UniSC - University of the Sunshine Coast
Welcome to the University of the Sunshine Coast, UniSC for short.
We’re a young, fresh university driven by an unwavering belief that community and culture is just as important as a world-class education, given by world-class educators.
We may not be the biggest university, but we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, and producing award-winning alumni.
Our first campus opened in 1996. Today our teaching network spans five campuses across South East Queensland offering over 150 programs, providing access 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.
We are regionally based, but globally relevant.
Being a young university means you’re never going to be bombarded by stale traditions or hear limiting phrases like “That’s the way we’ve always done it”. We prefer innovative thinking that moves everyone forward.
Our students have ranked UniSC as one of the best universities in Australia for teaching quality – a title we’ve held since 2006.
A key focus at UniSC is making sure you are ready to step into a successful career. We’ve embedded practical training in all our programs so you can feel confident and ready for the workplace.
Sustainability is something we care about deeply at UniSC. We’re ranked in the top 2% globally for overall impact and third in the world for our global impact to ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’ (Times Higher Education Impact rankings 2023).
We’re incredibly proud of our environmental focus – especially considering our unique geographical location. UniSC is the world’s only university operating within three interconnecting UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, including the world heritage listed K’gari (Fraser Island).
Together with our people, community and partners, we’re building a safe, sustainable, supportive, and fun learning environment, where lifelong friends are made, and opportunities are earned.
Join us and build your future, the way you want it.
Why UniSC?
A five-star student experience
At UniSC, we are committed to providing a personalised, supportive approach to learning and teaching. We’re exceptionally proud to be one of Australia’s highest-rated public universities, rated* five stars in key areas including teaching quality, overall experience, learner resources, skills development, social equity, student support, first generation and learner engagement (Good Universities Guide 2023/24). Our proactive approach to student support means we can connect you to the services you need to succeed, and we’ll work with you to make sure study fits into your life.
A truly modern approach to teaching
We offer hands-on learning and flexible study options across more than 150 programs. We teach the way you’ll want to learn — providing you with access to materials that will convey the learning outcomes better than traditional one-way lectures. Through our small class sizes, you’ll learn through podcasts, simulations, screencasts, and quizzes, along with some lectures and seminars, depending on your program choice. You’ll be taught by some of the most highly regarded experts in their fields, who are nationally awarded and regularly recognised for excellence in learning and teaching.
A focus on employability
All our programs include practical training or internships and focus on the core skills students need to succeed in the future workplace. Our specialist facilities, labs and simulation suites have been specifically designed to prepare you with the equipment, tools and materials you’ll be using when you enter the workforce. This means that when you graduate, you’ll be job ready.
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, advocacy groups 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.
A leader in sustainability
With so much natural beauty at our doorstep, we have a unique opportunity to capitalise on the wealth of environmental treasures surrounding us, as we continuously work to champion sustainability. UniSC is a global leader in sustainability principles. We’re proud to have some of the most environmentally sustainable campuses in Australia, and we work hard to take care of our beautiful natural spaces. Our university has a strong commitment to achieving sustainability in everything we do, from teaching to research and throughout our operations. Clean energy is more than just a lesson at UniSC — it’s how we power our largest campus. To embrace Australia’s ample sunshine, we’ve installed 6,000+ solar panels to power a “water battery”. This cuts our energy use by 40 percent — a first for an Australian university.
More information
Visit usc.edu.au or contact Student Central by phone on (07) 5430 2890 or email at information@usc.edu.au.
Campuses
UniSC Sunshine Coast
90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs QLD 4556
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 150 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 3000-seat UniSC Arena, 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
1 Moreton Parade, Petrie QLD 4502
UniSC Moreton Bay opened at Petrie in 2020 and is Queensland’s newest university campus. It offers more than 60 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 460-seat auditorium, 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 underway will deliver new buildings, spaces and places for teaching, research, sport and recreation. Stage 2 buildings are expected to open in late 2023.
UniSC Fraser Coast
161-179 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay QLD 4655
UniSC Fraser Coast is in the heart of Hervey Bay, with easy access to UniSC’s K’gari Research and Learning Centre (Fraser Island). Campus facilities include interactive learning technologies, a student library, collaborative study areas and computer labs.
UniSC Fraser Coast offers degrees in nursing, primary education and social work, along with undergraduate certificates and diplomas in areas such as health, animal ecology and education. UniSC’s Tertiary Preparation Pathway is also available at UniSC Fraser Coast.
UniSC Gympie
71 Cartwright Rd, Gympie QLD 4570
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, Undergraduate Certificate in Health, Diploma in Social and Human Services and UniSC’s Tertiary Preparation Pathway.
UniSC Caboolture
Tallon St, Caboolture QLD 4510
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), Diploma in Allied Health Assistance, Diploma in Business Innovation, Diploma in Social and Human Services, Undergraduate Certificate in Health, 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
UniSC Open Days for 2023 have now passed.
Visit the UniSC website for details on Open Day.
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 UniSC, you must satisfy all entry requirements. You will be selected for a place in a program based on an admission score which is expressed as an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) score or selection rank. UniSC will use the best of the ATAR/selection ranks assigned to your different qualifications to assess your suitability for an offer.
Entry requirements include:
- Minimum age – minimum age requirements for applicants
- English language proficiency – meeting a minimum standard of English language competency.
- Subject prerequisites– completion of compulsory subject matter.
- Special selection criteria – course-specific requirements such as portfolio or personal statements addressing suitability criteria.
Subject prerequisites and recommended prior knowledge
A small number of courses require students to have subject prerequisite requirements, such as completion of a General English subject to meet the English subject prerequisite. Subject prerequisites are expressed as Queensland subjects at level 3 and 4 completion level with grade of C.
Most courses don’t have subject prerequisites but may list recommended prior study subjects that are desirable but not required for admission to the program.
Current Year 12 Applicants – Guaranteed Admission
Year 12 Early Offer Guarantee
The Early Offer Guarantee enables eligible Year 12 students to be offered an early place at UniSC as early as August. Offers are made prior to the release of Year 12 results so students do not have to wait until the December or January QTAC offer rounds. Early and guaranteed offers will be made to students based on recommendation of the School Principal who will consider your academic performance, motivation to succeed and personal qualities like your interests, passion and talents. Offers are conditional on completing Year 12 and meeting any subject prerequisites.
If you have undertaken previous recognised higher education level study at bachelor degree (or higher level) this will be assigned a selection rank based on the level, duration (minimum 0.25 full-time equivalent study) and Grade Point Average (GPA) achieved.
Where you have a number of different qualifications for which separate ranks can be assigned, normally the highest rank will be used for admission.
You must also satisfy any additional admission requirements.
Credit for prior learning
UniSC grants credit transfer if you can demonstrate that you have already achieved the learning required for units (subjects). UniSC commonly grants credit for formal learning (formal study), informal learning (such as work experience) and non-formal learning (such as structured training in your workplace).
You can apply for credit transfer for prior learning once you have been admitted and this may reduce the time required to complete the course. Visit UniSC’s website for more information.
UniSC recognises a number of other bridging and enabling, tertiary preparation and foundation programs offered by higher education providers across Australia. These programs will be assessed on the basis. The selection rank for this study will be based on duration and the Grade Point Average (GPA) achieved.
You must also satisfy any additional admission requirements.
If you have completed an Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) certificate III, IV, diploma or advanced diploma, you will be assigned a selection rank for that study. The selection rank will be based on level, duration and Grade Point Average (GPA) achieved.
Where you have a number of different qualifications for which separate ranks can be assigned, normally the highest rank will be used for admission.
You must also satisfy any additional admission requirements.
Credit for prior learning
UniSC grants credit transfer if you can demonstrate that you have already achieved the learning required for units (subjects). UniSC commonly grants credit for formal learning (formal study), informal learning (such as work and other experience) and non-formal learning (such as structured program of learning but does not lead to an officially accredited qualification).
You can apply for credit transfer for prior learning once you have been admitted and this may reduce the time required to complete the course. Visit UniSC’s website for more information.
UniSC will consider you for entry based on professional qualifications and/or paid employment experience.
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 consider sitting the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). Age restrictions and some exceptions apply to some courses including graduate entry courses.
Where you have a number of different qualifications for which separate ranks can be assigned, normally the highest rank will be used for admission.
You must also satisfy any additional admission requirements.
If you are a current Queensland or interstate Year 12 student, you will be considered for admission based on your ATAR. If you did not qualify for an ATAR, you may still be considered based on any completed vocational education and training (VET) qualification, such as CIII or above. You must also satisfy any additional admission requirements.
If you are a current International Baccalaureate (IB) student you will be assigned a selection rank based on your completed IB Diploma. This selection rank is expressed on the same scale as the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank). Students who have successfully completed an IB Diploma may also be eligible to receive credit transfer towards a UniSC course.
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. 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
If you have completed other recognised qualifications while at school, these may also be assigned a selection rank and considered for admission to UniSC. Examples include vocational education and training qualifications (such as Certificate III), and some creative arts qualifications (in the areas of music, dance, and speech), and university subjects.
You must also satisfy any additional admission requirements.
UniSC offers special entry schemes where ATAR/selection rank adjustments may apply. UniSC caps the overall number of adjustments to ATARs/selection ranks to a maximum possible total adjustment of 10.00 ATARs/selection ranks.
Current Year 12 Applicants
Adjustments may be applied for:
- QTAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS) – (maximum of 6.00 selection ranks adjustment)
- Regional Preference Adjustment – (2.00 selection ranks adjustment)
- Disadvantaged School Adjustment – (2.00 selection ranks adjustment)
- Smith Family Adjustment – (2.00 selection ranks adjustment)
- Elite Athlete Adjustment – (6.00 selection ranks adjustment)
- Year 12 Subject scheme – (maximum of 6.00 selection ranks adjustment).
Adjustments apply to most but not all programs.
Visit UniSC’s website for more information.
UniSC offers special entry schemes where ATAR/selection rank adjustments may apply. UniSC caps the overall number of adjustments to ATARs/selection ranks to a maximum possible total adjustment of 10.00 ATARs/selection ranks.
Non-Year 12 Applicants
Adjustments may be applied for:
- QTAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS) – (maximum of 6.00 selection rank adjustment)
- Regional Preference Adjustment – (2.00 selection ranks adjustment)
- Elite Athlete Adjustment – (maximum of 6.00 selection ranks adjustment)
Adjustments apply to most but not all programs.
Visit UniSC’s website for more information.
Undergraduate education courses require completion of a satisfactory personal statement.
Privacy
Refer to UniSC privacy page for more information.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Our Indigenous Serivces Unit is an essential resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, providing services, facilities and a community network on all campuses, including: academic skills advising, learning spaces, and scholarships and financial support.
Visit the UniSC Indigenous Services Unit for more information.
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, 2023 and semester 1, 2024 will commence in August 2023; offers for semester 2, 2024 will commence in March 2024.
Accepting an Offer
You are notified of your UniSC offer by email and must respond online by the due date with QTAC. You must also respond to your offer directly with UniSC. 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 for prior learning
UniSC grants credit transfer if you can demonstrate that you have already achieved the learning required for units (subjects). UniSC commonly grants credit for formal learning (formal study), informal learning (such as work experience) and non-formal learning (such as structured training in your workplace).
You can apply for credit transfer for prior learning once you have been admitted and this may reduce the time required to complete the course. Visit UniSC’s website for more information.
Fees and charges
If you are a domestic student undergraduate student and offered a place, you will be allocated a Commonwealth Supported place (CSP). You will also be liable for student services and amenities fee and any additional course costs.
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, 2023 including those admitted through all offer rounds, across all Australian campuses, and international students studying in Australia.
| STUDENT PROFILE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Applicant background | Semester 1 intake 2023 | |
| Number of students | Percentage of all students | |
| (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) |
771 | 24.82% |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | 214 | 6.89% |
| (C) Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) |
262 | 8.44% |
| (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) |
441 | 14.20% |
| 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) | 43 | 1.38% |
| 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) | 1167 | 37.57% |
| (E) International students | 208 | 6.70% |
| All students | 3106 | 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. |
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Domestic students applying for undergraduate study or the Master of Teaching (Primary) or Master of Teaching (Secondary) apply through QTAC.
All international students should contact UniSC to find out how to apply.
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.
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.
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.
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
