Griffith University - Gold Coast

Groups of students sit on the sunny quad on Griffith's Gold Coast campus

Two buildings on Griffith's Gold Coast campus with windows reflecting the blue sky and trees

Gold Coast's buildings, beach, ocean and blue sky from above

The New Science Engineering and Architecture building on Griffith Gold Coast's campus

Footprints in the sand on Surfer's Paradise Beach sandwiched between the city line and the ocean

With a welcoming student population and five campuses in southeast Queensland, Griffith University offers TEAN students the opportunity to take advantage of a wide range of course offerings while studying at the university’s largest campus on the beautiful Gold Coast. Leading programs in environmental studies, education, political science and more – along with an impressive internship program – make it easy for students to continue their field of study while discovering all that Australia has to offer. The program features high quality beachside housing in Broadbeach or an option to live in fully-furnished on-campus apartments.

Snapshot

Semester Program

February - June
July - October

Application Deadlines:
Spring - Oct 15
Fall - March 25

2.5 GPA to apply

Explore Courses

Suburban Location
Traditional Campus

Off-Campus Beachside Apartments
On-Campus Apartments

Overview

Spend a semester at a university with comprehensive course offerings, known for its university-wide commitment to sustainability

Experience living on the beach in our high-quality, off-campus apartments or in on-campus student apartments

Live on the Gold Coast, known for its ideal climate, great beaches and exciting nightlife

Explore the Great Barrier Reef and tropical far north Australia during your comprehensive five-day Orientation Program, with a week of adventure and learning

Experience an alternative Spring Break with our optional New Zealand excursion

Appreciate access to TEAN’s Gold Coast-based Resident Director and other in-country staff for continued support throughout the semester

Gain hands on experience through an optional, community-focused internship at a not for profit organization

Take three courses instead of four to receive discounted tuition. (Three courses is equivalent to 9 – 12 U.S. credits depending on your home university’s credit transfer policy.)

Australia Orientation

Great Barrier Reef Excursion Included

Learn more

Program Details

Orientation

TEAN’s exclusive “Welcome Abroad” Orientation Program takes place in Cairns in the north of Australia famous for its tropical setting and access to the Great Barrier Reef – what better way to start the semester than a week full of adventure, including snorkeling on the largest coral reef system in the world? Your Australia Orientation is designed to set you up for a successful semester by introducing you to the local culture and academics while also getting to know your soon to be friends and having an exciting journey in the process. On the final day of Orientation, students travel to their host city where they are met by their local TEAN Resident Director and introduced to their housing and local area.

Housing

Select either TEAN’s beachside housing or on-campus student apartments. TEAN’s beach housing places you a block from the beach and a light rail ride to campus. If you don’t want the commute, live on-campus in single rooms with local and international students.

TEAN Staff

Our team works with you start to finish through the study abroad process. Our programs staff will help guide you through the application process to go abroad, then upon arrival in Australia, you will meet our team who will provide assistance during your time in-country. Throughout your semester you will meet with the Gold Coast Resident Director for informal discussions and excursions. Our staff is readily available and able to assist you with any academic, social, or cultural questions or issues that you may face during your time abroad.

Meet the Team

University

About Griffith University – Gold Coast

Griffith University was established in 1971 as a new kind of Australian university – one that offered courses in progressive fields such as Asian Studies and environmental science. While progressive then, these academic areas are now more relevant than ever.
Ranked in the top 50 universities in the world for hospitality and leisure management, nursing, performing arts and sports-related subjects (QS World University subject rankings 2020).
While Griffith University has five campuses spread throughout southeastern Queensland, the Gold Coast campus is the largest with 18,000 students.
Griffith Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), placing Griffith in the top 5% of business schools worldwide.
The Griffith Gold Coast campus is well-serviced by the Gold Coast’s light rail which runs between TEAN’s beachside housing and stops on-campus, traveling through key areas of the Gold Coast including Surfer’s Paradise. Bus services are also available to this campus.
The Gold Coast campus of Griffith is just minutes from stunning beaches and is set amongst native bushland. While some students choose to utilize the extensive library for studying, others spread out their books on the green grass or on a nearby sandy beach.
Students enjoy access to extensive sporting facilities, including an Olympic-standard athletics track, a gym, as well as basketball and tennis courts, while the ‘UniBar’ offers a place to play pool with new friends. The campus also offers a variety of dining options, including al fresco cafes dotted around the campus for students to always take advantage of the Gold Coast’s perfect climate.

CRICOS Provider Code: 00233E | TEQSA: PRV12076

Location

The Griffith University Gold Coast location a traditional campus located a few miles from the coastline. Visit the google map link below to see the campus location.

View Map

Courses

Courses are available in the below disciplines. For detailed instructions on how to find and select courses, and a list of popular courses see our course selection instructions. Students enroll in 3 – 4 subjects per semester (between 30 and 50 Griffith credits), which usually transfers as 12 – 16 U.S. semester credits.

Find Courses

Academic Departments and Schools at Griffith University are divided into 10 academic divisions: Architecture, Construction & Planning; Business & Government; Criminology & Law; Education; Engineering, IT & Aviation; Humanities, Languages & Social Science; Medicine, Dentistry & Health; Music & Performing Arts; Science & Environment; and Visual & Creative Arts.

Discipline	Subject Area
Business	Accounting Advertising Asian Business Studies Business Administration/Management Construction Management Economics Entrepreneurship Event Management Finance Hospitality Human Resources Management International Business Leadership Logistics Management Management Management Information Systems Marketing Real Estate / Property Sports Management Tourism
Communications & Media	Animation Cinematography Communication Studies Creative Writing / Professional Writing Film / TV Studies (Theory) Journalism (General) Mass Communication Media Studies Media/Multimedia Public Relations
Education	Early Childhood Education Special Education
Engineering	Construction Engineering Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics and Mechatronics
Environment	Ecology Environmental Management Environmental Science Marine Biology Sustainable Resource Management
Health	Dietetics Food Science Health Administration Health Science (General) Kinesiology / Exercise Science / Athletic Training / Human Movement Medical Technology Nursing Nutrition Occupational Therapy Pharmacy Physical Therapy / Physiotherapy Public Health Sport and Leisure Studies
Humanities & Social Sciences	Criminology/Criminal Justice Development Studies Family/Human Studies (Humanities) Gender Studies History Law Linguistics Literature Peace and Conflict Studies Political Science Psychology Public Policy Social Work Sociology Urban Planning
International Studies	Aboriginal Studies Australian Studies Chinese Language / Studies International Relations Islamic Studies Italian Language / Studies Japanese Language / Studies Spanish Language / Studies
Science	Biochemistry Biology Biomedical Science Biotechnology Botany/Plant Biology Cell Biology Chemistry Computer and Information Science Epidemiology Forensic Science Genetics Information Technology Mathematics Microbiology Molecular Biology Oceanography Physics Statistics Zoology
Visual, Performing Arts & Design	Architecture Art Art History Drawing Graphic Design Industrial Design Interior Design Theatre Theatre Studies Video Game Design Web Design

ENJOY FLEXIBILITY WITH TEAN FLEX

We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your TEAN program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, TEAN Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your TEAN Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.

Internship

Community Internship

The Griffith University Community Internship is a 10-credit point course (equivalent to 3-4 U.S. credits). The internship places you in a community (not-for-profit) organization related to your major where you put into practice your academic learning and give back to the Gold Coast community. With more than 395 different placement options, you will be matched to a placement related to your major. A volunteer placement is a great way to demonstrate real-world experience to future employers and get to know the Australian community. The course requires a 50-hour (minimum) commitment in the placement. More information will be provided to interested students upon application to a TEAN Griffith University program.

Eligibility

2.5 GPA.
Students must be enrolled in a two-year or four-year degree-granting institution at the time of enrollment at Griffith University.
Second semester, Freshmen students may be considered for acceptance. To undertake the Community Internship students must be in their second year.

Events & Excursions

Activities / Immersion

Our local staff arrange various activities during the semester designed to help immerse you in the local culture. These activities are included in your semester program. In addition, if you have a specific interest or hobby, your Gold Coast-based TEAN Resident Director will be able to point you in the right direction. Below are examples of previous activities arranged for students. Note that activities change each semester.

In addition to the TEAN-organized events, to make sure you don’t miss out on any opportunities, our local staff send out frequent emails letting you know what is happening on the Gold Coast. Ranging from community events to music festivals, we tap you into the local culture right from the start.

Learn to Surf

You can’t come to the Gold Coast and not hit the surf! We get the experts to teach you. After the lesson, Cheyne Horan – ex-world surfing champ and current Australian SLS champion – takes you to the Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) to meet some locals, introduce you to the SLSC culture in Australia and explain why it is so important to Australians.

Gold Coast Titans Rugby League Game

Come and cheer for the Gold Coast Professional Rugby League Team – The Titans. You have to catch this game and see this professional Australian sport in all its glory!!

Coffee Breaks

While the Gold Coast is all about the outdoors, Australians still enjoy their fabulous coffee. We follow their lead and meet up for coffee and cake (or a warm caramel infused doughnut) at various times during the semester. This is a great opportunity to catch up with your Resident Director.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

During the semester, you’ll be busy with class and exploring your local area on the weekends. With this in mind, TEAN encourages students to get to know Australia better or travel to even more exotic destinations with excursions organized during school breaks. Participating in these excursions will depend on your program dates and semester abroad.

SYDNEY WEEKENDER

From the world famous blue water and white sands of Bondi Beach to the iconic Opera House & Harbour Bridge, this adventure is the perfect way to experience the diversity of Sydney. During your long weekend, you will get a birds eye view of the city from the Sydney Tower Eye, explore the Botanical Gardens, hit the waves with a surf lesson, cruise along the Bondi to Bronte Coastal Walk, and enjoy a spectacular dinner cruise on Sydney Harbor, and so much more. This weekend, designed to expose you to the life of a Sydneysider, will leave you wanting more of Australia’s largest city!

BYRON WEEKENDER

The laid-back coastal city of Byron Bay is paradise for those who want to experience a vibrant and eclectic community of people and beautiful beaches. Surfing is a favorite past time for the locals and tourists alike. Students will have the opportunity to kayak with the dolphins, visit a local organic farm, and check out the farthest eastern point of Australia and the famous Byron Bay lighthouse.

SOUTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand’s South Island offers some of the most magnificent natural environments this planet has to offer and is home to some of the world’s most extreme adventure sports! From the Southern Hemisphere’s highest (and original) bungee jump, to jet boating through ravines, whitewater rafting raging rapids and hiking glaciers, you won’t be bored or disappointed! This excursion is usually offered as a mid-semester break excursion.

FIJI

The name “Fiji” conjures up images of lazy days in a tropical paradise and breathtaking sunsets. Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll also find some of the loveliest people to complement the stunning landscape. An optional excursion exclusively for TEAN students, take advantage of this mid-semester trip.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

TEAN has a rolling admissions process. We recommend submitting your application anytime from June for Spring applications, and from January for Fall applications. Late applications may be considered. Contact TEAN if the application deadline has passed.

Spring Deadline	Oct 15
Fall Deadline	March 25

PAYMENT DEADLINES

Your signed program contract and full payment for the program are due by the program deadline. Please note we do have options for using financial aid and enrolling in a payment plan if you cannot make full payment by the payment deadline. You can find more information about funding your program here

Spring Payment Deadline	Nov 1
Fall Payment Deadline	April 1

Spring 2024

Arrive in Australia	Feb 11
TEAN Orientation	Feb 11-15
University Orientation	Feb 15
Classes Begin	Mar 4
Mid-Semester Break	March 30-April 7
Program Ends	June 16

fall 2024

Date of Departure	July 5
Arrive in Australia	July 7
TEAN Orientation	July 7-11
University Orientation	July 8
Classes Begin	July 15
Mid-Semester Break	Aug 10–18
Exam Period Ends	Oct 26
Program Ends	Oct 27

Fees & Inclusions

spring 2024

Tuition and program fees: $13,950
Housing (on/off campus): $5,750 – $7,400

fall 2024

Tuition and program fees: $13,950
Housing (on/off campus): $5,225 – $7,350

spring 2025

Tuition and program fees: $14,950
Housing (on/off campus): $7,025 – $8,650

What’s Included

Full tuition (4 courses)
Guaranteed, pre-arranged, off-campus housing or on-campus housing
Overseas health insurance, plus evacuation and repatriation insurance
Services of local Resident Directors
Five-day Orientation Program with some meals, excursions, accommodations, and transportation
Cultural events scheduled throughout the semester
Wireless internet access in all housing
Access to pre-arranged and affordable cell phone packages
Access to unique and exciting optional excursions which may include New Zealand, Thailand and other places
Access to competitive airfares and pre-arranged flight itineraries
Extensive pre-departure counseling and information packets
University and course selection advice
Official academic transcripts from host institution
Credit approval and transfer assistance
Help with student visa preparation
Financial aid transfer planning
Airport pickup and reception upon arrival
Arrival Welcome packet containing important local contact details and information
Gold Coast Farewell Dinner at conclusion of program
Student union fees at host university
Host university orientation

What’s Not Included

International airfare ($1,800)
Domestic airfare in US ($500)
Student visa ($450)
Books ($365)
Meals during the semester ($2,500)
Airport transfer at end of semester ($50)
Travel insurance ($350)
Travel and personal expenses ($1,500 – 2,500+)

*Numbers are estimated based on previous student experience and budget. Actual amounts will vary depending on student.

PASSPORT

Students must submit a current passport valid for at least 6 months after the program end date for acceptance.

If you do not currently hold a valid passport, please apply for one immediately as processing times can be very lengthy.

VISA

All students participating in a semester program in Australia (except for Australian passport-holders) are required to obtain a Student Visa prior to departing for Australia.

Students can only apply for their visa after the required documents are received from the host university. Once these documents are received (typically 2-3 months prior to departure), the Program Manager will send students step-by-step visa application instructions. The application is done entirely online, and visas are typically granted within 3 weeks of applying. The cost is approximately $450 USD.

Scholarships

TEAN Scholarships

Apply for TEAN scholarships – starting at $1,000 – for the chance to receive money specifically for studying abroad. Each year we award thousands of dollars in need- and merit-based scholarships, diversity scholarships, a full ride scholarship and more. Visit our scholarships page for details!

Off-Campus Beach Housing Available

Students studying at Griffith have the option of living in our TEAN off-campus beach housing. Located in Broadbeach, students live minutes from the beach along with just a short walk away from a variety of shops and cafes. This option is perfect for students who want to experience living off-campus with greater independence and don’t mind a short commute to campus.

TEAN Beach Housing

"I had easy access to the beach, the bus station, airport, restaurants, cafes, food stores, I was essentially in a pretty central location with everything I needed surrounding me."

Shayna O'Boyle, Moravian College

Students Say

"Studying abroad instilled in me an openness to change and a willingness to experience more."

Kendra Hildebrand, Bryant University

Students Say

"My professors at Griffith took time to meet with me and gave me feedback on my work."

Daisy Alexander, University of Kentucky

We Love Griffith

Carol Doecke

Resident Director - Gold Coast & Brisbane

Originally from the United States of America, Carol grew up in both the hill country of Texas and the big city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating high school, she spent three years traveling the United States and volunteering in veterans’ homes and hospitals across the nation. Falling in love with travel, Carol was ready to see the world beyond her country and took the leap of studying abroad during her tertiary studies. While studying abroad with TEAN, Carol fell in love with the Gold Coast of Australia and found herself calling it home. After graduating from The West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Communication, she moved to Australia full time. Carol is keen to be on the path of helping other students fall in love with this city and country through interactive and culturally immersive experiences. She has experienced first-hand all the challenges and triumphs that come with studying abroad and is enthusiastic about guiding other students on their own journeys.

Helen Armitage

Full Degree Program Manager

Gold Coast Tip

Organic Food Market

For some great fresh produce, hit up the Miami Organic Food Market. The first and only organic market on the Gold Coast, it’s open every Sunday from 6:00 am until 11:30 am. Visit for the yummiest organic produce on the GC (think fruit, vegetable, breads, olives, cheeses, pasta and more).

Q&A

What is your role at TEAN?
I am the Resident Director for Queensland and responsible for working with our in-country study abroad students in our schools across this state. My role is to ensure that all students are supported and mentored and experience cultural events relevant to their location. I am the study abroad “mom” to all of my groups and try to ensure they stay focused on their schooling and experience all that their location has to offer. I like to get them to see the value of their study abroad semester and how it will benefit them in the future. I am also the Full Degree Program Manager for TEAN. In this role I work with students who are interested in taking their entire degree program in Australia or New Zealand.

How did you come to this current role?
I have been working in International Education since 1995. I have been involved in the study abroad and international offices at both Griffith University and Bond University on the Gold Coast. While at Bond University I managed the study abroad program for North America and was responsible for building partnerships with programs and U.S. schools. I have travelled extensively through North America and have visited many of our partner schools. I started working with TEAN as the Queensland Resident Director in 2010.

What is your favorite part of your job?
Seeing students grow and become more independent during their semester. Watching students learn to problem solve issues and gain confidence to make decisions on their own. I enjoy getting to know the groups and each group are varied and unique. I like seeing them develop lifelong friendships amongst the groups and enjoy watching them have fun at the various cultural events I arrange. I have met some amazing students over the years, who I am still in touch with today.

How do you work with students who are interested in pursuing their full degree abroad?
I am their go to person from start to finish. I help them narrow down their university choices, submit applications and answer any questions they may have through the process.When offers come in, I then assist them to accept the best option for them and talk them through next steps. This includes who to contact about U.S loans and aid, how to apply for their visa and enrolment. Being in the same time zone as the schools here and it makes it easy for me to follow up. I also have lots of contacts that i can reach out to directly, so it saves them time and stress.

What are some top reasons a student should consider a full degree in Australia or New Zealand?
You will be pursuing a quality education at some of the world’s top ranked universities while enjoying a personalized education. Australia and New Zealand are desirable places to live and attract high quality professors from all over the world. You will also graduate with a competitive advantage – most people don’t study overseas and having an international qualification and living in another country puts you ahead of your peers who stay in the U.S. You will also have gained a new network of international contacts.

Griffith University – Gold Coast