Where Is The Best Regional Place to Study in Australia?
If you’re thinking about studying in Australia, you’ve probably come across the term “regional area” more than once. It’s a phrase that can be confusing for new students but understanding it could actually make a big difference to your future in Australia.
Simply put, most parts of Australia are now considered regional, except for Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The government made this classification to encourage students to look beyond the big cities—and they’ve added some tempting benefits to make the move worthwhile.
Why Choosing a Regional Area Makes Sense
Studying in a regional location isn’t just about cheaper rent or smaller class sizes. For many students, it’s a strategic choice because it can improve your chances of staying in Australia after graduation. Some of the main advantages include:
- Extra migration points when applying for a Skilled Migration visa
- Longer post-study work rights in certain regional areas
- Access to regional-only visas like the 491 and 494, which aren’t available if you study in the major capitals
It’s the government’s way of balancing where people live and study while giving regional towns and cities a share of the international student community.
Of course, choosing the right place and understanding how your study choice links to your long-term migration goals can be tricky. That’s where working with a team like us at Pathway to Aus, who handles both education enrolments and migration advice, can make the process a lot easier.
So, Where’s the Best Regional Place to Study?
Ask Brad Lincoln, our lead education agent, and he’ll answer without hesitation: Queensland’s Gold Coast.
“Without a doubt in my mind, I think it is one of the most ideal places for an international student to study,” Brad says.
While he admits he might be a little biased (the Pathway to Aus headquarters is right there on the Gold Coast), the reasons behind his answer make a lot of sense.
1. A Wide Range of Courses and Quality Institutions
No matter what you want to study university degrees, vocational training, trade programs, English language courses, the Gold Coast offers it all.
The city has excellent training facilities, experienced educators, and a variety of programs to suit different career paths. You could study business, hospitality, construction, health, tourism, or technology, all within the same region.
The bonus? Tuition fees here are often more affordable than in Sydney or Melbourne, which can save you thousands over the length of your course.
We, at Pathway to Aus, work closely with local institutions to help students find courses that not only match your interests but also support your visa goals. This means you can plan your education with the bigger picture in mind from day one.
2. Plenty of Job Opportunities
A common concern for international students is whether they’ll be able to work part-time while studying. On the Gold Coast, the short answer is: yes, and probably more easily than you’d expect.
As Australia’s holiday capital, the city is full of hotels, cafés, restaurants, theme parks, and nightlife spots—creating constant demand for workers in hospitality, retail, and tourism.
And with the Gold Coast experiencing a construction boom, there are also opportunities for those in trades or hands-on industries. We, at Pathway to Aus often guides students towards courses linked to in-demand sectors, making it easier to gain experience while you study and position yourself for migration later on.
3. A Lifestyle That’s Hard to Beat
One of the biggest drawcards of the Gold Coast is its lifestyle. You can go from sitting in a classroom to swimming at the beach within minutes, or take a short drive into the lush hinterland for a weekend hike.
The city offers the conveniences of urban living—shopping centres, public transport, entertainment—without the congestion and rush of larger capitals. The climate is warm and sunny for most of the year which makes it an easy place to settle in and enjoy your time outside of class.
4. A Community That Feels Like Home
Despite its growth, the Gold Coast still has a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. People are friendly, laid-back, and used to meeting people from all over the world.
There are international student hubs, cultural festivals, and plenty of opportunities to meet others in the same situation as you. And because Pathway to Aus is based locally, students can get real, face-to-face support whenever you need it.
5. All the Benefits of Regional Without Losing City Perks
Studying here means you enjoy the migration benefits of a regional location—extra points, longer post-study work rights, access to regional visas—while still having access to city-level infrastructure and amenities.
It’s a balance that many students find ideal: the Gold Coast is big enough to feel exciting, yet small enough to keep that relaxed coastal charm.
When you plan your studies with Pathway to Aus, you’re not just choosing a course. You’re getting a complete roadmap—from your first class to your first job, and potentially all the way through to permanent residency.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a regional study destination that offers great courses, plenty of work options, an incredible lifestyle, and migration advantages, the Gold Coast is hard to beat.
As Brad puts it:
“It’s just a really cool place and I think anyone who’s considering studying regional should definitely have the Gold Coast at the top of your list.”
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or ready to apply, contact us! We can help you map out both your education and migration journey. We’ve spent years helping students find the right course, settle in, and work towards your future in Australia—all in one place.
