UniSC - University of the Sunshine Coast
We’re the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), a young, vibrant, and rapidly growing university driven by the belief that a supportive community and culture is equally important to a world-class education, delivered by world-class educators.
As a UniSC student, we’ve got your back from the moment you walk onto a UniSC campus to the day you graduate – and beyond. Among public universities, UniSC is number one in Queensland*, and in the nation’s top two, for overall educational experience. And we have a five-star rating for teaching! (*2021 Student Experience Survey Data).
Our first campus opened in 1996. Today our teaching network spans five award-winning campuses across South East Queensland offering over 120 programs, removing barriers to education for more regional, first-in-family and mature age students. Our graduates are invaluable to their local communities, with seven out of ten UniSC graduates staying in the regions to contribute to their social and economic prosperity.
Our teaching and learning at UniSC is doing its job in preparing graduates to be creative and critical thinkers who are work-ready through hands-on, work integrated learning.
UniSC has some of the most advanced learning facilities in Australia, including simulated nursing and paramedic labs, a high-performance sport precinct, advanced engineering technologies, and a state-of-the-art CAVE2TM 3D visualisation studio.
UniSC is the world’s only university operating within three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which means we are uniquely placed to capitalise on opportunities for learning, teaching and research that champions sustainability.
WHY CHOOSE UniSC?
A five-star student experience
Become part of a university that supports you. We’re known for 5-star teaching, personalised learning and ground-breaking research with a sustainability focus. Being a young university means you’re never going to be bombarded by stale traditions or hear phrases like “That’s the way we’ve always done it.”
We’re building a safe, supportive and fun learning environment, where lifelong friends are made and opportunities are earned. Our diverse university community is made up of many people, with many stories, from different backgrounds, ages, cultures and geographical locations with a shared ambition of fulfilling their education and career goals.
Career-focused learning
We prepare graduates to be critical and creative thinkers who are primed to create massive impacts in their professional fields at home and abroad. Our approach to learning is hands-on, with lots of opportunities to engage with lecturers, fellow students and future employers through internships and work-integrated learning.
World-ready graduates
Employers consider UniSC graduates to be some of the most employable university graduates in Australia. 90 percent* of UniSC graduates are employed within four months of finishing their degrees. In our top performing study areas, this figure jumps to 95 percent. (*Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022).
UniSC graduates join an impressive group of workers, thinkers and leaders across the globe who are making their mark in the fields of health, business, creative industries, science, engineering, education, law and social services.
A high-performance culture
We are committed to unlocking innovation and helping every student reach their full potential. Alongside their studies, our students excel in sport, music, entrepreneurship, performing arts, social change, and more.
We encourage and support high achievers through initiatives such as the UniSC High Performance Sport Program, which helps athletes achieve sporting and academic excellence.
Flexible study options
Our students don’t need to leave home to get a world-class education. UniSC’s five award-winning campuses are spread across South East Queensland – from Moreton Bay to the Fraser Coast – which means more regional students have study, research and employment opportunities right on their doorstep. We also offer flexible online study options.
Our campuses are lively, vibrant spaces where students, staff and community members can come together to learn, socialise, collaborate and share.
Overseas study
You can apply for up to two semesters of study at a variety of partner institutions around the world and earn credit towards your degree through UniSC’s Study Overseas program. Scholarships are available for eligible students. Visit usc.edu.au/studyoverseas.
Student support services
At UniSC, we’re committed to helping you succeed. Students can access a range of support services including academic and study support, mentoring programs, careers and employment services, counselling, financial support services, sexuality and gender support, disability services, and health, wellbeing and welfare services. The UniSC Student Guild provides social events, a second-hand textbook hub, accommodation register, and funding for clubs and societies. UniSC’s Indigenous Services offers support programs and facilities tailored specifically to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
For information about student support, visit usc.edu.au/studentsupport.
Student accommodation
UniSC provides information, resources, advice and referrals for accommodation and tenancy matters. Students can also access a free off-campus accommodation vacancy register.
UniSC Sunshine Coast has three privately owned and operated student accommodation villages offering fully self-contained share accommodation just a short walk from campus, public transport and the local shopping centre.
Campuses
UniSC Sunshine Coast
UniSC’s flagship campus is located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast at Sippy Downs. The only full‐service university campus on the Sunshine Coast, it offers more than 120 degree programs and features a range of immersive teaching spaces, interactive learning technologies and hands‐on simulation labs designed to build students’ practical skills.
UniSC Sunshine Coast includes a high-performance sport precinct with Olympic-standard swimming pool, fully equipped gym, AIS-accredited sport science labs and the 2000-seat USC Stadium, which is home to the Sunshine Coast Lightning netball team.
Campus facilities include an Engineering Learning Hub with advanced 3D visualisation facilities; simulated nursing and paramedic labs; immersive digital technologies; specialised computer, manufacturing and design labs; an award-winning library and art gallery; and shops and cafes.
UniSC Moreton Bay
UniSC Moreton Bay opened at Petrie in early 2020 and is Queensland’s newest university campus. It offers more than 50 undergraduate degree programs in areas such as health, business, law, education, communication, computer science and engineering. By 2030, UniSC Moreton Bay is expected to cater for 10,000 students, and plans to offer more than 100 degree programs.
UniSC Moreton Bay’s state-of-the-art foundation building includes collaborative learning spaces, a 480-seat capacity lecture theatre, retail outlets and specialty teaching areas such as a superlab, nursing simulation labs, engineering dry labs and a makerspace, and collaboration studios.
The second stage of UniSC’s campus development has started, which will deliver new buildings, spaces and places for teaching, research, sport and recreation. Stage 2 buildings are expected to open in 2023.
UniSC Fraser Coast
UniSC Fraser Coast is in the heart of Hervey Bay, with easy access to UniSC’s K’gari Research and Learning Centre on Fraser Island. Campus facilities include interactive learning technologies, a student library, collaborative study areas and computer labs.
UniSC Fraser Coast offers degrees in nursing and primary education, along with UniSC’s Tertiary Preparation Pathway.
UniSC Gympie
UniSC Gympie is located in beautiful natural surrounds and connects to UniSC Sunshine Coast via a daily shuttle bus. Campus facilities include interactive learning technologies, collaborative study areas and computer labs.
UniSC Gympie offers the Bachelor of Nursing Science and UniSC’s Tertiary Preparation Pathway.
UniSC Caboolture
UniSC Caboolture offers a hands-on campus experience halfway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
The campus includes collaborative learning spaces, interactive technologies, computer labs, student common rooms, sporting facilities, a campus library, and the Health Learning and Simulation Centre, where nursing students build practical skills and work with industry-standard equipment in a simulated hospital environment.
UniSC Caboolture offers the Bachelor of Nursing Science, Bachelor of Nursing Science (Graduate Entry) and UniSC’s Tertiary Preparation Pathway.
Other locations
UniSC has purpose-built teaching facilities at the Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Sunshine Coast University Hospital and Thompson Institute, all located a short drive from the UniSC Sunshine Coast campus.
Open days
For information about on-campus events, including Open Days, visit the UniSC website.
Important dates
Visit the UniSC website for information on enrolment, teaching, semester start and end, and other important academic dates.
Visit key dates and fees for information on important QTAC dates.
To be eligible for admission to a UniSC course, you are required to satisfy all entry requirements. These requirements include an age requirement, English language proficiency and for most courses subject prerequisites and an entry score (ATAR/selection rank), and for some courses additional course specific entry requirements. Course-specific information can be found on the UniSC website.
If you have undertaken previous recognised higher education level study (e.g. AQF Bachelor degree level and higher) this will be assigned a selection rank based on the level, duration (minimum 0.25 full-time equivalent study) and Grade Point Average (GPA) of the study.
If you have several selection ranks calculated (e.g. ranks based on year 12 results, VET study, higher education study, employment), you will generally be considered on the highest rank.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. This will be satisfied by successful completion of Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). Any additional entry requirements must also be satisfied.
Credit transfer
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is an assessment process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit. Visit UniSC’s website for more information.
UniSC accepts a number of other tertiary preparation, bridging and enabling and foundation programs offered by higher education providers across Australia. This will be assessed on the basis of the Grade Point Average (GPA) achieved and the duration of study. Contact UniSC for more information.
Credit transfer
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is an assessment process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit. Visit UniSC’s website for more information.
Competency-based and graded AQF Certificates III and IV (completed), AQF diplomas and sub-degree level study (based on level, duration, Grade Point Average (GPA) will be assigned a selection rank.
If you have several selection ranks calculated (e.g. ranks based on year 12 results, VET study, higher education study, employment), you will generally be considered on the highest rank.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. This may be satisfied by successfully completing Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent).
Subject prerequisites are not generally able to be met through certificate level study.
Any additional entry requirements must also be satisfied.
Post-secondary professional and paraprofessional qualifications and service will be considered, including:
- some creative arts, language and civil aviation qualifications
- memberships of professional associations for which qualifying exams are undertaken
- police, defence and emergency services experience
You may also use admission pathways such as employment experience and the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); age restrictions apply. STAT results are not accepted for current Year 12 students or for applicants under the age of 18. STAT is not accepted for graduate entry programs.
If you have several selection ranks (e.g. based on year 12 results, VET study, higher education study, employment), you will generally be considered on the highest rank.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. These can be satisfied by successfully completing Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). Subject prerequisites generally cannot be met through certificate-level study.
Current Queensland and interstate Year 12 ATAR-eligible students will be considered for an offer based on their ATAR (or other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school).
Current Queensland Year 12 students who are ineligible to receive an ATAR will not be assigned a QTAC selection rank based on this study but are able to be considered for an offer based on selection ranks achieved through other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school eg AQF Certificates (Level 3 or higher).
Current International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma students will be assigned a selection rank based on the score from the completed IB Diploma. As agreed by admissions centres around Australia, the IB score is converted to a ‘combined rank’. The combined rank is on the same scale as the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank). This is then converted to QTAC selection rank. For more information, visit International Baccalaureate (IB) studies. IB Diploma students will be considered for an offer based on this selection rank (or other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school). Students who have successfully completed an International Baccalaureate Diploma may receive credit towards a USC qualification. The amount of credit is determined on a case by case basis. For more information, visit the UniSC website.
Results from home schooling, Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) and other non-standard Year 12 programs (with SAT tests) may also be assigned a selection rank and considered for an offer based on this selection rank (or other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school). Some exceptions may apply to courses with additional entry requirements (refer below). Contact UniSC for more information.
Applicants with Overseas Year 12 Study
UniSC will consider equivalent overseas Year 12 qualifications for admissions purposes. Contact UniSC for more information. If you have secondary or tertiary qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Other Qualifications Completed in Year 12
Other recognised qualifications completed when at school such as completed competency-based and graded AQF Certificates III and IV (completed), diplomas, higher education study, and some creative arts qualifications (in the areas of music, dance, and speech) will also be assigned a selection rank.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. This will be satisfied by successful completion of Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). Any additional entry requirements must also be satisfied.
UniSC encourages participation from eligible applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage and/or who have excelled in academic and sporting endeavours. Eligible domestic students applying for undergraduate programs are eligible for adjustments to be applied to their ATAR or selection rank for tertiary entrance to most UniSC courses. All adjustments are applied at QTAC. Applicants may be awarded a maximum adjustment of six (6) ranks across all UniSC adjustment schemes.
QTAC Educational Access Scheme
The QTAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS) is for current and former students who experience difficult circumstances that adversely impact on their studies. Applicants can apply for EAS as part of their QTAC application. Applicants assessed under the Educational Access Scheme will be eligible for adjustments of up to six (6) ranks.
Note: The QTAC Education Access Scheme adjustment is not applied to the Bachelor of Medical Science program.
Regional Preference Adjustment
The Regional Preference Adjustment is awarded to applicants who reside in one of the following local council areas or in regions classified as “outer regional”, “remote” or “very remote” under the Australian Standard Geographical Remoteness Classification (ASGC):
- Sunshine Coast Regional Council
- Fraser Coast Regional Council
- Gympie Regional Council
- Moreton Bay Regional Council
- Noosa Council
- Somerset Regional Council
- South Burnett Regional Council.
Applicants assessed under the Regional Preference Scheme will be eligible for adjustments up to two (2) ranks. Applicants do not need to apply for the Regional Preference Adjustment.
Note: The Regional Preference adjustment is not applied to the Bachelor of Medical Science program.
Disadvantaged School Adjustment
Applicants who are current school leavers from a school that has been designated as disadvantaged will be awarded an adjustment of two (2) ranks. Applicants do not need to apply for the Disadvantaged School Adjustment.
Note: The Disadvantaged School adjustment is not applied to the Bachelor of Medical Science program.
Smith Family Adjustment
Applicants who are participants in the Smith Family Learning for Life program will be awarded an adjustment of two (2) ranks. Applicants indicate that they are participants in the Smith Family Learning for Life program through the Educational Access Scheme section of their QTAC application.
Note: The Smith Family adjustment is not applied to the Bachelor of Medical Science program.
Elite Athlete Adjustment
UniSC welcomes elite athletes and aims to accommodate the demands of their sport in relation to study. UniSC has a Centre of Excellence in the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, accredited by the National Sport Science Quality Assurance Program (NSSQA).
In order to be eligible for this adjustment the applicant must be:
- recognised by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) or professional players’ association
- a member of a national senior squad from an Athlete Career and Education (ACE) support sport
- in a state or national level squad in open or age level competition
- in a state or national level development squad
- a coach or referee within national or international level competitions.
Applicants who are elite athletes may be awarded an adjustment of up to six (6) ranks. QTAC applicants apply for the scheme with their QTAC application; other applicants should apply directly to UniSC for this scheme. Note – application for any related elite athlete scholarship schemes are made directly to UniSC. For more information, visit the UniSC website.
Note: The Elite Athlete adjustment is not applied to the Bachelor of Medical Science program.
Year 12 Subject Adjustment
Current Year 12 school applicants who have completed either Queensland Mathematics C or a Language other than English (LOTE), or the International Baccalaureate or interstate equivalents, will be awarded an adjustment of two (2) ranks. Applicants do not need to apply for the Year 12 Subject adjustment.
Note: the Year 12 Subject adjustment is not applied to the following programs: Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Accelerated).
UniSC encourages participation from eligible applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage and/or who have excelled in academic and sporting endeavours. Eligible domestic students applying for undergraduate programs are eligible for adjustments to be applied to their selection rank. All adjustments are applied by QTAC. Applicants may be awarded a maximum of six (6) ranks across all UniSC adjustment schemes.
QTAC Educational Access Scheme
The QTAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS) is for current and former students who experience difficult circumstances that adversely impact on their studies. Applicants can apply for EAS as part of their QTAC application. Applicants assessed under the Educational Access Scheme will be eligible for up to six (6) bonus ranks.
Regional Preference Adjustment
The Regional Preference Adjustment is awarded to applicants who reside in one of the following local council areas or in regions classified as “outer regional”, “remote” or “very remote” under the Australian Standard Geographical Remoteness Classification (ASGC):
- Sunshine Coast Regional Council
- Fraser Coast Regional Council
- Gympie Regional Council
- Moreton Bay Regional Council
- Noosa Council
- Somerset Regional Council
- South Burnett Regional Council
Applicants assessed under the Regional Preference Scheme will be eligible for an adjustment of up to two (2) bonus ranks. Applicants do not need to apply separately for the Regional Preference Adjustment.
Elite Athlete Adjustment
UniSC welcomes elite athletes and aims to accommodate the demands of their sport in relation to study. UniSC has a Centre of Excellence in the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, accredited by the National Sport Science Quality Assurance Program (NSSQA).
To be eligible for this adjustment, the applicant must be:
- recognised by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) or professional players’ association
- a member of a national senior squad from an Athlete Career and Education (ACE) support sport
- in a state or national level squad in open or age level competition
- in a state or national level development squad
- a coach or referee within national or international level competitions.
Applicants who are elite athletes may be awarded an adjustment of up to six (6) bonus ranks. QTAC applicants apply for the scheme with their QTAC application; other applicants should apply directly to UniSC for this scheme. Note: application for any related elite athlete scholarship schemes are made directly to UniSC. For more information, visit the UniSC website.
Undergraduate education courses require completion of a satisfactory personal statement.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
UniSC is committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in programs across all areas of study. Applicants who identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person may be admitted to a program based on their potential to succeed through the Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). This scheme is for people who may not have received an ATAR, who received an ATAR that does not meet the entry requirements for their chosen course, or who might not have completed Year 12. Applicants are considered on past experience in relation to study and employment, as well as potential to successfully complete university studies. Community involvement, past achievements or awards and current employment information are also considerations. Applicants who are eligible to apply through IDEAS will be provided with either direct entry to a suitable program, or a place in the Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP).
Applicants must also meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course they are applying for. These can be satisfied by successfully completing Senior secondary subjects.
Inherent Academic Requirements
Inherent Academic Requirements (IAR) are the fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the course, while maintaining the academic integrity of that course. To successfully complete a course at USC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements. When applying for a course, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them. If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Ability Adviser to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place that may enable you to meet the requirements. Visit Inherent Academic Requirements for more information.
Domestic students with overseas qualifications
Domestic students with overseas qualifications should contact UniSC for information on how their qualifications will be assessed for entry.
English language proficiency
UniSC requires students to demonstrate that they can speak, write, read and comprehend English to a specified standard. Visit English language proficiency for information on UniSC’s English proficiency requirements, including ways to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Timing of Offers
UniSC makes year round offers for most courses. Offers for semester 3, 2022 and semester 1, 2023 will commence in August 2022; offers for semester 2, 2023 will commence in March 2023.
Offers
QTAC applicants are notified of their UniSC offer by email and must respond to their offer online by the due date. Applicants accepting their offer can find enrolment information via a link in their QTAC application.
Deferment
UniSC allows deferment for up to one year in most undergraduate programs, the Master of Teaching programs and the Tertiary Preparation Program. Exceptions apply.
Successful applicants who have accepted their offer through the QTAC system may defer the commencement of their program by selecting deferment when registering their offer response direct with UniSC.
Please note:
- Deferment is not automatically approved for the Bachelor of Medical Science (Griffith MD Provisional Entry for School Leavers) (013231). Applicants made an offer for this program must request deferment by emailing information@usc.edu.au outlining the reasons for the request.
- Deferment is not permitted for undergraduate certificate programs.
Applicants holding a deferred place will be notified by UniSC on the process to commence their program. If the deferment period is still valid, these applicants will not be required to re-apply through QTAC.
Contact UniSC for more information about deferment.
Credit transfer
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is an assessment process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit. Visit UniSC’s website for more information.
Fees and charges
Visit UniSC’s website for information on fees and charges.
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at UniSC. It provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and passed the census date for semester 1, 2021 including those admitted through all offer rounds, across all Australian campuses, and international students studying in Australia.
| STUDENT PROFILE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Applicant background | Semester 1 intake 2021 | |
| Number of students | Percentage of all students | |
| (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) |
1056 | 26.81% |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | 413 | 10.48% |
| (C) Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) |
377 | 9.57% |
| (D) Recent secondary education:
Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR/selection rank (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) |
821 | 20.84% |
| Admitted where both ATAR/selection rank and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR/selection rank) | 68 | 1.73% |
| Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR/selection rank was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, school recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR/selection rank requirement, VET qualification completed during school) | 1066 | 27.06% |
| (E) International students | 138 | 3.50% |
| All students | 3939 | 100% |
| Notes: <5 – The numbers of students is less than five. N/A – Students not accepted in this category. N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students. |
||
Domestic students applying for undergraduate study apply through QTAC.
International students studying Year 12 in Australia apply through QTAC.
All other international students should contact UniSC to find out how to apply.
Apply through QTAC for Master of Teaching (Primary) and Master of Teaching (Secondary) courses.
Contact UniSC to find out how to apply for other postgraduate courses.
Student and campus services
Student facilities and services
Campus facilities include advanced 3D visualisation facilities; simulated nursing and paramedic labs; immersive digital technologies; specialised computer, manufacturing and design labs; an award-winning library and art gallery; and shops and cafes.
Scholarships
Each year UniSC awards hundreds of scholarships and bursaries that help ease the cost of university study and give students the freedom to focus on achieving their best. Visit UniSC’s website for more information.
Student support services
From academic and IT support to mentoring and wellbeing services, our students have the support they need to stay focused on their studies. Students can access a range of support services including academic and study support; mentoring programs; careers and employment services; counselling; financial support services; sexuality and gender support; disability services; and health, wellbeing and welfare services. The UniSC Student Guild provides social events, a second-hand textbook hub, accommodation register, and funding for clubs and societies. UniSC’s Indigenous Services unit offers support programs and facilities tailored specifically to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Career advice
UniSC offers career counselling and guidance services, including assistance with choosing career paths, selecting appropriate courses, job search and application assistance and interview techniques. Visit UniSC’s website for more information.
Student accommodation
UniSC provides information, resources, advice and referrals for accommodation and tenancy matters. Students are also able to access a free off-campus accommodation vacancy register.
UniSC Sunshine Coast has three privately-owned and operated student accommodation villages offering fully self-contained share accommodation just a short walk from campus, public transport and the local shopping centre.
Work integrated learning
All UniSC degrees include hands-on training, practical experience and internships. Our approach offers many opportunities to engage with lecturers and fellow students on campus as well as with local employers.
Overseas study
Students can apply for up to two semesters of study at a variety of partner institutions around the world, and earn credit towards their degree through UniSC’s Study Overseas program. Scholarships are available for eligible students.
Student Central
Student Services and Engagement ML23
PO Box 5280
Sunshine Coast Mail Centre QLD 4560 Australia
