English Courses at Inforum Gold Coast, Australia
Inforum Education is a boutique English school in Southport, on Australia’s Gold Coast. Your English courses at Inforum Gold Coast take place on one campus, in small classes. You study in a heritage building with a garden and barista coffee, a few minutes from the beach.
1. Tell us your goal
2. We help you find the right program
3. We handle the paperwork
4. Ready to StartTL;DR: Quick summary
Inforum Education is a private English school on Short Street in Southport, on Australia’s Gold Coast. Simon Craft opened it in 2007, and it has kept a single campus ever since. That is the whole idea: you are one of about 100 students, and the school gets to know you. Inforum is registered to teach international students in Australia. It won its category at the ST Star Awards in 2023, 2024 and 2025. And it is one of the schools we recommend among the English courses on the Gold Coast.
Courses go from General English to IELTS and Cambridge exam preparation, and on to High School Preparation. There is also a Demi Pair option that cuts your living costs. Every course comes with free workshops, including the Super Work Ready sessions that get you ready to work in Australia.
Inforum won the ST Star Award for English Language School, Southern Hemisphere, in 2023, 2024 and 2025. It was a finalist again in 2026.
- Six General English levels, elementary to advanced
- Classes average 8 to 16 students
- General English starts any Monday, 1 to 50 weeks
- Over 10,000 students have studied here since 2007
ViveCampus
ViveCampus is a leading study abroad agency with more than 17 years of experience and over 5,000 happy students around the world. We handle your Inforum enrolment for you, guide you at every step, and our service costs you nothing.
Why do students choose Inforum in 2026?
These are the reasons students give our advisors most often for choosing Inforum.
One campus, one team and around 100 students at a time. The Managing Director still teaches. The Accommodation Manager visits every host family herself. And reception knows your name in your first week. So if you arrive on your own, you soon feel at home.
A restored heritage building with wide verandas, a beach-themed student lounge, a garden and a barista coffee machine the students really use. Most people finish class and stay another hour.
The tram stop is 50 metres from the front door, and the beach is a few minutes down the line. You can swim before class, surf after it and study on a veranda in between. On the Gold Coast, that is just a normal Tuesday.
Classes average 8 to 16 students, and Cambridge classes have 15 at most. So you get plenty of time to speak. Inforum also has a strict English-only rule across the building. A yellow card is a warning, and a red card is a day out of class. It takes about a week to get used to. By the third week, you start thinking in English.
You get up to 6 hours a week of free workshops on top of your course. The Super Work Ready set is built for students who want to work here. You do barista training on the campus machine and get the RSA certificate you need to serve alcohol. You also learn waitperson skills, write an Australian-style resume and get your Tax File Number.
Inforum follows the CEFR levels and uses real Cambridge exams for every end-of-term test. So you always know where you stand against an international standard. And when you sit the real exam, you already know its format.
Inforum won Study Travel Magazine’s ST Star Award for English Language School, Southern Hemisphere, in 2023, 2024 and 2025. It was also shortlisted in 2015, 2016 and 2017. And it is a Department of Home Affairs Level 1 accredited college, the lowest immigration risk rating a provider can hold.
Source: Inforum Education Australia
Study English where other people come on holiday
The Gold Coast has 57 kilometres of beach, about 300 days of sunshine a year and World Heritage rainforest 40 minutes inland. Inforum is in Southport, the city’s civic centre. So you get the working city as well as the coast everyone photographs.
Southport works hard for you. Rent is good value, part-time jobs are easy to find, and the light rail outside the door runs the length of the coast. Australia Fair shopping centre is a 2-minute walk. The library, the banks and the hospital are all within 5 minutes.
What English courses does Inforum offer?
Inforum follows the CEFR levels, the international standard. A free level test before you arrive puts you in the right class. Every course below runs on the same campus with the same teachers, so you can switch as your goal changes.
20 hours of class a week, plus up to 6 hours of free workshops if you want them. That makes up to 26. There are 6 levels, from Elementary to Advanced, A1 to C1. They run in 6-week blocks, with a progress test every 3 weeks and one-to-one time with your teacher. Start any Monday and stay from 1 to 50 weeks. CRICOS 076336C.
For the band score your university or visa application asks for. You get 20 hours a week of IELTS core skills and exam technique. Mock tests run under real exam conditions. One-to-one feedback shows you exactly where to pick up marks. 12 to 24 weeks, starting any Monday. CRICOS 062400D.
A certificate that never expires, and employers recognise it worldwide. It is 22 hours a week for 12 weeks, or 10 weeks on the January course, with 15 students at most. You start from Upper Intermediate A, around IELTS 5.0. Dates are fixed to the exam calendar and fill early, so book ahead. CRICOS 062399C.
The level Australian universities and employers take seriously. It has the same 12-week shape and the same 15 students at most, one step up. You start from around IELTS 6.0 or a B2 First pass. Your teachers prepare students for this exam every year and know where the marks are won. CRICOS 076509J.
For students aged 14 to 18 going into an Australian high school. Your son or daughter studies 25 hours a week of English plus mathematics, science, literature and presentation skills. You get regular academic reports at home. Places are limited, and there is an interview first. CRICOS 115632A.
A short holiday programme in the Australian summer and winter breaks, 2 to 4 weeks long. English in the morning, the Gold Coast in the afternoon. Dates are fixed each year: January, and again from late July.
Live with an Australian family and help with the children and light housework for 15 hours a week. The rest of the time, you study English. You get a private room and 2 meals a day. So your living costs drop a lot, and you speak English from breakfast onwards. 12 weeks, Pre-Intermediate and above, on a Student or Working Holiday visa.
The most common courses for international students are General English and IELTS Exam Preparation
Source: ViveCampus
What should you know before applying to Inforum?
These notes come from our advisors, from Inforum’s own materials and from students who have already been. They are what people most want to know before they book.
Costs, Dates, Application Process and other Considerations
Application Process - Start with Inforum’s free placement test. You take it from home and get the result within 24 business hours. It tells you your level and a realistic number of weeks to reach your goal. Then complete the contact form and an advisor will send you the exact steps for your country. That covers which documents you need, how long each stage takes and how the Australian student visa application works. We prepare and submit it for you.
Dates of the Program - General English, IELTS and High School Preparation start any Monday of the year, or on the Tuesday when the Monday is a public holiday. Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced have fixed dates tied to the exam calendar, usually January, March and September. The Young Learners Program runs in January and from late July.
Length of the Program - General English and High School Preparation run from 1 to 50 weeks, and IELTS from 12 to 24. Cambridge courses are 12 weeks, or 10 for the January intake, and Demi Pair is 12 weeks. Each General English level takes about 6 weeks, so it helps to plan in levels rather than weeks.
Costs - Your price depends on the course, how many weeks you book and the time of year. Longer bookings bring the weekly rate down. Complete the contact form at the end of the page and we will send you a full quote before you commit to anything. It includes tuition, enrolment, materials and that month’s promotion. Want to sketch a budget first? Our study abroad budget calculator puts course fees, accommodation and everyday costs in one place.
Health Insurance - Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory on a student visa in Australia, for the full length of your visa. Inforum arranges it with your enrolment through Bupa, so the dates line up. On a Working Holiday or visitor visa you do not need OSHC, but you will still want travel insurance.
Minimum Age - Inforum’s adult courses take students from 16. Younger students have their own options. High School Preparation is for ages 14 to 18, and the Young Learners Program runs in the January and July holidays. We confirm the exact rule for your course and dates before your enrolment goes in.
Minimum English Level - None for General English. Complete beginners start at Elementary, with no entrance exam and no certificate to send. The free placement test you take from home decides your class. The Cambridge and IELTS courses have an entry level, around Upper Intermediate. We check it with you before applying, so you start in the course that fits you.
Visa Regulations - It depends on how long you study. You can often do a course under 12 weeks on a visitor visa or an eTA. A Working Holiday visa lets you study for up to 4 months. For longer full-time study you need a student visa (subclass 500), which requires at least 20 hours of class a week. Australia is one of our specialities. We prepare and submit the application, and the ViveCampus team does the translations at no extra cost.
Working While You Study: - Yes, in most cases. On a student visa you can currently work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course runs, with no limit during scheduled breaks. The Australian government reviews this from time to time, so we check the figure for your start date before you fly. Inforum’s Super Work Ready workshops get you ready for your first job. You get barista training, the RSA certificate, waitperson skills, an Australian-style resume and your Tax File Number.
Accommodation - You have 3 options. Homestay places you with an Australian family, chosen personally by Inforum’s Accommodation Manager. You get a private room and the meal plan you pick: none, breakfast and dinner, all 3 meals, or all 3 plus transport. A student residence gives you more independence. Or, once you know the city, you can find a share house on the campus noticeboard. Homestay is usually the easiest way to land. Places fill fastest around popular start dates, so check availability with us early.
Extra Curricular Activities - Inforum runs a weekly activity programme, and it is a big part of why students stay longer than they planned. Think surfing lessons, kangaroo walks, local markets, Aussie barbecues, an eco tour in Springbrook National Park and day trips to Tangalooma Island. You also get the Gold Coast Student Hub, a free service for international students in the city.
Airport Pickup - You can add an airport transfer to your booking, from Gold Coast airport, the closest, or from Brisbane airport. For a first arrival it is well worth it. After a long flight to a new country, someone is there to meet you by name.
First day of classes - Orientation, a level placement test, a campus tour and your timetable. Bring your passport and your insurance details. You meet the student committee the same morning. They are the ones who tell you where to eat and which beach to try first.
Keep in mind that the biggest cost is usually not the course itself, but living costs. So before you choose the cheapest school, look at the whole picture
Source: ViveCampus
Great Location on the Gold Coast, Australia
Southport is one of the best-connected corners of the Gold Coast. Inforum has the tram at the door and the beach a few minutes down the line. Australia Fair shopping centre, the cafés and the restaurants are all a short walk away.
Address: 13-15 Short Street, Southport, QLD 4215, Australia
About the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is Australia’s 6th largest city and its number 1 beach destination. It has 57 kilometres of coastline, about 300 days of sunshine a year and World Heritage rainforest 40 minutes inland. It is also one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Events of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are scheduled here. For you, that means a city that gets more international every year, with the jobs and transport that come with it. Southport, where Inforum is, is the civic heart of the city. The hospital, the library, the courts and the light rail all meet here. Rent is good value and part-time work is easy to find. Surfers Paradise is 11 minutes away on the tram.
Weather on the Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is subtropical, so much of life here happens outside. Summer, from December to February, is warm and humid. Highs are around 29°C, nights near 20°C, and you will want sunscreen every day. Autumn, from March to May, is the season most students like best. Days ease from about 28°C to 24°C, and nights from 19°C to 14°C. Winter, from June to August, is mild and dry: around 20°C to 22°C by day and 9°C to 11°C at night, and plenty of people still swim. Spring, from September to November, climbs back from 24°C to 28°C, with nights between 12°C and 18°C. It never snows, grey days pass quickly, and you can use the beach in every month of the year.
The Gold Coast in images
Class finishes and the beach is a few stops down the tram line. The theme parks are up the highway. The Broadwater, right by Southport, is great for kayaking and ferries. And the national parks behind the city can fill a whole weekend. The Gold Coast is built for being outdoors, and student life here follows.
Source: Experience Gold Coast
What do students say about studying at Inforum?
Two international students who have already done it, in their own words. Both moved to the other side of the world, and here they tell you how it went.
My experience at Inforum was amazing! I loved studying in modern Gold Coast, especially the beach vibe. I’ll miss my wonderful classmates and great teachers so much. I highly recommend this program to all my friends in Brazil!
Inforum became like a second home to me. I’m so grateful to ViveCampus for recommending it. The teachers here helped me feel more confident speaking English in only six months, and I met friends I know I will keep forever. I will really miss our classes, and the coffee every morning :p
Student testimonials from Inforum Education share students’ experiences at the language school.
Source: ViveCampus
Inforum in images
How ViveCampus can help you
A ViveCampus advisor helps you find the right programme for you, based on your goals, needs and budget.
Our advice is completely free, and the process is 100% transparent. You make all your payments directly to Inforum.
When you apply through ViveCampus, you get support from both the school and our team. We help you through the application, the visa, the accommodation and your arrival.
You also get an international student card with thousands of discounts, plus other benefits your advisor will explain.
Steps you should follow
1. Tell us your goal A short chat about your needs, level, budget, dates and what you are looking for.
2. We clarify your doubts We answer all your questions about costs and requirements.
3. We handle the paperwork Application, letter of acceptance and the documents your visa or permit needs.
4. Ready to Start Accommodation confirmed, payments processed, and someone to call whenever you need a hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions students ask our advisors most before booking an English course at Inforum. They cover entry documents, costs, class sizes, work rights and what your first week looks like.
Do I need a visa to study at Inforum?
It depends on how long you stay. You can often do a course under 12 weeks on a visitor visa or an eTA. A Working Holiday visa lets you study for up to 4 months. For longer, you need a student visa (subclass 500), which requires at least 20 hours of class a week. That is also the visa that lets you work. Australia is one of our specialities. We prepare and submit the application for you, and our team does any translations your file needs at no extra cost.
How much does Inforum cost?
It depends on the course, the number of weeks and the time of year, and longer bookings lower the weekly rate. Complete the contact form and we will send you a full quote with tuition, enrolment and materials. It comes with the best discount available for your dates. You can also work out a rough total yourself with our budget calculator for studying abroad. Our advice is free.
Is there a minimum English level to start?
For General English, no. Complete beginners start at Elementary, and there is no entrance exam. You take a free placement test before you arrive and get the result within 24 business hours. It also tells you roughly how many weeks you need to reach your goal. The Cambridge and IELTS courses have an entry level, around Upper Intermediate. We check it with you before applying, so you start in the course that fits you.
How big are the classes?
General English and IELTS classes average 8 to 16 students, and Cambridge classes have 15 at most. The whole school is built around small classes. In a class of 10, you speak every day.
What is the English-only policy, and is it serious?
Yes, it is serious, and it is one of the reasons students improve quickly here. English is expected everywhere in the building, not only in class. A yellow card is a warning, and a red card is a day out of class. Most students need about a week to get used to it and are grateful for it afterwards. It is also why Inforum works so hard on its nationality mix.
When can I start at Inforum?
General English, IELTS and High School Preparation start any Monday of the year, or on the Tuesday when the Monday is a public holiday. Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced have fixed dates tied to the exam calendar, usually January, March and September, and they fill early. The Young Learners Program runs in January and from late July. Tell us your dates and we will confirm which ones still have places.
Can I work while I study?
Yes, on a student visa. You can currently work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course runs, with no limit during scheduled course breaks. The Australian government reviews this from time to time, so we check the figure for your start date before you fly. Inforum’s Super Work Ready workshops help with the practical side. You get the RSA certificate, barista training, waitperson skills, resume and interview coaching, and help with your Tax File Number application.
Is there a minimum age?
Inforum’s adult courses take students from 16. Younger students have their own programmes. High School Preparation is for ages 14 to 18, and the Young Learners Program runs in the January and July holidays. We confirm the exact rule for the course and dates you want before your enrolment goes in.
What accommodation does Inforum offer?
Homestay with an Australian family, chosen personally by Inforum’s Accommodation Manager. You get a private room and the meal plan you pick: none, breakfast and dinner, all 3 meals, or all 3 plus transport. There is also a student residence, and once you know the city, a noticeboard of share houses. Homestay is usually the easiest way to land. Places are limited around popular start dates, so check availability with us early and we will add it to your quote.
Where exactly is Inforum?
At 13-15 Short Street, Southport, on the Gold Coast in Queensland. It is a restored heritage building with verandas, a garden and a student lounge. The light rail stop is about 50 metres away, and Australia Fair shopping centre is a 2-minute walk. Surfers Paradise is 11 minutes by tram. Banks, the post office and the library are all within a 5-minute walk.
Can Inforum get me into an Australian university or college?
Yes, through its pathway agreements. Take Inforum’s placement test and complete the English programme it recommends. Then you can enter a partner college or university without sitting a separate IELTS exam. According to Inforum, hundreds of students have used this route. Tell us which institution you are aiming for and we will map out the English weeks you need to get there.
Is Inforum accredited?
Yes. Inforum Education Australia is registered on CRICOS, the Australian government register of providers allowed to teach international students. It is a Department of Home Affairs Level 1 accredited college, the lowest immigration risk rating a provider can hold. It is a recognised Cambridge English preparation centre and an approved English Language Provider for Education Queensland International. It also won the ST Star Award for English Language School, Southern Hemisphere, in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
What is an ELICOS course, and is Inforum a registered provider?
ELICOS is the Australian government’s name for intensive English courses for overseas students. Every full-time English course on a student visa falls under it. The letters stand for English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students. Inforum is registered to deliver them under CRICOS Provider Code 02894G, ABN 54 124 743 237. You can look both numbers up on the Australian government’s CRICOS register and see the registration for yourself.
How do I apply to Inforum from my country?
Start with the form on this page. A ViveCampus advisor then contacts you in your own language with everything for your case. That means which documents your country needs, how long each step takes and how the Australian student visa application works. You also get the full total and the start dates that still have places. You need nothing ready before talking to us, and our advice is free from start to finish.
Can’t see your question here? Send it through the form below and a ViveCampus advisor will answer you directly. Asking costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
Source: ViveCampus
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