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University of the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane

Queensland, Australia | Estd in 1996 | Government University

ARWU Rank : 29 | CWUR Rank : 1272

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About University of the Sunshine Coast

The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) opened its first campus on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia in 1996. It is a modern and fast-growing public university with scenic beauty located at the destination of endless beaches and lush green forests. The University of the Sunshine Coast campus is set on 100 hectares of flora and fauna reserve and has some of Australia's most innovative learning and visualisation facilities.  The UniSC facilities include 24/7 access to the library and an art gallery with the largest collection in the Sunshine Coast region. The university also offers an internationally accredited sports stadium. Aquatic centre, track gyms, courts and playing fields. UniSC supports multi faith religions and provides quiet reflection spaces. University of the Sunshine Coast also provides free parking spaces with transport facilities and a community garden as well. 

UniSC is the world’s only university with campuses on three connecting UNESCO biosphere reserves and the World Heritage Listed K’gari. The University of Sunshine Coast campus is located at Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Fraser Coast, Caboolture, and Gympie. In terms of teaching, research and sustainability of operations, the University of the Sunshine Coast has been ranked as one of the top universities by THE 2023. Besides that, it ranked first place in Queensland for ‘Overall Impact’, and eighth in Australia with an overall score of 92.9 out of 100. The university has been ranked and recognised by various organisations such as the QS World Ranking 2024 as ranked it at 1001-1200 and The Times Higher Education 2023 ranked University of the Sunshine Coast at 601-800th worldwide. 

University of the Sunshine Coast offers more than 150 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines including planning and science; health, nursing and sport sciences, engineering, law and criminology, and many more. UniSC admission to all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes is done through QTAC. University of the Sunshine Coast ranges from $11,700 - $151,500 depending on the program chosen. University of the Sunshine Coast is a home to more than 17,000 students with 69.3% of female students. University of Sunshine Coast accommodates 10.1% of foreign students from more than 72 countries including Nepal, India, China, Norway, Germany, Japan, Malaysia and many more. The university has more than 170 international partnerships as well. University of the Sunshine Coast is known for its campus placements, and it claims that 90% of its graduates are employed within four months of finishing their respective degree programmes. 

University of the Sunshine Coast Overview

Highlights

Data

Established year

1994

University of the Sunshine Coast Official Website

www.usc.edu.au

University of the Sunshine Coast Ranking

QS 2024: 1001-1200

THE 2023: 601–800

US World 2023: 1072

University of the Sunshine Coast Fees

$11,700 - $151,500

University of the Sunshine Coast Academic Portfolio

5 campus

17,538 students

1190 faculty 

100+ undergraduate programmes

50+ postgraduate programmes

UniSC student ratio 

Male ratio - 30.4%

Female ratio - 69.3%

Examinations accepted

IELTS

TOEFL

PTE

University of the Sunshine Coast Facilities

Library 

Art gallery

Sports 

Cafeteria

Community garden

Visualisation and simulation facilities 

University of the Sunshine Coast Location 

Campus Type

Public 

Place 

Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Min and max Temperatures (Average)

10 °C (min) - 28.33 °C (max) 

Distance from Sunshine Coast

15.3 Km

University of the Sunshine Coast Highlights

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Year of Establishment1996
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Institute TypeUniversity
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OwnershipPublic/Government
not-found
Number Of Students17479
not-found
Fee Range13.35 L - ₹16.42 L/yr
Bachelors vs Masters
Gender Ratio
Male: 31%Female: 69%
Male: 31%Female: 69%
Student Demographic
  • Domestic:   15711
  • International:   1768

University of the Sunshine Coast Ranking and Stats

Among public universities in Australia, University of the Sunshine Coast is number one in Queensland for an overall educational experience for postgraduate programmes. The university has received a five-star rating for teaching. According to the Good Universities Guide 2023-24, it has 14 five-star ratings in various areas including teaching quality, overall experience, learner resources, skills development, social equity, student support, first-generation and learner engagement. 

Apart from this, the university has been ranked and recognised by various organisations such as The Times Higher, US world Report and many more.

  • For the year 2024, QS World University Rankings has ranked the university at 1001-1200th position.

  • According to the Times Higher Education 2023, University of the Sunshine Coast scored a position at 601–800. 

  • University of the Sunshine Coast was ranked at 1072nd position by US World 2023.

  • UniSC ranked first place in Queensland for ‘Overall Impact’, and 8th in Australia with an overall score of 92.9 out of 100.

  • The university has grabbed first place in Queensland across five SDGs - Zero Hunger, Clean Water and Sanitation, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land.

  • University of the Sunshine Coast ranked 29 out of 1591 institutions globally. 

  • UniSC is third in the world for the global impact to 'Clean Water and Sanitation'

  • The university is 23rd globally for ‘Life on Land’

  • It has five SDGs in the global top 50: Good Health and Wellbeing, Life Below Water, Life on Land, Climate Action, and Clean Water and Sanitation.

Ranking Body
THE
Subject
Overall

Parametric Score and Ranking 2024

Parameter Ranking
Citations
70.2
Industry Outcome
37.3
International Outlook
69.1
Research
27.7
Teaching
20.9
DomainYearScoreRankRank Band
Overall2019NANA26.0–33.4
Overall2020NANA28.3–35.2
Overall2021NANA30.2–36.3
Overall2022NANA32.0–37.9
Overall2023NANA34.0–39.2
Overall2024NANA41.9-45.3

University of the Sunshine Coast Courses

University of the Sunshine Coast offers various undergraduate, graduate, distance courses, short courses to local and international students. The programmes taught at UniSC hold a strong focus and core development skills. There are many specializations available to choose from, which includes Arts and International Studies, Business, Tourism and Events, Medical and Health Sciences, Nursing, Midwifery and Para medicine, Law and Criminology, Psychology and Social Sciences, Education, Science, IT and Engineering, and many more.

Education Level
Select
Stream
Select
Mode
Select
LevelUG
MajorCommunication
Duration12 Months
Fees14.66 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorArts
Duration12 Months
Fees14.66 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorPhysical
Duration36 Months
Fees15.43 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorHumanities
Duration36 Months
Fees13.57 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorElectrical
Duration48 Months
Fees16.42 L/yr
LevelUG
MajorMechanical
Duration48 Months
Fees16.42 L/yr

University of the Sunshine Coast Fees

CoursesDurationInternational StudentLocal Student
B.Sc.(10 courses)3 years-4 years₹14.12 L - ₹15.87 L/yr₹3.97 L - ₹6.13 L/yr
B.A.(7 courses)3 years-4 years₹13.57 L - ₹15.43 L/yr₹2.25 L - ₹8.28 L/yr
B.E /B.Tech(4 courses)4 years₹16.42 L/yr₹3.97 L/yr
B.A.(Hons)(3 courses)1 year-4 years₹13.35 L - ₹14.66 L/yr₹6.41 L - ₹8.28 L/yr
B.Sc.(Hons)(2 courses)4 years₹14.66 L/yr₹5.01 L - ₹6.88 L/yr

University of the Sunshine Coast Cost Of Living

An international student at UniSC would normally require approximately A$400 to A$450 per week to live comfortably on the Sunshine Coast. This covers typical accommodation costs, food, transport and other daily life expenses. In addition to this, airfares, visa application, health cover and tuition fees vary depending on an individual’s lifestyle and preferences. Below is an overview of common expenses for international students in Australian dollars, which can be used as a general guide. The shopping experience may differ, depending on the products and budget of people.

University of the Sunshine Coast - Living Costs

General living 

Expenses (per week)

Private share accommodation (may include electricity, water, internet, etc.)

A$85–270

Homestay accommodation (may include some meals)

A$190–310

Food

A$100

Utilities (Gas, Electricity)

A$50–150

Telephone 

A$10–20

Transport

A$20–55

Stationery, photocopying

A$20

Entertainment

A$80–150

University of the Sunshine Coast Admission and Application

Application deadline May,2024

For admission to University of the Sunshine Coast, all the undergraduate students have to go through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). This covers applications for all students looking for admission in undergraduate and graduate courses at UniSC.

How to apply for University of the Sunshine Coast admission?

To apply at University of the Sunshine Coast, the applicant must follow the below steps:

  1. Visit the official website - www.usc.edu.au

  2. Click on “How to Apply” section. 

  3. Choose the desired programme. 

  4. The candidate must verify their eligibility criteria.

  5. Click to apply through QTAC.

  6. Create a QTAC applicant account and enter all required information

  7. Pay the application fee mentioned on the official website of QTAC.

  8. Submit the application form.

  9. Students will be contacted by QTAC for further information. 

Documents required for University of Sunshine Coast Admission

  • English proficiency test report, if English is not the first language

  • Any award certificate received for academic excellence

  • An academic transcript and high school certificate 

  • The students are required to provide the official documents with English translation as well as a copy in the original language (if issued in a language other than English).

  • Additional documents such as CV, and research proposal.

  • Letter of recommendation 

University of the Sunshine Coast Scholarship

At University of the Sunshine Coast, more than 1500 students were supported by scholarship and grants within a year. There are various merit scholarships, equity scholarships, regional scholarships, scholarships for research students, indigenous students, and international students. The students can check the eligibility on the official website and can apply for financial support. A few of the University of the Sunshine Coast scholarships are listed below:

  • Indigenous Student Success Scholarships Program (ISSP) Undergraduate students

  • UniSC SportSmart Scholarship    

  • Rod Stringer Tourism Scholarship

  • Queensland Hydro Scholarship

  • The Thompson Excellence Scholarship

  • UniSC Asylum Seeker Scholarship

  • Nambour RSL Club Scholarship

How to apply for scholarships at University of the Sunshine Coast

Students can apply for University of the Sunshine Coast scholarships by filling a form through APPLYUSC. Interested students are required to create a new account if they don’t have one. Applicants must use their UniSC username and password with their student ID number as the application number to apply for scholarships at the university. 

There are certain documents required for the grants which are listed below:

  • Personal statement showing the community service or volunteering. 

  • The students must attach 3 recent consecutive payslips of their family income for financial support.

  • They are required to submit medical reports from the doctors for medical support.

  • Confirmation of Aboriginality (COA), Centrelink statement showing receipt of ABSTUDY or a statutory declaration (contact Indigenous Services) is also required.

  • The students must also attach their living status showing care of dependents (sole parent) or Centrelink statement showing Carer Payment/Allowance.

University of the Sunshine Coast Eligibility

For admission to the undergraduate programme at University of the Sunshine Coast, students have to choose a programme, check its eligibility and apply through QTAC. The eligibility criteria for all undergraduate programmes is mentioned below:

  • For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, students are required to complete class 12 education or equivalent with good grades.

  • If English is not the first language of students, they also need to meet the minimum English language requirements for the chosen program. 

  • They should be eligible for an ATAR or selection rank equal to or above the minimum selection threshold for the degree

  • Must be 17 years of age when classes start. 

In some cases, students can apply for an undergraduate program directly to USC, which are: 

  • A current TPP or pathway diploma student (or have had an enrolment in the past two years) 

  • A former USC student who has completed an undergraduate program within the past two years (or is due to complete soon)

  • A USC/TAFE articulation program student

University of the Sunshine Coast entry requirements for international students 

Candidates applying from India are required to have first division results and they must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:

  • All the applicants must have an All India Senior School Certificate which is awarded by the CBSE / CISCE or equivalent with an average of 60% or more in best 4 subjects.

  • Students applying with results of State board exams, other than Punjab State Education Board and Haryana State Education Board must have scored an average score of 65% average in best 4 subjects

  • Candidates from Punjab State Education Board (PSEB) and Haryana State Education Board (HSEB) exams are required to have a minimum average score of 70% across the 4 best academic subjects.

  • All the students must be at least 18 years of age at the commencement of the programme.

  • The students must have scored an overall score of 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each subtest in the IELTS examination. 

  • They are required to have an overall score of 76 with minimum score of 18 for writing in the TOEFL examination.

  • For Pearson Test of English (PTE), an overall score of 50 with no subs core less than 50 is required.

The following subjects will not be considered as best 4 academic subjects while calculating the final result:

  1. All languages other than English

  2. Visual, performing and fine arts

  3. Physical and health education

  4. Home science

  5. General studies 

  6. Work education

  7. Any internally examined subjects 

University of the Sunshine Coast entry requirements for postgraduate courses

In order to apply to postgraduate studies, students must have fulfilled the below mentioned criteria:

  • The students must have completed a bachelor degree from a recognised Australian higher education institution or equivalent. The programmes must include the following requirements:

    • Educational excellence in a particular area

    • A minimum GPA in undergraduate programme

    • Professional work experience

    • Recognition or membership of a professional body

  • Candidates with Graduate Certificate programmes, they must have the following requirements:

    • Formal study undertaken for awards at the sub-degree level;

    • Courses provided by recognised professional bodies, employers and others

    • Relevant professional registration or vocational experience

    • Demonstrable expertise.

For international students

International applicants must meet specific entry requirements mentioned below and apply directly to USC International. 

  • The international students must have scored an overall score of 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each subtest in the IELTS examination. 

  • They are required to have an overall score of 85 with minimum score of 21 for writing in the TOEFL examination.

  • For Pearson Test of English (PTE), an overall score of 58 with no subs core less than 54 is required.

University of the Sunshine Coast Campus Life

University of the Sunshine Coast Campus life is very diverse and vibrant. The university was rated as one of the best universities in Australia for overall student experience. UniSC is a place to make strong friendships, to earn skills and opportunities. The University of Sunshine Coast community is made up of many people, with different stories from different backgrounds, ages, cultures and geographical locations. Students are always encouraged to study hard and are supported with all the resources available. SafeUniSC Security Officers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency response, first aid, safety escorts and personal safety.

University of the Sunshine Coast does not discriminate on the basis of gender and has always been supportive of sexually and gender diverse identities (LGBTIQ+). UniSC strives to create an equitable, fair and inclusive environment for all genders, ensuring that everyone has the best opportunity to achieve their education and career goals.

A few activities which a student can be a part of are:

  • Activities, clubs and events

  • Sport

  • UniClub

  • Events

  • Art Gallery

  • Diversity

University of the Sunshine Coast Campus Facilities

Study Amenities

Library

All five campuses of the institution have libraries. Individual and group study rooms, wheelchair-accessible workstations, printing, copying, scanning, physical collections, and much more are available in all UniSC libraries. Students have access to books and resources, notebooks, and other study materials.

Moot Court

 UniSC's moot court is located at UniSC Sunshine Coast. It is a replica of the Caloundra Magistrates’ Court where Law students can practice for their training of appearing in court.

Laboratories

The university provides laboratories to science students to test or analyse chemicals and other materials in a liquid state. It also has full multimedia digital facilities. There are robotic labs as well which contains a big, orange ABB robot to help students learn fundamentals like robot path planning and pick-and-place movements. 

Amenities and Clubs

Alumni Associations

Once you graduate from your first program at the University of the Sunshine Coast, you automatically become a member of the UniSC alumni - a global network of thousands of graduates dating back more than two decades. Past study abroad and student exchange students are also included.

As a member of the USC alumni, you immediately have access to a range of free benefits. We’ll also keep you up to date with all the news, events, and exciting developments happening at your University.

There are many ways to stay involved. As advocates, guest speakers, returning students, donors, employers, student internship providers, or industry partners, you are a vital part of the UniSC family.

Be sure to let us know when your contact, location, or work details change by completing the Update your details form.

We look forward to staying connected and, with your support, continuing to build a great UniSC.

Club

UniSC encourages students to actively engage in the many groups and societies on campus. Students lead a wide array of cultural, discipline-based, social and special interest organisations. These organisations explore career interests, provide entertainment, serve the local community, and celebrate the cultures and traditions of UniSC’s students.

Sports

Sports

UniSC Sunshine Coast features an A$24M sports stadium, Olympic-standard 50 metre pool, 25 metre pool and aquatic recovery facilities, gym, and athletics track. The sports stadium is fully air-conditioned with a seating capacity of 3,000 spectators for netball, basketball, futsal, hockey and badminton. UniSC has outdoor hard courts for tennis, basketball and netball. The IAAF-standard athletics track has eight and ten lane running tracks and equipment for hurdles, steeplechase, javelin, shot-put, discus, hammer-throw, high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault and disabled throw events.

Gym

The university has two fully-equipped indoor gyms that offer the latest equipment including indoor and outdoor functional training zones. Gym provides all fitness levels from high-performance athletes to beginner.

Swimming Pool

UniSC Sunshine Coast offers an Olympic-sized, 10-lane, 50-metre heated pool, a six-lane 25-metre pool, a cold immersion and warm plunge pool, and aquatic rehabilitation equipment. Recreational swimmers as well as Olympic and Paralympic winners use the premier training facility throughout the year.

Student Support Services

Extra Curricular Activities

The Uni Club at the USC Sunshine Coast campus is a great place to study, meet friends or just hang out and relax.  It provides facilities such as Wireless internet, Tea and coffee, Refrigerator Microwave, Toasted sandwich maker, kitchen equipment, Toilet and shower facilities, and many more. The university also organised various events both online and offline to encourage the students and help them explore their skills and interests.

Training and Placement Cell

At UniSC, the work experience opportunities are called ‘Work Integrated Learning’ (WIL) and the students can use the opportunity to put theory into practice. Alumni association is responsible for bringing placement to the campus. Almost 90% of the students gets placed each year. 

Infrastructure

Medical/Hospital

Student Wellbeing is one of the features of the university. UniSC provides a variety of trauma-informed services and resources to support the mental health and wellbeing of all the students, including counselling, personal support and Safer Communities initiatives and services to keep our university a safe and inclusive space for everyone.

I.T Infrastructure

The university's IT support department assists with access to the UniSC network and troubleshoots issues with logins, passwords, and access to UniSC information technology systems. They also ensure that the campus's wifi is functional.

University of the Sunshine Coast International Office Details

There are a number of different support services available for University of Sunshine Coast international students. From study and career support to counselling and other student services, they are provided with all the resources required for their studies. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for all overseas students who are studying in Australia on a Student visa. The costs for OSHC vary, and it also depends on the duration of their studies. 

It is important for all overseas students to search for temporary accommodation before arriving in Australia as searching for the right place could take a longer time, so it is recommended that students must book temporary accommodation. International students are offered a friendly and supportive campus environment, access to highly qualified teaching staff, personal attention, and modern technology and facilities. The International Student are offered a scholarship of 15% tuition fee waiver for 2023 batch. English Excellence Scholarship is provided to the international students who scored excellent scores in a recognised English language proficiency test with a fee waiver of 20% on tuition fee. 

University of the Sunshine Coast Accommodation

The University of the Sunshine Coast does not provide any student accommodation to the students. There are a variety of accommodation options close to UniSC's campuses such as living in a student village, sharing a house or finding a private place. If the students like to rent a house, flat, townhouse or apartment, they can search on real estate websites or flatmate listings for rental options near the campus. They can use the following websites to search for rental accommodation near University of the Sunshine Coast: 

  • Domain

  • Realestate.com.au

  • Flat Mates

  • Easy roommate

  • Student Accommodation One

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