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Benowa State High School

Three reasons to choose us

  1. ​​​​Excellence and opportunity—from award-winning STEM programs to diplomas in sport, business, and dance, plus specialist pathways in the arts, languages, and aerospace, students can tailor their education to their passions
  2. Global community and belonging—with a diverse student body, international excursions, and various camp excursions,​ students experience a welcoming, multicultural environment that values and celebrates every individual
  3. Pathways—with both arts and sporting pathways, a flight simulator and outstanding staff, we support learning at Benowa while maintaining strong university partnerships which open doors to leading tertiary institutions in Australia and beyond​

Principal's welcome

At Benowa State High School, we take immense pride in our reputation as one of the highest achieving state schools in Queensland. However, what truly sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to fostering a culture of support, belonging and pride in everything we do. Our students are cared for, encouraged to do their best, and are empowered to exceed expectations time and time again.

We set high expectations for behaviour, presentation, academic standards​ and effort across all curriculum areas, firmly believing that achievement and success begin with maximum effort from each individual student and unwavering support from every member of our dedicated staff.

Our school is a rich tapestry of diversity, with students and staff representing a wide range of socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We celebrate this diversity and work tirelessly to create a culture of belonging where every student's individual contribution is valued and celebrated.

Belonging to Benowa State High School is about more than just wearing our school colours—it's about embracing the opportunity to be the best we can be in every lesson, every day. Our classrooms are filled with passionate teachers who inspire our students to excel, and our students are motivated to achieve amazing results.

We invite you to join us on this incredible journey where our motto of 'Many Pathways—No Limits' ensures that every student has the opportunity to excel in their chosen field of interest and become the best they can be.​

School overview

Number of students

Year school established

School website

We are located in the heart of the Gold Coast city and have a reputation as one of the leading co-educational high schools in the region.

We welcome many new arrivals including students who are from more than 60 nations.

Teacher professionalism and a caring attitude are essential parts of the safe and welcoming daily life at our school.

We are focused on 'many pathways—no limits'. True to this belief, our school is a community of learners driven by an excellence that encompasses academic, cultural and sporting achievement.

We encourage excellence, applaud achievement and celebrate diversity in our community.

In 1990, we were the first school on the Gold Coast to enrol international students.

EQI programs offered

HS
High School
HSA
High School Study Abroad

Special programs

  • Excellence Programs in STEM, Steiner, music, sports, drama, dance and visual arts (Years 7–9). Sport also available in Year 10
  • Aerospace program (Years 10–12)
  • Diploma of Sport, Diploma of Business and Certificate III Dance
  • 2020 Queensland Outstanding School STEM Award for Excellence in STEM
  • French language school, Label Franc Éducation accredited​

Extracurricular activities

  • Choirs, orchestras, bands
  • International Flag Football team
  • Nationally ranked volleyball
  • Reef trip Year 12, biology camp Year 11 and senior ski trip
  • International student excursions, Sydney/Melbourne
  • Harvard University on-site program opportunities
  • School musicals and eisteddfod competitions​

School facilities

  • New multipurpose sporting courts
  • Flight simulator
  • Dance, photo and recording studios
  • STEM laboratories
  • Art facilities—kiln and darkroom
  • Air-conditioned sports centre​

Tertiary pathways

  • Bond University
  • Griffith University, Griffith College, Griffith Language Institute
  • The University of Melbourne
  • Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Queensland Gold Coast
  • Vocational education and training courses

Languages

  • French​ and French extension
  • Japanese​​

Homestay and accommodation

By living with an Australian host family international students become part of the local community and have a fantastic opportunity to practise their English in a safe and caring home environment.

Students have their own bedroom with study facilities, three meals a day, and access to transport to and from school, and to school activities.

Read more about homestay and accommodation options.

Holiday adventure programs

Holiday adventure programs are an exciting and safe way for students to travel and sightsee during school holidays.

All holiday adventures are fully guided and escorted by qualified teachers and staff to ensure student safety.

Find out more about our holiday adventure programs.

Contact details

Disclaimer

The information and data in this webpage is subject to change without notice. Before submitting your application, if you are interested in:

  • a particular subject, sport, program or extracurricular activity offered by an EQI school; or
  • particular school facilities;

please contact EQI or the school directly to confirm it will be offered and/or available in the year you intend to study.

Last updated 07 November 2025