On Tuesday 19 August 2025, the Sunshine Coast welcomed Mr Hermann Vorster, Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs and International Student Attraction, alongside representatives from Study Queensland, including General Manager Toni Brownie and Ben Bawden.
The Assistant Minister’s visit provided an opportunity to showcase the Sunshine Coast’s international education sector and highlight the region’s growing role as Queensland’s third largest study destination.
The day commenced with a tour of the University of the Sunshine Coast, where leaders and international students shared their experiences of studying and living on the Coast.
At Sunshine Coast City Hall, Study Sunshine Coast hosted a roundtable with key international education and training (IET) providers. The discussion focused on:
- Opportunities to strengthen the IET sector on the Sunshine Coast
- How Study Queensland and Study Sunshine Coast can work together to ensure sustainability and growth
- Ways the Queensland Government can better support local providers and students
The Assistant Minister acknowledged the critical contribution of international students to the Sunshine Coast economy, community, and workforce, with the sector contributing over $142 million locally in 2024.
The visit concluded with an afternoon tea at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute, where international student ambassadors from UniSC and TAFE Queensland shared their personal journeys. Students from South Korea, Japan, Finland and the UK spoke about the opportunities and challenges of studying abroad, and the unique lifestyle and support they’ve found on the Sunshine Coast.
Their stories reinforced the importance of providing a welcoming, supportive, and connected environment—helping students not only to study, but to thrive and feel at home in our community.
The Assistant Minister’s visit highlighted the strength of collaboration between government, providers, and industry in building a vibrant and sustainable IET sector. With continued advocacy, strategic investment, and strong student engagement programs led by Study Sunshine Coast, the region is well-positioned to remain a leading education destination where students can live, learn, and kick-start their future.