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 student satisfaction**. And we have a five-star rating for teaching!* (*2022 Student Experience Survey Data **AFR Best Universities Ranking).
Our first campus opened in 1996. Today our teaching network spans five -i campuses across South East Queensland, offering over 150 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 connecting UNESCO biosphere reserves and the World Heritage Listed K’gari, which means we are uniquely placed to capitalise on opportunities for learning, teaching and research that champions sustainability.
We invite you to learn, experience and gain the tools you need to not just create a better tomorrow for yourself, but for the communities and planet you live on.
Learning at UniSC
A five-star student experience
At UniSC, we’re committed to providing a personalised, supportive approach to teaching and learning. 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. 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, flexible approach to teaching
We offer hands-on learning and flexible study options across more than 150 programs. We teach the way students want to learn — providing access to materials that will convey the learning outcomes better than traditional one-way lectures. Through our small class sizes, students learn through podcasts, simulations, screencasts, and quizzes, along with some lectures and seminars depending on their program choice.
Learn from experts
Our students are 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
We have great relationships with industry and employers, so you’ll have lots of opportunities to network and make career connections during your degree. All our programs include practical training or internships and focus on the core skills you’ll need to succeed in the future workplace. This has enabled us to become one of the best universities in Australia for employer satisfaction.**
Future-focused programs
All our programs include a strong focus on the core skills you’ll need in the future workplace. No matter what you study, you’ll learn to communicate well, solve problems and think creatively.
Work-integrated learning
Our students complete work-integrated learning (WIL) as a part of almost every degree we offer. We prepare graduates to be critical and creative thinkers who are job-ready, through hands-on work-integrated learning opportunities, so when you graduate, you’ll hit the ground running.
Facilities
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.
* Good Universities Guide 2023/24.
** Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).
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. 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
There are a variety of accommodation options close to UniSC’s campuses whether you want to live in a student village, share a house or find a place of your own.
For information about accommodation and housing, visit usc.edu.au/accommodation.
More information
Visit usc.edu.au or contact Student Central by phone on (07) 5430 2890 or email at information@usc.edu.au.
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. |
||
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
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