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A recent report from Deloitte Access Economics shows the international education and training sector generated $988 million for the Gold Coast economy in 2018, representing growth of 18 per cent.
The data found Brazil, China and India were the biggest international student cohorts with the sector supporting 4,730 local jobs.
In addition, more than 6,200 friends and family of students travelled to the Coast over the year, generating $21 million in tourism expenditure.
Queensland Innovation and Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones highlights the role of a government-funded International Student Hub in supporting 10,700 student visits since opening in 2017.
The Gold Coast hub in Southport is set up as a safe and welcoming place for students who are new to Australia, providing help with accommodation, work experience and other issues international students may face.
There are two other hubs in the state as well, in Brisbane and in Cairns.
"International education and training is on track to be a billion-dollar industry for the Gold Coast," says Jones.
"That means it's up there with tourism, construction and sport as one of the Coast's most important industries.
"We see huge potential for growth in this industry that's why we're working with education providers on the Coast to market the city to a new generation of students throughout the world."
She says today's data proves the strategy is working, and that the hub will receive government funding until 2021.
"By ensuring the Gold Coast Student Hub continues to grow, we're making a down payment on the future of this industry," says Jones.
"The Gold Coast boasts world-class universities, well-resourced TAFE facilities, quality English-language colleges and many of Queensland's finest high schools. It's no surprise it's an in-demand study destination."
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