ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES IN GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA:
A COMPLETE GUIDE AND LIST OF THE BEST ENGLISH PROGRAMS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE CITY OF GOLD COAST IN 2025
Gold Coast is one of the top destinations for learning and studying English as a second language (ESL). The city of Gold Coast has several English language schools, institutes, and prestigious universities that offer English classes.
Gold Coast stands out for studying English over other cities, mainly because, as its name suggests, Gold Coast is a coastal city near Brisbane, in Queensland, and it’s the state’s second largest city. This location is famous for its wonderful beaches, great theme parks, and a vibrant nightlife. In Gold Coast you can have lots of fun, meet new people and practice your skills outside the classroom, everything in an all-year-round splendid weather. Moreover, even if you feel that’s not enough, you can always make a short trip to nearby Brisbane, a huge city with tons of different things you can do, to further add to your study abroad experience in Australia.
The city of Gold Coast has English programs for all ages and budgets. We suggest you read this page and click on each language school you think is a good option. All universities and language institutes listed here offer English programs that allow you to apply for a student visa. Most of the programs are also available for citizens and residents in full-time or part-time options.
The most common programs are "General English" or "Academic English Programs", which allow you to improve your English level for academic or professional purposes.
Common questions
- Where to study English in Gold Coast, Australia?
- What is the best English language course in Gold Coast?
- How can I study English in Gold Coast?
- English programs near Gold Coast?
- Cheap and good English courses in Gold Coast?
You will find the answer to these questions on this website and a complete list of English language schools available for international students and residents. Click on the specific language school or university to get more information. You will find more details about the programs on those pages, helpful resources, and tips as housing, reviews, comments, and testimonials. As a leading world agency in ViveCampus, we can guide you in all the steps to study English in Gold Coast, Australia.
Contents
4. Requirements
11. Testimonials
1. Best places to learn English in Gold Coast, Australia
English courses as a second language in top universities and institutionsDuring the 80’s and 90’s it’s popularity as a tourist spot rose and nowadays more and more travelers choose Gold Coast a as place to visit and enjoy their vacations, which also includes foreign students looking for a city where they can learn English and practice outside the classroom. In Gold Coast you can enjoy great weather all over the year, an awesome nightlife scene, numerous tourist attractions, and fantastic beaches.
In Gold Coast and surroundings we can find the following places:
- Southport
- Surfers Paradise
- Broadbeach
- Burleigh Heads
- Coolangatta
- Brisbane
- Logan
- Ipswich
- Redland
List of English Language Schools in Gold Coast:
2. TOP SEVEN REASONS TO STUDY ENGLISH IN GOLD COAST
One of the best destination for international students in AustraliaA WIDE SELECTION OF SCHOOLS IN GOLD COAST
In Gold Coast you can study a wide selection of ESL courses in different English schools.
FANTASTIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN ENGLISH CENTERS
English centers in Gold Coast will give you access to student services and great modern facilities. Some of these are: activities outside the classroom; student organizations; visits to tourist locations; and access to sport facilities, lounges, and computer labs.
LEARN INSIDE THE OUTSIDE CLASSES IN GOLD COAST
Gold Coast is a sensational location where you can learn inside and outside the classroom, by speaking with native speakers or living in a place where English is the official language.
MAKE FRIENDS AND NETWORK WITH OTHERS
This city is a popular tourist location in Queensland where you can meet new people and do networking with professionals from different areas.
A DIVERSE LOCATION WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE PLANET
Gold Coast, as it’s usually the case of Australian cities, is a diverse place with people who come from different parts of the world, so you can learn more about other cultures, cuisines, and customs.
YOU’LL FIND LOTS OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most popular tourist spots, as it offers lots of fun outdoors, an incredible weather all over the year and fascinating tourist attractions, which makes it almost impossible to feel bored while living there.
AWESOME TOURIST ATTRACTIONS YOU CAN VISIT
While studying in Gold Coast, you can try sightseeing and visiting some of thefollowing tourist attractions: Surfers Paradise Beach; Skypoint; Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary; Coolangatta Beach; Sea World; Burleigh Heads Beach; Dreamworld; South Stradbroke Island; Warner Bros. Movie World; Lamington National Park; among many other sites.
3. Trends in 2025
In 2025, international students are looking for the following English language courses:In 2025, Australia continues to be an appealing destination for international students pursuing English as a second language (ESL) studies. Its world-class educational institutions, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes make Australia a top choice. For those looking to study abroad and immerse themselves in the Australian way of life, several trends are enhancing the ESL experience in Australia.
A significant trend in Australian ESL education is the incorporation of experiential learning. Beyond traditional classroom teaching, Australian ESL schools are integrating real-world experiences into their curriculum. Students can engage in community volunteering, cultural excursions, and internships, allowing them to practice their English skills in authentic settings and immerse themselves in Australian culture.
Furthermore, the rise of specialized ESL programs tailored to students' specific needs and goals adds to the appeal of studying in Australia. Whether students are interested in business, academic preparation, or conversational fluency, Australia offers ESL courses to help them acquire the language skills necessary for their chosen field. These targeted programs ensure that students are well-prepared for their future endeavors.
Technology is playing an increasing role in ESL education in Australia. Virtual classrooms, interactive language apps, and online resources have become essential tools for ESL students. These technologies provide a more flexible and engaging learning experience, allowing students to practice their English skills at their own pace and receive instant feedback.
Australia's multicultural environment is another draw for international students. Many ESL programs in Australia include cultural exchange and language partner programs, giving students the opportunity to practice English with native speakers and learn about Australian culture from various perspectives. This enriching experience not only improves language skills but also fosters cross-cultural understanding and global perspectives.
One of the most appealing aspects of studying in Australia is the opportunity for international students to work while pursuing their studies. Australia's policies allow international students to gain valuable work experience while studying, helping them to practice their English skills in real-life settings and become more independent. The ability to study and work gives students a more well-rounded experience and better prepares them for their future careers.
Australia's strong commitment to student support is also noteworthy. Australian ESL institutions offer a wide range of services to help international students adapt to their new environment, such as orientation sessions, counseling services, and study skills workshops. This comprehensive support ensures a positive and successful ESL learning experience.
In conclusion, Australia remains an attractive destination for studying English as a second language in 2025. With trends such as experiential learning, specialized ESL programs, technology integration, a multicultural environment, and the opportunity to study and work, Australia is an excellent choice for international students. By studying and living in Australia, students can improve their English skills and enjoy a unique and unforgettable cultural experience.
4. Requirements to take an English Course in Gold Coast, Australia
Some programs can have their own special requirementsVisa Requirements
Applying for a visa or authorization is needed for students who wish to enter Australia. Which one they need to enroll on English language studies depends on their nationality and the length of their stay. The different documents they can apply for are: Electronic Travel Authorization, eVisitor, Visitor Visa, Working Holiday Visa, and Student Visa.
The Electronic Travel Authorization, eVisitor and Visitor visa allow students to stay for up to three months, and there are different requirements, costs, and processing times. For instance, the Electronic Travel Authorization and eVisitor are available for students coming from certain countries, whereas Visitor Visas are available for any student.
Furthermore, the Working Holiday Visas are only available for those students that come from a list of countries and they must be between 18 and 30 years of age, although in some cases they may be up to 35 years old. This visa’s duration is 17 weeks maximum.
Moreover, students may also apply for a Student Visa, valid for the entire length of their studies, up to 5 years. Some of the benefits of this type of visa is that students can work 40 hours every two weeks, or 20 hours per week, and bring dependents, such as their spouse and/or children. Some requirements of the Student Visa is that the center must be a registered institution, so a CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment) may be issued; the program they choose has to be an English Language Intensive Course of Overseas Students or ELICOS; and an OSHC health insurance is needed, which can be acquired from the institute you enroll at.
Finally, all visas and authorizations have general health and character requirements, and some students may need to provide their biometrics at a Visa Application Centre or an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre.
Check this website of the Australian government if you need more information regarding visa requirements.
Age Requirements
Another requirement that students need to keep in mind is a minimum age requirement, that institutions set between 16 and 19 years of age, although there’s no maximum limit. However, some English centers offer English language programs for teenagers and children, which are specially prepared for them.
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Since studying and living abroad includes several expenses, students must show they have the minimum funds to cover their stay in Australia. The amount will vary depending on the visa they applied for and the amount of time they’ll stay in the country. Additionally, paying the complete English course in advance or at least half of it’s necessary, which will depend on the number of weeks you enrolled for. Finally, such funds must be in your own account and you must have direct access to them, although you can have a family pay for your costs, provided they’re close relatives and can show a proof of sufficient funds.
Minimum English Language Level
English language schools in Gold Coast have a minimum English language level requirement for students. Nonetheless, most courses have several levels, from beginner to advanced, so students only need to have a basic knowledge of English to apply. Moreover, students are placed based on an online or onsite test. In the case of advanced or intermediate level programs, they may need to provide proof of language proficiency, by submitting the results of a TOEFL, IELTS test, and sometimes the Cambridge tests.
5. Prices, dates and costs of English courses in Gold Coast 2025 - 2026
Explanation about main costsIn Gold Coast you can find a variety of schools, courses, and therefore, prices. So, depending on where you enroll, you can expect to spend different amount of money.
Apart from the tuition fee, you’ll have to consider other costs, such as housing, the OSHC health insurance, fees for having access to facilities or student services, extracurricular activities, trips to tourist spots, and class materials.
Down below you can find a list of different additional items you should consider when going to Gold Coast to learn English as a second language.
Main costs to consider if you want to study in Gold Coast, Australia
| ITEM | COST |
|---|---|
| ENGLISH PROGRAM | The portion of your budget that you'll spend on the English course will depend on where you'll study, the number of hours, and how many weeks you chose to study for. |
| HEALTH INSURANCE | An OSHC insurance is mandatory for those who applied for a Student Visa, so that they can receive medical treatment while studying in Australia. It can be obtained from an authorized insurance company or from your English school. |
| BOOKS | Class materials may or may not be including, depending on the English center, so you may have to pay an additional fee. |
| HOUSING | Gold Coast is composed of different areas and suburbs, so housing prices will vary depending on where you stay and the type of housing. For example, a 45m2 studio apartment will cost over a thousand Australian dollars, in a cheaper area of the city. Some other options are choosing to stay with a local family, renting a room or staying at a private student residence. |
| FOOD | As you imagine, food costs will depend on where you eat. You can try to cook at home, if possible, or eat out at a restaurant. As an example, a fast food meal costs around AUD $11. In some cases, the accommodation you booked may include food for an additional fee. |
| VISA | Costs of visas and authorizations to enter Australia will vary every few months, so we recommend visiting this website of the Australian government for further information. You can also contact us if you have any more questions. |
| TRANSPORTATION | In Gold Coast, cars are the most common mean of transportation, although there are also bus and rail services. A good idea is living close to the institution you enroll on, so that you can go cycling or walking. |
| FLIGHT TICKETS | Air tickets are a considerable part of your budget, so we recommend browsing different travel websites to get the best price. Some of the most expensive times of the year to travel are holidays such as Christmas and New Year's Eve. You can find offers in between, |
6. Who study English in Gold Coast, Australia?
Students come from all over the world to learn English in Gold CoastGold Coast is a great destination for foreign students, as it offers the opportunity of learning English in a fantastic environment, which is why many of them choose it. In this city, they can practice their skills inside, and outside the classroom, by interacting with their classmates and with native speakers, while enjoying all the terrific tourist attractions that this place offers. That’s why Gold Coast is an awesome city for foreign students, and a clear advantage when compared to studying English courses in their countries.
Young Students
Secondary or higher education students, looking to enroll on ESL programs abroad to improve their college applications and prepare for future job positions, respectively.
Young Professionals
Young professionals fresh out of college that don’t possess an extensive job experience. Their aim for learning English as a foreign language is mainly to stand out in comparison to other non-bilingual professionals.
Senior Professionals
More experienced professionals that need to be able to interact with partners from around the globe, normally using English as a common language, which is why the choose to study abroad.
Residents
Temporal or permanent residents in Australia, that need to know how to communicate in English, so they can live in a country where this is the main language being spoken.
7. Photos about studying English in Gold Coast, Australia
Look some of the photos of the ESL programs
8. Videos about studying English in Gold Coast, Australia
Click to watch the videos9. Information about Gold Coast, Australia
Gold Coast is a beautiful seaside city, located approximately 66km (41mi) away from Brisbane, and it’s the sixth largest city in Australia. Although there’s no fixed date on which Gold Coast was funded, the first formal settlements were established in the second part of the 19th century, starting with Nerang and Burleigh Heads. Afterwards, newly renamed Southport became a popular tourist spot for wealthy citizens of Brisbane.
Afterwards, it became known as South Coast, due to its location south of Brisbane, although during the 1950’s it began to be called ‘Gold Coast’, as real estate, goods and services were expensive compared to other cities. At the beginning, this name was considered as offensive by locals, but it quickly became a popular way of referring to seaside locations from Southport to Coolangatta.
During the 80’s and 90’s it’s popularity as a tourist spot rose and nowadays more and more travelers choose Gold Coast a as place to visit and enjoy their vacations, which also includes foreign students looking for a city where they can learn English and practice outside the classroom. In Gold Coast you can enjoy great weather all over the year, an awesome nightlife scene, numerous tourist attractions, and fantastic beaches.
Some of the tourist locations you can’t miss in Gold Coast are:
- Surfers Paradise Beach: a sunny beach, popular among tourists, and place you should definitely visit, to enjoy great waves and rest in its golden sand. You can also go to nearby shops or restaurants.
- Skypoint: enjoy great views at the level 77 of this tall building, from where you can see Gold Coast in all its glory.
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary: learn more about Australia’s fascinating animal species, including kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles.
- Coolangatta Beach: quieter than the popular Surfers Paradise beach, Coolangatta offers fun for the whole family. With calm waters and warm sand, it’s a perfect destination to spend a fantastic and relaxing afternoon.
- Sea World: the largest such place in Australia, Sea World attracts tourist of all ages, excited about meeting some of the most fascinating marine species.
- Burleigh Heads Beach: a perfect spot for the whole family, where surfing and swimming are some of the most popular activities you can do in this beach.
- Dreamworld: considered by some as Gold Coast’s favorite theme park, there you can have fun riding rollercoasters; enjoying live show; participating in safaris; or living a close experience with crocodiles, dingoes, and other native animal species.
- South Stradbroke Island: an awesome getaway location from all the bustling city life of Gold Coast, this island offers the opportunity of enjoying a relaxing afternoon or practicing fun water sports, such as swimming, surfing, snorkeling, among others.
- Warner Bros. Movie World: a great theme park full of fun for children, who can enjoy terrific rides or some of the many exhibits available there.
- Lamington National Park: if you ever feel tired of all the urban excitement of Gold Coast, you can head to this wonderful park, around an hour away from Surfers Paradise. There you can really experience nature and marvel with all the wonders you’ll find.
10. Frequently Asked Questions about studying English in Gold Coast
How does the process work to apply for a visa or permit to be allowed to study in Gold Coast?
First, you need to make sure you have a valid passport, so you can begin gathering the mandatory documents for the visa or permit application. Afterwards, you must fill in an online form and for some people, extra information could be needed, such as passing a medical checkup or registering their biometrics. Later, you’re informed if your application was approved, and you’ll be ready to being learning English in Australia. Check this this website of the Australian government for further information regarding visas and permits.
Which type accommodation can be found in Gold Coast?
Housing is normally not included with the course fees, so you need to book something on your own. However, some English schools can offer accommodation in homestays or private student residences. Other options are renting a room or sharing an apartment with other people.
Can I work in Gold Coast while I’m enrolled on an English program?
You can work only if you have a Student Visa, and for 40 hours every two weeks, although you can work more if you’re a Working Holiday Visa holder. Foreign students aren’t allowed to work with other kinds of visas or permits.
Which ESL schools offer courses in Gold Coast?
There are numerous institutions where you can study English in Gold Coast. Check our website to see a complete list of schools.
Which English language school in Gold Coast is the best?
It’s difficult to compare one institution to the other, since all of them are different, in terms of schedules, costs, course contents and programs. That’s why you should pick the school that best fits your current needs. Check our website to see all the schools you can choose in Gold Coast.
Can I be granted a scholarship to study English in Gold Coast?
No scholarships are awarded to foreign students of English language in Gold Coast. However, you may still receive discounts that some schools offer.
How do I pay for the English program?
Normally, you can make an online credit card payment or a wire transfer. Moreover, depending on the length of your studies, you might need to pay the complete tuition fee in advance, or part of it, if you’ll study more than 26 weeks.
Is it necessary to be a student to apply for these English courses abroad?
No, anybody can apply, even if you’re not currently a student, as you must only meet the age and English proficiency requirements of the program you wish to study.
How old do I have to be to learn English in Gold Coast?
The minimum age limit is normally between 16 and 19 years of age, which depends on the school. In addition, some institutions have courses for children and teenagers.
To which tourist attractions should I go while I’m living in Gold Coast?
Some of the most popular spots in Gold Coast are:
Surfers Paradise Beach, Skypoint, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Coolangatta Beach, Sea World, Burleigh Heads Beach, Dreamworld, South Stradbroke Island, Warner Bros. Movie World, and Lamington National Park.
11. Testimonials of international students
Gold Coast was the place I had in mind when I thought about studying English in Australia. I love to have the beach soo close. After classes, we usually go to the beach. Some classmates practice surfing, in my case I prefer to lie on the beach and relax. I recommend buying a bicycle. It is easy to move around the city.
Claudia Z.
Colombia
I recommend studying English at Gold Coast. It is the perfect city to study, work and have fun. Gold Coast is well known for all the sports facilities, especially around the coast. There are a lot of restaurants, bars, and cafes where you can easily find a job. My day starts with taking English classes. In the afternoon, I have free time to do my homework or to spend with my classmates, and from 5 to 9 pm, I work in a restaurant. I have lived here for about seven months. Living in Gold Coast has been the best experience of my life.
Denis P.
France
12. Benefits of studying English Abroad in Gold Coast
In the global world we live in, mastering the English language and having experience abroad is highly valued by companies and employers.
But the benefits are not only professional, as people who study abroad develop valuable skills such as competence in a new language, cultural exposure, tolerance, adaptability, leadership, and independence. All these skills are directly fostered by learning and living abroad.
Click on the screen to watch the video
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