University of the Sunshine Coast Featured Image
  Universities  Australia  University of the Sunshine Coast
University of the Sunshine Coast Logo

University of the Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast, Australia

  • Cost of LivingAU$ 18,948
  • Tuition Fee FromAU$ 13,700
  • Country Rank#35
  • Batch Strength10,427
  • Global Diversity18%
  • Gender Ratio68:32:00

Overview

About

The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) is a sophisticated and rapidly expanding public university based in Sippy Downs on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast, located on Australia's east coast in the sunny state of Queensland, is a destination of infinite beaches, beautiful green rainforests, and expansive hinterlands. It is only 90 kilometres (55 miles) north of Brisbane, the state capital, and is home to the architecturally diverse USC Sunshine Coast campus, which is known for its environmentally sustainable approach.

 

The USC Sunshine Coast campus is located on a 100-hectare dedicated wildlife reserve, which provides a haven for native Australian wildlife while also providing a unique learning environment for students at locations such as USC's K'gari Research and Learning Centre on Fraser Island. Students enjoy a high-quality educational experience while also enjoying the laid-back lifestyle that the Sunshine Coast has to offer. Students can improve their career prospects by learning high-level professional skills. The university campus offers the Master of Information and Communications Technology. Students in this programme will gain knowledge of data analytics, data science engineering, data and process management, domain knowledge, and research methods.

 

At the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, USC offers more than 120 degree programmes and 280-course options in seven broad discipline areas, including business, IT and tourism, education, engineering, planning, creative industries, design and communication, health, nursing, sports sciences, humanities, psychology, social sciences and  law & criminology. The university researchers are powerful innovators addressing upcoming key challenges, bringing groundbreaking knowledge to complex issues confronting the region and the world. It has 26 research fields that are ranked at or above the world standard (Excellence in Research for Australia).

 

In the Times Higher Education Impact Ratings 2022, UniSC was ranked first in Queensland and the top 3% globally for Climate Action. The University of the Sunshine Coast holds an extensive list of its alumni, which includes politicians, actors, businessmen, athletes, authors, and artists. Some of the university's distinguished alumni include Jarrod Bleijie (Australian Politician), Brendan Burkett (Paralympic Swimmer), Soo Wincci (Entrepreneur, Actress, and Miss World Malaysia 2008), Karen Foxlee (Novellist), Rebecca Creedy (Australian Swimmer), and Marayke Jonkers (Paralympic Swimmer).

 

The University Of The Sunshine Coast Acceptance Rate

The University of the Sunshine Coast’s acceptance rate is 66% which reflects that the admissions to the university are moderately competitive. The university's selection committee evaluates each application individually. Students are chosen based on their eligibility and English language proficiency.

Ranking

QS World University Ranking 2024:

University of the Sunshine Coast has shown excellence by securing 501–600 spot on the global scale.


When it comes to the University of the Sunshine Coast rankings, the university was recently rated 5 stars by the Good Universities Guide 2022 for Teaching Quality, Overall Student Experience, Learning Resources, Student Support, Skills Development, and Social Equity. The university topped Queensland in the Times Higher Education Impact Ranking for 2022 and was ranked fifth among 634 universities worldwide for Clean Water and Sanitation, according to the rankings, which evaluate universities for demonstrated success in addressing the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Overall, USC ranked 31st out of 1,406 universities worldwide, moving up to seventh in Australia. Listed below are a few notable rankings-

 

  • THE (Times Higher Education) - University Ranking 2022 - #601-800
  • THE (Times Higher Education) - University Ranking 2023 - #601-800

 

Course Rankings

When it comes to the University of Sunshine Coast courses ranking, THE (Times Higher Education) has placed the PG Business and Economics programme at the university between 501 and 600 for 2021. A few of the top course rankings are listed below -

 

Ranking for Business Courses-

  • THE (Times Higher Education) - PG Business and Economics 2023 - #501-600

 

Ranking for Science Courses-

  • THE (Times Higher Education) - Life Sciences Rankings 2023 - #401-500
  • THE (Times Higher Education) - THE - Psychology Rankings 2023 - #501+

 

Ranking for Medicine Courses-

  • THE (Times Higher Education) - Clinical and Health Rankings 2023 - #601-800

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

#1001 - 1200

#1072

2022

#1001 - 1200

#1072

Facilities

The University of the Sunshine Coast facilities includes modern learning and teaching spaces, a modern high-performance sports precinct, advanced 3D visualisation facilities, a big on-campus library, multiple 24-hour computer labs, and a variety of cafés offering a wide range of healthy eating options. The university provides flexible study options through a network of teaching facilities located between Brisbane and the Fraser Coast. A few of the facilities are listed below-

 

Housing Facilities: Many programmes include courses that can be taken at any campus, and some are only available through off-campus study centres. International students must arrange either short-term or long-term accommodation before arriving so that they have a place to stay when they arrive. There are numerous housing options close to campus, whether you want to live in a student village, share a house, or find your place.

 

Library Facilities: The University Library's mission is to provide high-quality services and collections that support teaching, research, and scholarship activities. The Library maintains an open access policy to its collections for study and research.

 

ICT Facilities: Students can use computers on campus for general research. Depending on the campus, students will need their student card to enter the room and/or the building. Scheduled classes always have priority.

 

Campus Life: The campus is located on a 100-hectare wildlife reserve, which provides a safe haven for native Australian wildlife. It is a sustainable campus, with environmental initiatives and award-winning building design.

 

Sports Facilities: The University of the Sunshine Coast is a premier sporting destination with nationally accredited facilities and top health and sports scientists on staff. In a supportive sports community that fosters excellence, high-performance champions train alongside beginners. The university has an Olympic-sized, 10-lane, 50-meter heated pool, a six-lane 25-meter pool, cold immersion and warm plunge pool, and aquatic recovery equipment. Recreational swimmers as well as Olympic and Paralympic champions use the elite training facility all year.

 

Students Clubs: The Student Guild offers a variety of support and social services such as recreational activities and events, clubs and societies, student advocacy and support, confidential welfare services, an emergency food bank, a community kitchen, tenancy advice, and free legal referrals.

Notable Alumni

Marayke Jonkers
Marayke Jonkers
Australian swimmer
Jonty Bush
Jonty Bush
Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly
Gary Crew
Gary Crew
Australian writer

Courses

Admission

The University Of The Sunshine Coast Entry Requirements

 

The university offers bachelor's, double degrees, honours, 12 diplomas, 3 associate degrees, and more than 50 postgraduate degrees. Candidates must apply online through the International Student Application portal and pay a 260 AUD application fee. The admissions process and some of the University of the Sunshine Coast entry requirements are summarised below.

 

  • All academic transcripts
  • High school certificates
  • Passport
  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  • Personal Statement
  • Visa
  • Work Experience
  • Proof of Financial Support
  • Health Certificate
  • Programme-specific requirements

 

The University Of The Sunshine Coast English Proficiency Requirements

 

International students are accepted if they meet the entry-level criteria and English language requirements. Listed below are the minimum requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions-

 

Tests 

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

IELTS Academic

6.0

6.5

TOEFL PBT

555

575

TOEFL iBT

76

85

Pearson Test of English

50

58

 

 

The University Of The Sunshine Coast Fees

 

Listed below are the University of the Sunshine Coast fees for international students based on different courses-

  • Bachelor of Nursing Science - AUD 19,065 /Yr
  • Master of Business Administration - AUD 18,400 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Engineering - AUD 19,871 /Yr
  • Bachelor of Animal Ecology/Bachelor of Business - AUD 17,460 /Yr
  • Master of Science - AUD 19,470 /Yr
  • Master of Arts - AUD 19,470 /Yr
  • Bachelor Human Services - AUD 16,380 /Yr

 

The University Of The Sunshine Coast Placements

 

When it comes to the University of the Sunshine Coast placement, the careers and employability department assists students in achieving their career goals and finding jobs in Australia and around the world. Whether in their first or final year, they have access to consultations, workshops, self-guided resources, and leadership opportunities to help them develop their skills. The university assists students in scheduling appointments for guidance, advice callbacks, and career information sessions. It also helps students to find full-time, part-time, and casual employment at Student Hub. Students can gain international experience while earning credit through USC's Study Overseas Program. The USC Student Leadership Award enhances the resume while also recognising professional development.

Scholarship

Regardless of the program you are studying, there are several scholarship opportunities provided by the university as well as other organizations. With so many scholarships available now, overseas students can greatly lower the financial burden of studying in a new country. You can apply for scholarships to study at the University of the Sunshine Coast through UniScholarz. You can find the following types of scholarships based on your academic performance and financial situation:


  • Merit-based scholarships

  • Need-based scholarships

  • Country-specific scholarships

  • College-specific scholarships

  • Student-specific scholarships

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student housing options available for students planning to attend the University of the Sunshine Coast. You may select from a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, en-suites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.


UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from a wide range of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are more inexpensive and student-friendly.

Cost of Living

Sippy Downs is a Buderim suburb in Queensland's Sunshine Coast Region and it has been designated as a ‘Knowledge Hub’. It is home to the Chancellor Park neighbourhood and Australia's newest university, the University of the Sunshine Coast. Sippy Downs has everything you need, including a supermarket, a gas station, a variety of shops, and several banks. It is also only 10 minutes from the beach at Mooloolaba! And it's only 15 minutes to Kawana Shopping World. However, the overall cost of living for overseas students is pretty much affordable. Listed below is the breakdown of the living costs which will help you to plan your budget-

 

Item

Cost (Per Month)

Off-Campus Accommodation

AUD 596

On-Campus Accommodation

AUD 1,460

Transportation

AUD 217

Food 

AUD 900

Utilities

AUD 315

Entertainment

AUD 80

Groceries

AUD 80

Clothes

AUD 200

Total Cost of Living with Off-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

AUD 2,388

Total Cost of Living with On-Campus Accommodation (Per Month)

AUD 3,532

Annual Cost of Living

AUD 28,656

FAQs