensive than the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA).
The average international student in Australia spends about $320 per week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, international and domestic travel, telephone and incidental costs. While this is a realistic guide it is important to remember that individual circumstances will vary by location, course and lifestyle.
Health Cover
International students studying in Australia are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your student visa in Australia as the local health insurance scheme, BUPA, does not cover them (there are some exceptions – check at http://www.overseasstudenthealth.com/). There are various Health Insurance companies who provide this service. We recommend AHM and can help you with organising your insurance upon enrolment.
Working Whilst on a Student Visa
International student can work while studying in Australia but the money you earn should not be used as your only source of income. To be granted a student visa in Australia you need to have adequate means of financial support. A visa with permission to work enables you to work up to 20 hours per week on a causal basis during course time and full-time during holiday periods.
Homestay / Accommodation
StudyGoldCoast Homestay & Accommodation Centre can organise accommodation for adults and students under the age of 18 years with local Gold Coast families. Their rates start at $80.00 per week with different packages available depending on your needs. If you are interested in using this service please contact the office for further information or visit their website on http://www.studygoldcoast.org.au/accommodation/accom_centre.htm
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