Bond University has been named the world's best beachside university by independent education network, Study International.
Australia's leading private university edged out the University of California in Santa Cruz, USA, and the University of Cape Town in South Africa, which placed second and third.
The University of Hawaii, University of Otago in New Zealand and University of Hong Kong followed, rounding out the top six.
Bond's International Director, John McPartland, said the University’s selection as the world’s best beachside university was a major win for the institution and the Gold Coast as a whole.
“We have a strong international student base already and to be given an award such as this can only further enhance our attractiveness internationally,” he said.
“We know Bond is special and our students know it is special, but to have an international body recognise the unique mix of a first class education in a first class city blessed with an abundance of natural assets is very exciting."
Study International highlighted the nearby Burleigh Heads beach, home of the Quicksilver Pro, as a major lifestyle enhancing asset for students, along with surf breaks like the world famous Kirra Beach and Snapper Rocks only a short drive or bus ride away.
Mr McPartland said the accolade confirmed what locals already knew about the Gold Coast as one of the best places to live and study in the world.
"Millions of tourists travel to see the Gold Coast's beautiful beaches annually so its no surprise students want to study here, particularly when Bond is Australia's highest rated university for educational experience," he said.
"The combination of the Gold Coast's famous surf culture and laidback lifestyle with Bond's small class sizes and tight-knit community makes it is a study experience that is second to none."
View the full list on the Study International website