Applying for Study in Australia
with Imagine Education

With world famous beaches, national parks and mountain resorts, the Gold Coast has become a world known tourist destination and spans across 1,402 square kilometres with 70 kilometres of coastline. The climate is sub-tropical with 287 days of sunshine annually and average temperatures of 19-29 degrees Celsius in summer and 9-21 degrees Celsius in winter. Only 45 minutes from Brisbane, the capital of the State of Queensland, the Gold Coast is popular with both Australian and International visitors.

The Gold Coast is also home to Australia’s premier tourist attractions including theme parks, wildlife parks, more than 40 golf courses, hundreds of parks, bikeways, beaches and playgrounds open free year-round and 1000’s of restaurants catering to all culinary tastes. Imagine Education also offers professional child care facilities for children while parents study.

The Gold Coast is now the 6th largest city in Australia and offers students first class sporting, shopping and entertainment facilities. Imagine Education is located in the education precinct of Southport in the heart of the Gold Coast with many schools and universities in the area. Our site is conveniently located next to The Southport School only minutes from Surfers Paradise.

Cost of living

The cost of living for international students is significantly lower in Australia than in countries like the USA and the UK. The average cost per year in Australia is AUD$9,306 compared to the US ($12,861) and the UK ($12,768). This figure includes accommodation, food, transport, clothing, fuel, power, telephone and entertainment. The average weekly cost of living is $174. The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs advises students to have $A12,000 per year however the Gold Coast is significantly lower than the bigger cities such as Sydney.

Sample costs Food items (in Australian dollars)

• Loaf of bread $2.40
• Litre of milk $1.40
• Dozen eggs $3.20
• Instant noodles $0.60
• BBQ chicken $6.00-9.00
• 1 kg of rice $1.65

Services/entertainment

• Haircut: male $10.00+ Haircut: female $20.00+
• Movie ticket $7.00 - 10 (student discount) $15.00 (adult price)
• Restaurant/café meal$8.00-25.00

*These are approximate costs only and cheaper alternatives may exist at a local market. The average international student in Australia spends about $320 per week on accommodation, food, clothing, entertainment, transport, travel, telephone and incidental costs. While this is a realistic guide, it is important to remember that individual circumstances will vary by location and lifestyle.

Currency and Money

Here’s a guide to money and currency. Australia’s currency is the dollar ($). 100c = $A1. Australia has a stable currency. Note denominations: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5. Coin denominations: $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c.
Currency conversions www.xe.net/ucc

Travellers’ cheques can be cashed at banks and major hotels. 
ATMs widely available 24 hours a day.
Major credit cards accepted at shops, hotels, restaurants. Common credit cards include American Express, Bankcard, Diner’s Club, Mastercard and Visa. • Bank hours: 9am to 4pm (Monday to Thursday), 9.30am to 5pm (Friday).
Bureau de change offer more flexible hours. Currency exchange facilities: at airports, key tourist centres.

Weather

• Spring: September to November 15-25C (59-77F)
• Summer: December to February 20-28C (68-83F)
• Autumn: March to May 16-26C (61-77F)
• Winter: June to August 11-21C (52-70F)

(Source: Gold Coast Tourism) For more information visit www.verygc.com.au
For more information on Queensland's lifestyle please visit the Queensland Governments web site at www.studyqueensland.qld.edu.au