Student life in Australia
Study, Work And Live Internationally!
The following is a resource for international students who are planning to move to Australia to study and work in Brisbane or the Gold Coast.
Studying at Australian College of Information Technology and Institute of Film and Television is more than just being at College – it is a life rewarding experience!
Australia is a continent with an excellent climate, boundless opportunities, and fantastic quality of life, which is the perfect place to study, work and live.
The college campus is situated on the Gold Coast, Australia’s fastest growing city and most popular holiday destination.
About the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is very popular with international visitors and offers endless activities to choose from. Relax over coffee at a beach side café, shop in boutique designer stores, or take in the thrills of our many theme parks.
Our world famous white sand beaches boasts some of the best surfing in Australia, and the Hinterland Mountains and rain forests are literally minutes away. Bush walking, biking and other adventure sports are all the rage in the safe, clean environment of Queensland.
The Gold Coast is also home to numerous internationally recognised golf courses, sporting facilities, parks and the magnificent Broad water – a blue water paradise for safe boating and recreation.
Gold Coast Campus
The Australian College of Information Technology and Institute of Film and Television campus is located at Varsity Lakes, the Gold Coast’s biggest IT hub in a scenic lakeside niche. Located in Queensland’s film making hub, where Australia’s most famous films are being produced and international producers are scouting locations, the Australian College of Information Technology and Institute of Film and Television is situated in prime location for industry experience, in the heart of the Gold Coast. Multimillion dollar films such as King Kong; Pirates of the Caribbean, with Johnny Depp; Unbroken, Angelina Jolie’s movie; and Thor are just some of the movies that have been shot nearby in the last twelve months. Our students enjoy internships and employment through the Australian College of Information Technology and Institute of Film and Television campus. Currently we have students working in assistant roles, as extras and as set designers within the industry here on the Gold Coast.
Featuring state of the art facilities with convergence technologies that offer a unique training experience and recreation, Australian College of Information Technology and Institute of Film and Television is well positioned amongst education industry leaders. With the Queensland Information Technology industry forming a backdrop.
Accessing our college is easy with a bus stop readily available for our students and convenient food stores and restaurants spread across the surrounding area for students to enjoy.
Classrooms are equipped with fast networked computer sand licensed software applications. Virtual environments and lab facilities are provided for practical exercises and hands on training, and every student has broadband internet access for all course related activities.
Internship in Australia, Hollywood and Bollywood industries are available for students who are completing studying Film and Television diplomas. The students are provided with personalised support from an industry consultant who is available weekly on campus.
Library facilities are generally not required but are in close proximity to the campus.
Address: Level 2, 246 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes, Queensland 4227
Phone: +61 7 5578 8122 Fax: +61 7 5578 8007 Email: [email protected]

Climate
South East Queensland is ideal for holidaying and studying. The local climate is sub-tropical with temperatures varying between 17°C and 28°C during the day, and water temperatures vary from 19°C to 21°C all year round – perfectly suited to outdoor activities such as surfing and golf.
Find more information on Queensland weather at the[Bureau of Meteorology]
Culture and Living
The optimistic Aussie way of life creates an environment where your dreams can come true, and with over 200 languages spoken in the sub-continent, Australia offers a true multicultural experience.
The majority of Australians are ecologically sensitive and concerned about preservation.
Weekend beach trips are very popular, and Aussie Beach Culture, is similar to that of the Mediterranean, South America and California. To view live images and surf reports from beaches in Queensland and other states, visit[Coastalwatch].
Attractions
The Gold Coast is a renowned tourist destination and presents visitors with a multitude of sporting facilities such as golf courses, large sport fields, tennis courts and a variety of water sport activities.
The Gold Coast also has a number of world renowned theme parks such as [Seaworld], [Movie World], [Wet ‘n Wild Water World],[Dreamworld], as well as a large number of environmental parks such as the [Currumbin Bird Sanctuary]and [Fleay’s Fauna Park]to showcase Australian wildlife – all within a 30-minute drive from the College.
Dining and Entertainment
The Gold Coast has numerous restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines. Many of its entertainment venues offer live music, dancing and gaming areas.
At Broad beach, the Conrad [Jupiters Casino] and newly built [Gold Coast Exhibition Centre] feature excellent eateries, exhibitions, entertainment and live music by recognised artists all year round.
And for nightlife, Surfers Paradise, also known as the party centre of the Gold Coast, hosts a large selection of restaurants, pubs and nightclubs all in one location.
All these sites are within a 15-minute drive of the college!
Living Expenses and Work Limitations
Living costs in Australia will ultimately depend on your own lifestyle and will vary by location. Students who study in Australia have the option of a number of types of accommodation, and can choose to live with other students or by themselves.
The average international student in Australia requires between AUD $16,000 and $20,000 to cover living expenses (food, accommodation, clothing, local transport, telephone, electricity, stationery, and entertainment) during each year of study.
The Department of Immigration and Border Protection [www.border.gov.au]states that you need approximately $18,000 (AUD) per year to study in Australia.
More official information on living costs is available at [www.studyinaustralia.gov.au]
You need to make sure you have enough funds to support yourself when you first arrive. We recommend that you have approximately $2000 Australian dollars available for the first three weeks to pay for temporary accommodation and transport.
It is important to note that that most costs are estimated over a weekly period.
Under the conditions of an Australian student visa, you may work up to 40 hours every fortnight. Additionally, during holiday periods you are allowed to work unlimited hours per week.
Read more about the mandatory conditions that are attached to all primary student visas here.
Accommodation
Many types of accommodation are available on the Gold Coast. There is something to suit everyone from inner-city apartments and shared accommodation to luxurious villas on golf courses.
As a guide, here are some approximate* costs associated with living in Australia:
- Hostels and Guesthouses – $90 to $160 (AUD) per week
- Shared Rental – $120 to $280 (AUD) per week
- Homestay – $110 to $270 (AUD) per week
- Rental – $165 to $440 (AUD) per week
*Reference: http://www.openconexus.com/australia/prices-and-living-costs/
Refer to the following Gold Coast accommodation websites for more information:
[Flatmates.com.au] – Australia’s leading shared accommodation website
[2stay.com.au] – International student and visitors’ accommodation group
[varsitytowers.com.au] – A student accommodation building 10 minutes from the Australian College of Information Technology and Institute of Film and Television campus
[varsityshores.com.au] –Short & Long term student accommodation facilities
[studygoldcoast.org.au] – An accommodation assistance blog on the Gold Coast
A more comprehensive listing of rental accommodation is available in local newspapers such as the [Gold Coast Bulletin]or the [Courier Mail].
For more inquiries please contact the Australian College of Information Technology and Institute of Film and Television Accommodation Officer through our [contact us] form.