Interested in studying on the Gold Coast? We Are Gold Coast has compiled a list of five inspiring education stories that reveal why Gold Coast universities and specialist institutions are world-class.
1) Top reasons people study on the Coast
From its world-class educational standards and stellar university facilities to its bold lifestyle and rich multicultural offering, there are endless reasons why international students venture to the Gold Coast.
Home to more than 200 education and training providers, including three world-class universities and specialist institutions, the Gold Coast offers a range of innovative courses and globally recognised qualifications.
Approximately 25,000 international students were studying on the Gold Coast in 2016, up 31 per cent from two years prior, according to the Australian Government Department of Education and Training.
Professor Todd of Griffith University says international students are looking at both what the educational institution has to offer as well as the lifestyle and, increasingly, the likelihood of enhancing their employability skills while they are studying.
“While the Gold Coast has always been a popular tourist destination, it is now cementing its position as a serious study destination. The main challenge is balancing our positioning around being a great lifestyle choice and relatively small, friendly city while also letting students know that there are opportunities for employment and work experience both while they are studying and when they graduate,” she says.
Read the full story: Top reasons people study on the Coast
2) 10 fantastic degrees to study on the Gold Coast
Shannon Willoughby, CEO of Study Gold Coast says it is no accident the Gold Coast is being positioned as an education destination of choice. She says Study Gold Coast is using the sector to raise the profile of the city both nationally and internationally.
“The growth of the education sector is a key part of further diversifying the Gold Coast economy,’’ says Willoughby.
“Not so long ago tourism was the only drawcard for the city and it became trapped in boom and bust cycles. Now, the city is growing larger, the economy is diversifying and the economy is becoming much more stable.”
Willoughby says the education industry is now Australia’s third largest export industry and globally Australia is the third most sought after education destination in the world. Study Gold Coast is working to ensure the city receives its fair share of international students.
Read the full story to see the fantastic degrees to study on the Gold Coast.
3) How new technology is changing sport
A collaborative Gold Coast effort involving elite athletes, coaches and research scientists, using cutting edge technology, is providing Australian sport with an advantage over the rest of the world.
Bond University has developed a close working relationship with elite programs in swimming, triathlon, sprint canoeing, BMX cycling and Australian Rules Football in a bid to uncover sport’s winning edge.
Sports scientists around the globe have long been consumed with finding the magic ingredient which differentiates good athletes from great athletes while avoiding injury under the strain of competition and training.
Associate Professor Justin Keogh, from Exercise and Sport Science at Bond University, said scientists are constantly looking for ways to improve performance without the risk of injury.
Professor Peter Reaburn, the head of Bond’s Exercise and Sports Science program, said the university has a number of exciting projects where technology is being utilised within the research area and in particular high performance sport.
Read the full story of how new technology is changing sport.
4) How this graduate cracked Hollywood
Bond University student Harrison Norris is making his mark on Hollywood after working on the set of new action film Suicide Squad starring Margot Robbie and Will Smith.
The graduate produced a world-first virtual reality (VR) experience for the new blockbuster film, together with fellow Bond alumna Emily Tate.
Norris worked as VR director and action pre-visualisation artist, and Tate as stunt department production assistant.
Norris, who produced and directed the VR project, which puts viewers in the middle of one of the movie’s action scenes, says it began as a wild idea he pitched to the producers who quickly saw its potential and jumped on board.
19-year-old Norris, who graduated from Bond University in 2015 after becoming the youngest student to be accepted into the Film & TV program, developed a concept for a new VR camera that could be worn around an actor’s head.
Since then, Norris has established his own VR company Proxi that routinely works with major studios including Warner Brothers, Paramount and Dreamworks.
Read the full story of how this graduate cracked Hollywood.
5) Building education as a strong pillar of the economy
The Gold Coast, traditionally known as a tourism town, is rapidly becoming an education destination as well as a popular holiday spot.
The education industry now provides jobs for almost 18,000 Gold Coast residents and every year more than 17,000 foreign students from more than 125 countries arrive to call the city their second home.
Willoughby, CEO Study Gold Coast says they have three main goals: talent retention, talent attraction and talent growth.
“With our domestic students, we want them to stay on in the city once they finish the education,’’ she says.
“In the past, many students would move away from the Coast when they finished their studies and we want to stop that trend.
“In terms of national and international students, we want them to consider the Gold Coast for their education. We have very high quality education providers, a lifestyle that is incredible and a factor that is important to students is that it is very affordable.”
Read the full story of building education as a strong pillar of the economy
