International student boost for Gold Coast

Taiwan’s top 10 education providers will look to increase the number of tertiary students enrolling on the Gold Coast, with student safety a top priority. 

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate today briefed the education sector, outlining the quality of courses offered by the city’s leading universities as well as the safety of our city. 

He is in Taipei as part of a celebration of 36 years of our Sister City agreement with the Taiwanese capital. 

“Study Gold Coast’s research confirms student safety is paramount for both the student and their families. We are seen as one of the safest overseas posts for students, anywhere in the world.”

Taiwan currently has around 700 students studying on the coast as part of our 29,000 strong international tertiary population. 

“We want more as these students are long term tourists, often staying up to three years. They fall in love with our city and go on to work here, or return home with memories they share forever. 

“In every sense, they become unofficial ambassadors for our city and encourage more students to come through our system.”

The Mayor aims to get the Taiwanese student numbers up 300 percent, to around 2000, by 2020. 

Study Gold Coast CEO Shannon Willoughby said the visit included meetings with the Taipei City Education office. 

“This was a chance to look at vocational education collaboration in the areas of tourism and health. 

“Taiwan is a key market for city and we want to leverage sister city relations like we have done in Chengdu, China.”