Hillcrest Christian College is a private (non-government) Pre-Kindy to Year 12 co-educational College located on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. We have been welcoming international students to our campus since 1996.
“Hillcrest Christian College commenced its International Student Program in 1996 and is registered to accept international students from Prep - Year 12.
Our dedicated staff fosters a culture of care and support, ensuring that every international student feels welcomed, safe, and valued. International students are integrated with Australian students into the learning environment, studying side by side in English with resident students.
We look forward to welcoming you to our community.
Hillcrest was established in 1982 and is future-focused with an emphasis on educational excellence, innovation and student wellbeing that encourages young people to achieve to their potential.
College has been formally recognised both within Australia and internationally, including recognition by:
Top 100 Most Innovative Schools Worldwide
Lighthouse, Showcase and Selected Partner school,
(one of only three schools in Australia to receive all three recognition awards)
Innovative Schools Award for 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2023
Hillcrest’s large and beautiful campus is located amongst natural bushland in the southern Gold Coast. Just south of Brisbane, the Gold Coast is known for its year-round warm climate and white, sandy beaches, including the famous Burleigh Heads and coastline, just a short drive from the College.
The Gold Coast is one of the top 100 best student cities to live in the world.
With a lower cost of living and a smaller population size (less than 900,000 people) compared to Australia’s capital cities, the Gold Coast offers a welcoming environment in which to live.
Hillcrest is easily accessible via two international airports: Gold Coast Airport (a 20-minute drive) and Brisbane International Airport (a 75-minute drive).
For all enquiries and applications for enrolment, visit our enrolments section.
International students are able to enrol in three sub-schools within the College
Learning comes to life in the Junior Learning Community (Prep to Year 4) as children embark on a journey through guided discovery. Guided learning leads children to increasing independence and autonomy as confident learners who have knowledge and skills to embrace an ever-changing world.
At a stage where students are undergoing many physical, social and emotional changes, students require a focussed approach in early adolescence to meet their specific needs.
The Middle School is about guiding students with age-appropriate learning that builds personal interests and strengths while supporting social and emotional wellbeing for every child.
We welcome students as an integral part of our vibrant learning community, fostering curiosity, creativity, and independence. We empower them to take bold risks, engage with diverse perspectives, and strive for personal excellence through inclusive learning opportunities.
The Rise Program is a transformational transition program designed to equip Year 9 students with a deeper understanding of themselves, their community, and their future pathways. Based in Coolangatta on the Gold Coast, this program fosters personal growth, community service, and entrepreneurial thinking in an inspiring coastal environment.
Students engage in hands-on learning experiences, outdoor education, and collaborative projects, developing essential skills for leadership, adaptability, and innovation. The program also offers unique opportunities to connect with industry and higher education, working alongside our business and university partners, including Southern Cross University.
For international students, the Rise Program provides a world-class learning experience, blending academic exploration, cultural exchange, and outdoor learning in one of Australia's most stunning locations and world heritage surf beaches.
We have a team of staff who help international students transition and learn in a new environment where they are working in a second (or sometimes third) language as well as ongoing support throughout their time at Hillcrest.
Our international students are integrated into mainstream classes and qualified ESL staff provide English language support in class and after school so that students can be successfully integrated into mainstream classes with Australian standards.
