WhatsApp
University of the Sunshine Coast logo

University of the Sunshine Coast

7.1(2)
VerifiedPublicEstd. 1994
Founded
1994
Type
Public
University Guide

About University of the Sunshine Coast

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

University of Sunshine Coast (USC) ranked #4 in Graduate Ratings by Good Universities 2021 is a public higher education university with six campuses and three research institutions. With about 3,089 international aspirants and 540 faculty members, the university is Australia’s fastest-growing with the rapid increase in students coming from across the globe for higher education in Australia. USC offers bachelor's degrees, double degrees, honors, 12 diplomas, and 3 associate degrees, and over 50 postgraduate degrees.

Candidates can apply online via the International Student Application portal along with paying an application fee of 260 AUD. International students seeking admissions at the University of Sunshine Coast can submit IELTS scores of 6.0 and 6.5 for UG and PG respectively or equivalents as proof of English Language Proficiency. The basic tuition fee for the UG programs is around 73,000 AUD and 54,000 AUD for PG programs. International students are eligible for a wide range of merit and need-based scholarships of up to 50% tuition fee waiver. Renowned alumni of USC include Marayke Jonkers, Gary Crew, Jonty Bush, Leah Neale, and other famous personalities.

Also Check: Top Universities and Colleges in Australia

University of the Sunshine Coast Rankings

The notable rankings of the University of the Sunshine Coast are:

  • #1001st -1200 by QS WUR 2022
  • #301-350 for QS WUR by Subjects 2022
  • #26th in the Impact Rankings by Times Higher Education 2021
  • #161st in the Young University Rankings by Times Higher Education 2021
  • #601-800th in World University Rankings by Times Higher Education 2021
  • #4th in Graduate Ratings by Good Universities 2021
  • #36th in Australia by UniRank 2021

Highlights

Type Public
Campus Setting Rural
Number of Campusesof 6
Mode of Program Full-Time, online
International Students 3,089
Total Faculty 540
Student to Faculty Ratio 32
Basic Tuition Fee for International Undergraduate Students 73,200 AUD
Basic Tuition Fee for International Graduate Students 54,000 AUD
Mode of Payment Debit card, credit card, Flywire International Payments, bank transfer, electronic payment.
Test Scores Accepted IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or equivalent
Financial Aid Scholarships
Official Website usc.edu.au/study

University of the Sunshine Coast Campus and Accommodations

University of the Sunshine Coast has six campuses and three research centers in Queensland, Australia. The flagship campus is USC Sunshine Coast located in Sippy Downs whereas the others are in Gympie, Fraser Coast, Caboolture, Moreton Bay, and Southbank. The USC campus has all the necessary amenities required for the academic and personal development of students that includes labs, activity clubs, recreational areas, cafes, a library, a swimming pool, and other state-of-the-art facilities.

USC does not provide on-campus housing facilities or screen information, nor does it act as a provision for accommodation information. It’s the student’s responsibility to search for off-campus accommodations in Australia.

  • It has a Engineering Learning Hub with 3D CAVE2TM visualization studio, simulated nursing and paramedic labs, 5.5 million Performing Arts Centre, nationally accredited sport science labs, specialized computer, science, and design labs, and a range of interactive digital learning spaces.
  • There are also modern teaching and study spaces, USC Library and Art Gallery, a bookshop, a community garden, and space for multi-faith prayer and quiet reflection.
  • USC Sunshine coast comprises of high-performance sports precinct with two fully equipped gyms, an Olympic-standard swimming pool, and a 3000-seat USC stadium. These are Sunshine Coast Thunder (netball), Sunshine Coast Lightning (netball), Australian Cycling Academy, and USC Spartans (swimming).
  • As per reviews on USC Six cafes are present in the USC Sunshine Coast campus which provides a range of eateries and refreshments which include fresh juices, coffees, pre-made sandwiches, rolls, salads, sushi, noodles, pastries, etc.
  • Library membership is available to every student enrolled in USC to have an access to both physical and online collections, library spaces, and support of library staff.
  • Student and Rental Accommodation: Websites useful for searching rental accommodation are Domain, Realestate.com.au, Flat Mates, and Easy roommate. It is recommended for international students to book temporary accommodation before arriving in Australia to have a place to stay.
  • Homestay: International students can live with Australian families as it is quite affordable. One can explore the Australian culture, make connections, and know the country and its people more if they opt for Homestay. Students can contact a private homestay provider, Australian Homestay Network (AHN) to check the options.

University of the Sunshine Coast Programs

Programs of the University of the Sunshine Coast include diploma, bachelor's degree, combined degree, honors, master's degree, and higher degree by research, Graduate certificate, and Graduate Diploma in over 200 disciplines.

  • The university offer over 100 single or double bachelor degrees which are usually three-year programs or four-year program if it’s a bachelor's degree with honors.
  • The school also offer a graduate certificate which can be completed in one semester, a graduate diploma which can be completed in two-semester, a Masters degree, and a Higher degree in a wide range of discipline
  • English language programs are also available for students who are not proficient in English or who want to sharpen their English skills.
  • International students can also take part-time study abroad programs at USC.

Popular courses of USC and their annual tuition fee for 2021 are tabulated below:

Programs Indicative Annual Tuition Fee (in AUD)
Master of Business Administration 41,100
Master of International Business 54,800
Master of Counselling 52,000
Master of Health Promotion 52,000
Master of Information and Communications Technology 54,800
Master of International Development 50,000
Master of Management 54,800

Check: Top Universities for MS in Australia

University of the Sunshine Coast Application Process

USC accepts international students if they meet the entry-level criteria and English language requirements. Students seeking admission at the University of the Sunshine Coast need to apply online along with paying an application fee. Below is a summary of the admissions process and the mandatory requirements one needs.

Where to Apply: International Student Application Form (UG, PG course work, PQP, and TPP programs)
International Honours Application Form (one-year honors program)
Application Fees: 260 AUD
Application Requirements:

  • Academic transcript and high school certificate
  • Copy of photo page of current passport
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Personal Statement
  • Visa
  • Work Experience (Some PG Courses)
  • Proof of Financial Support
  • Health Certificate
  • Program-specific requirements
  • English language proficiency tests scores:
Tests UG PG
IELTS Academic 6.0 6.5
TOEFL PBT 555 575
TOEFL iBT 76 85
Pearson Test of English 50 58
LOI One year of full-time tertiary/post-secondary studies, two years of full-time secondary studies (where the language of instruction is English) Two year full-time tertiary study/other post-secondary studies (where the language of instruction is English)
CAE/CPE 169 177
ISLPR (IIAA accredited)- (previously ASLPR) 3 -
GAC GPA of 2.3 -
USC's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 2 Successful completion Successful completion
USC's English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 3 Successful completion Successful completion

Know More About- Admission Process of Top Australian Universities

University of the Sunshine Coast Costs of Living

Any international student at USC would require approximately A$380 to A$400 per week to live on the Sunshine Coast. This covers daily life expenses, typical accommodation costs, transport, and food. The amount is in addition to visa application, airfares, health cover, tuition fees based upon the student’s lifestyle and living preferences.

The following are approximate values of costs of living in Australia which the students have to pay:

Expenses Costs / week (in AUD)
Tuition Fee 41,100 - 54,800
Private and Shared Accommodation 85–215
Homestay Accommodation 235-325
Food 80+
Gas and Electricity 35 -140
Internet and Phone (depending on number and distance of calls) 10–20
Transport 20-55
Stationery, photocopying, etc 20
Entertainment 80-150

University of the Sunshine Coast Scholarships

Students planning to study at USC and looking for financial aid can avail from a wide range of financial assistance provided by the institute. The scholarships mentioned below are, particularly for international students. Apart from this aspirants can also check with their home institutions and government to check for scholarships to study in Australia.

Scholarships Eligibility Amount
Start Online & Save (SOS) Scholarship Study online 50% tuition fee reduction
International Student Outlook (ISO) Scholarship Onshore international students 15% tuition fee reduction
Australia Awards Merit-based International students Variable
Go Clean Scholarship International students planning to study abroad 5000 AUD

English Language Programs (EAP) offer scholarships to international onshore and offshore students commencing the program in 2021. They are listed below:

Onshore:

  • 15% off on the entire EAP program
  • 1000 AUD off on the first ten-week of EAP block
  • 15% off on the entire USC program
  • 1000 AUD off first semester/session in a USC program

Offshore:

  • 15% off on the entire EAP program
  • 1000 AUD off on the first ten-week of EAP block
  • 50% tuition fee reduction on the USC program until the end of 2022
  • 15% off for the remainder of the USC program

University of the Sunshine Coast Alumni

A student becomes a part of the USC Alumni community as soon as he/she graduates. Students not only get access to alumni benefits but they can also involve themselves as returning students, advocates, guest speakers, mentors, employers, donors, student internship providers, or industry partners.

  • Free access to USC library
  • Stay connected through the USC Alumni database by updating their details
  • Two years post-graduation support by Career Development Support
  • Connect via Social media handles
  • Ignite magazine with news bites
  • Testamurs from Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS)

Notable alumni of University of the Southern Coast:

  • Jessica Ainscough: Australian editor, writer, wellness entrepreneur
  • Tom Butterfield: Papua New Guinean professional rugby league football player
  • Marayke Jonkers: Retired Australian Paralympic swimmer
  • Gary Crew: Australian writer
  • Jonty Bush: Australian Politician

USC graduate Leah Neale claims an Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo 2021 for the Australian 4x200m freestyle relay team. Moreover, Kaylee McKeown won gold for 100m backstrokes in swimming in Tokyo Olympics 2021.

University of the Sunshine Coast Placements

The careers and employability Department at USC helps students to achieve their career goals and find jobs in Australia and worldwide. Whether they are in the first year or the final year, they have an access to consultations, workshops, self-guided resources, and leadership opportunities to build the skills. The university help students to:

  • Book appointments for guidance, advice call back, and career info sessions.
  • Volunteer at USC, a community for non-profits, work experience scheme (WES), work-integrated learning (WIL).
  • Find a job at Student Hub for full-time, part-time, and casual.
  • Gain international experiences while studying overseas and earn credit through USC’s Study Overseas Program
  • USC Student Leadership Award adds value to the resume while recognizing the professional development
  • Launch U is an Online Trade Accelerator that provides the opportunity to engage with local exporters to gain hands-on experience.
  • Virtual Experiences to learn how graduates work under the employers.
  • Students as Partners (SaP) approach to student leadership, governance, and representation.

Australia is emerging as a new education hub leaving behind some of the renowned countries. With low education costs and varied accommodation options, students are considering their career prospects in Australia.

USC Sunshine Coast is overall best rated in Australia. With multiple intakes in a year, students can gain admissions easily, provided they apply with the required documents. If they don’t have ample education qualifications, they can also choose pathways to take admissions in undergraduate and graduate courses as per their preferences.

FAQs

Ques. Is accommodation available at USC Sunshine Coast?

USC Sunshine Coast does not provide on-campus accommodation. Before arriving in Australia, students can book their temporary housing near USC campuses. There are ample options available like privately-owned student accommodation complex, homestay, shared house, etc.

Ques. What is the cost of living on the Sunshine Coast?

An international student living in Sunshine Coast has an approximate expense of 380-400 AUD per week. This includes typical accommodation costs, daily living expenses, food, and transport.

Ques. Does USC Sunshine Coast offer international scholarships?

USC Sunshine Coast offers five scholarships named Start Online & Save (SOS), International Student Outlook, Australia Awards, Northcote, and other scholarships. There are also international onshore and offshore scholarships for students enrolling in EAP programs.

Ques. How can apply for international admission at USC Sunshine Coast?

For international admissions, students can fill up International Student Application Form (Undergraduate, postgraduate course work, PQP, and TPP programs) and International Honours Application Form (one-year honors program).

Ques. What are the English language requirements for undergraduate programs?

International students have to full=fill the English language requirements to enroll in undergraduate programs. They must have a 555 (with a minimum essay score of 4) in TOEFL PBT, 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in each subtest) in IELTS Academic, 76 (with a minimum score of 18 in writing) in TOEFL iBT, or equivalent.

Ques. What is the international tuition fee for a Master of Business Administration?

The indicative international tuition fee for the year 2021 for Master of Business Administration is 41,000 AUD.

Ques. What are the English language requirements for postgraduate programs?

International students have to full=fill the English language requirements to enroll in undergraduate programs. They must have a 575 (with a minimum essay score of 4) in TOEFL PBT, 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in each subtest) in IELTS Academic, 85 (with a minimum score of 21 in writing) in TOEFL iBT, or equivalent.

Ques. What are the tuition fees for international students f0r Bachelor of Engineering (Hons)?

The indicative total tuition fees as per the year 2021 for Bachelor of Engineering Honors (Electric and Electronic) is 118,400 AUD.

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

80

Fee from

₹9,23,160

Exams

TOEFL · IELTS

Showing 5 of 59 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration4 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 19.1 L/Yr
Native FeeAUD 28,990 /Yr
Estimated Total₹291455
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

University of the Sunshine Coast is a distinguished public university that houses around 17,842 students out of which 2,981 are international. The university offers more than 120 UG and PG programs across its five schools and six study locations. Along with that, it also offers pathway courses to students planning to go for higher education in Australia. The University invites admission applications for its two semesters and eight sessions.

Prospective candidates hailing from countries where English is not the first language are required to provide IELTS scores of 6.0 and 6.5 for UG and PG respectively as proof of English proficiency. CBSE/ CISCE with an average of 60% or State Board Exam with a minimum average of 65% is mandatory for admission in any UG course. For admissions in top PG programs of the University of the Sunshine, candidates need to have two-three years of relevant work experience.

Also Check: Admission Process of Top Australian Universities

Highlights

Application Portal Online/Offline
Application Fee Not Required
Courses Offered Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Total Enrollment 17,482
International Students 2981
Mode of Payment Credit Card or Debit Card or Cheque
Academic Calendar Semester-based, Trimester-based, Session-based
Intake Seasons Fall, and Spring
Work Experience Required for MBA
Financial Aid Available
Admission HelpDesk [email protected]

University of the Sunshine Coast Admission Deadlines

Applicants seeking admission to the University of the Sunshine Coast are advised to apply before the deadlines to be considered for admission. Second Semester at University of Sunshine Coast is scheduled to start on 26th July, 2021. However, applications are still open for some of the programs.

Courses Semester start date Application Status
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) April 30 2021 Closed
Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours)/Bachelor of Nursing Science (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (Honours) May 28 2021 Open

Application deadlines for postgraduate programs at University of Sunshine Coast is given below:

Course Name Semester Start Date Application Status
Graduate Certificate in Nursing May 28 2021 Open
Master of Nursing (Clinical Leadership) May 28 2021 Open
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) June 4 2021 Closed
Master of Teaching (Primary) May 28 2021 Open
Master of Teaching (Secondary) - Direct May 28 2021 Open
All other Postgraduate programs May 28 2021 Open

Also Check Other Australian Universities Deadlines

University of the Sunshine Coast International Admissions

International students at the University of Sunshine Coast represent 2,981 students from 80 countries making 15% of students of the population. Applicants must check the deadlines as well as country and program-specific requirements before applying

Application Portal: Applicants must print the application and send it by email/mail with the supporting documents. Application Fee: Not Required
Admission Requirements: General Admission requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the University of Sunshine Coast are as follows -

  • Completed Application
  • Certified Copies of Class 12 for UG and Bachelor’s Degrees for PG
  • Applicants should be at least 18 years old for UG admissions.
  • There are country-specific undergraduate entry requirements.
  • All copies must be accompanied by certified translations if not in English.
  • English Proficiency Scores such as TOEFL/IELTS.
  • Work Experience (Some PG Courses)
  • Proof of Financial Support
  • Copy of Passport
  • Health Certificate
  • Program-specific requirements too.

Applicants can send the application and required document to -

Email: [email protected]

English Proficiency Test Score for International Students

International applicants with a native language other than English are required to submit English Language Proficiency scores to study in Australia. The minimum scores vary with the programs. The minimum required scores for most of the standard programs by the university are:

Test Undergraduate Graduate
IELTS (Academic) 6.0 with minimum 5.5 in each subtest 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each subtest
TOEFL-PBT 550 with a minimum essay score of 4 575 with a minimum essay score of 4
TOEFL-iBT 76 with a minimum score of 18 in writing 85 with a minimum score of 21 in writing
PTE 50 with no subscore less than 50 58 with no subscore less than 54
CAE/CPE 169 or above with at least 162 in each skill 177 or above with at least 169 in each skill

Visa Process for International Students

International applicants need a student visa to study in Australia. For visa application the applicant is required to have Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) issued by the university, indicating the acceptance of a student to a full-time degree on campus, and that the student has the required proficiency in the English language and sufficient financial support for education in a foreign country.

  • International Applicants will be provided Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) by University of the Sunshine Coast. Applicants can proceed for the visa application process under Subclass 500.
  • The applicant needs to pay the visa application fee and apply through the online portal ImmiAccount.
  • Applicants must provide the following documents while applying for a visa:
    • Valid Passport
    • Financial support documents
    • Proof of Health Insurance/Verification Form
    • Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
    • SOP for Australian Visa
    • Receipt of Fee Payment
    • Digital Photograph

University of the Sunshine Coast Undergraduate Admission

University of the Sunshine Coast offers undergraduate admission to more than 60 courses. Aspirants are required to have completed secondary education and applied within the deadlines. Application process may vary for Class 12 School Leavers, Mature Students, etc.

Application Portal: University Website Undergraduate Applications
Admission Fee: Not Required
Admission Requirements: Applicants must satisfy the following requirements to be eligible for admission to University of the Sunshine Coast undergraduate programs:

  • Completed Application
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Academic Certificates of Secondary Education
  • Translated copies
  • TOEFL/IELTS score as proof of English Proficiency
  • Must be 18 years old or above.
  • Check the Overall Position or Selection Rank. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the admissions.
  • Statement of Purpose

Admission Requirements for Indian Candidates

Country-specific admission requirements vary. For India, applicants must have one of the following:

  • All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE) with a minimum grade average of 60% in the best 4 academic subjects in final year and overall First Division results
  • Council for Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) with a minimum grade average of 60% in the best 4 academic subjects in final year and overall First Division results
  • State board exams, except Punjab State Education Board and Haryana State Education Board, a minimum grade average of 65% average across the 4 best academic subjects in the final year and overall First Division results
  • Punjab State Education Board (PSEB) and Haryana State Education Board (HSEB) exams, with a minimum grade average of 70% average across the 4 best academic subjects in the final year and overall First Division results
  • All applicants must have at least 50% in the theory component (where applicable) of any subject.

University of the Sunshine Coast Graduate Admissions

It offers more than 30 graduate courses and research programs with MBA, Masters in International Business, Master of Cyber Investigations and Forensics, and Masters of Creative Arts being the popular courses. Applicants applying for postgraduate degrees are required to have a bachelor degree from an Australian higher education institution or recognized equivalent.

Note: Please ensure that the program you are applying to is available for international students.

Application Portal: Course Page on Official Website
Application Fee: N/A
Documents Required -

The admission requirements for some of the Master’s Degrees at University of the Sunshine Coast are-

Programs Academic Requirements Annual Fees (in AUD)
MBA UG degree or equivalent 41,100
Masters of Social Work (Research) UG degree - Duly accredited or recognised by the Australian Association of Social Workers 58,000
Masters of Information and Communications Technology UG degree or equivalent 54,800
Master of Climate Change Adaptation (Research) UG honours with 50-55% 58,000
Master of Creative Arts UG honours with 50-55% 58,000

Since there are different Application Deadlines, English Language Proficiency, Entry Requirements,etc. for different categories can vary on the basis of country and program chosen; applicants should ensure that they have checked the right details before applying. The application portal is also different for School Leavers, Mature Students, TPP Students, etc.

FAQs

Ques. As an international student, how can I apply to the University of the Sunshine Coast?

Ans. International applicants must print and submit the application by email/mail along with the supporting documents.

Ques. What are the deadlines to apply for the postgraduate courses in University of the Sunshine Coast?

Ans. The deadlines vary with the course. Applicants must check the deadline for the particular course before applying.

Ques. What are the various test scores accepted by University of the Sunshine Coast as a proof of English proficiency?

Ans. It accepts TOEFL, IELTS, PTE-A, CAE/CPE scores as a proof of English language proficiency.

Ques. When can I expect the final decision regarding my admission in University of the Sunshine Coast?

Ans. After applying, it may take upto 3 to 4 weeks for the successful processing of application and arrival of decision. Students are notified about the admission decision via post or email.

Placements & Recruiters

University of the Sunshine Coast Placement Details

University of the Sunshine Coast in Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2022

Highlights
2022
  • Best overall country rank: #14
  • Sciences: #9 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 19 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 5 ranking records in 2022

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Best overall country rank: #17
  • Health Care: #15 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 19 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 3 ranking records in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Best overall country rank: #34
  • Social Studies: #12 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 6 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Clinical Science
  • 3 ranking records in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Best overall country rank: #17
  • Arts: #13 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 7 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 3 ranking records in 2025

2026

Highlights
2026
  • Best overall country rank: #16
  • Overall: #16 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 4 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 2 ranking records in 2026

Contact Information

90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs QLD 4556, Australia

+61-7-5430-2843

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

7.1/10
Top Rated

Based on 2 ratings

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
7.5/10
Faculty
6.5/10
Infrastructure
7.5/10
Accommodation
6.5/10
Placement
7.0/10
Extracurricular
7.5/10