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AUSTRALIA · SUNSHINE COAST

University of the Sunshine Coast

public · Founded 1996 · Languages: en

In short

The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is a dynamic Australian university known for its 5-star teaching quality and commitment to sustainability, with campuses located within UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. It offers strong graduate employment outcomes and a supportive learning environment.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1996
Students: 19,000
International students: 2,500
Acceptance rate: 70%
Tuition (intl): €14–22k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Sunshine Coast, Australia

The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is a young, dynamic Australian university that opened its doors in 1996. While not the largest, UniSC is rapidly growing and is committed to making significant contributions through future-focused degrees, world-leading sustainability research, and five-star teaching quality. The university prides itself on fostering a supportive community and culture, emphasizing hands-on learning and practical skills tailored to the evolving job market. UniSC operates across five campuses in South East Queensland, uniquely situated within three connecting UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and the World Heritage Listed K'gari (Fraser Island). This distinctive location provides unparalleled opportunities for environmental research and learning, aligning with the university's strong focus on sustainability and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. UniSC aims to empower students to create positive change for themselves, their communities, and the planet. Graduates are highly sought after, with almost nine out of ten employed within four months of completing their degrees, a rate higher than the national average in Australia.

Why study here

Gain hands-on learning and practical skills that are directly relevant to industry needs.
Benefit from 5-star teaching quality, consistently rated since 2006, and learn from experienced professionals.
Study in an environment committed to sustainability, with campuses located within UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
Join a university with a strong focus on student support, learning resources, and skills development, ranking #1 in Queensland among public universities.
Achieve strong graduate outcomes, with employment rates higher than the national average within four months of graduation.
Be part of a growing, forward-thinking university that champions diversity and positive change.

Student life

UniSC fosters a friendly, supportive, and engaging campus environment where students can make lifelong friends and pursue diverse opportunities. The university offers modern technology and facilities, ensuring students have access to the resources needed for their studies. Student support services are available to assist with various aspects of university life, including accommodation and academic assistance. The university also encourages student involvement in its art gallery, which offers exhibition programs, public events, and internship opportunities. UniSC prides itself on being a safe, sustainable, and fun learning environment, committed to diversity and inclusion, with policies in place to promote equity and prevent discrimination.

Fees

InternationalInternational tuition typically ranges from about AUD 22,000 to AUD 35,000 per year depending on the program and study level; exact fees are published per course on the UniSC website.

Home—

LivingInternational students should budget approximately AUD 22,000-27,000 per year for living costs on the Sunshine Coast, including accommodation, food, transport and health cover.

Tuition fees for international students vary significantly by program and study level. Detailed information regarding specific program fees and other associated costs is available on the UniSC international student tuition fees page. Students should review this resource for accurate fee structures.

Admissions

Secondary educationCompletion of senior secondary schooling equivalent to Australian Year 12 meeting UniSC program entry requirements, or a recognised foundation/diploma pathway.

English proficiencyEvidence of English-language proficiency (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL) where the applicant's first language is not English.

IELTSOverall 6.0 with no band below 5.5 for most undergraduate courses (higher for some programs)

TOEFLiBT 70-79 depending on course

Rankings

Good Universities Guide 20265 stars for overall student experience

Good Universities Guide 20265 stars for teaching quality

Good Universities Guide 2026Queensland's No. 1 public uni for student support, learning resources and skills development

THE Impact Rankings 20257th globally for 'Life on Land'

THE Impact Rankings 20251st in Queensland for ‘Climate Action’

THE Impact Rankings 20251st in Queensland for 'Zero Hunger'

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026Top 501–600 worldwide

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026401-500 band for Business and Economics, Medical and Health, Education Studies, Life Sciences and Social Sciences

University scholarships

UniSC International Stipend ScholarshipPartial tuition reduction for eligible high-achieving international students; assessed on academic merit.

Vice-Chancellor's International ScholarshipMerit-based tuition reduction for outstanding international applicants commencing eligible programs.

Accreditation

UniSC's Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) ensures ethical conduct in human research, adhering to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. The Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) ensures compliance with the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. The university promotes responsible research practices guided by the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.

For international students

Australia

Student visa & funds

International students need the Student visa (subclass 500), which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a health and character check. Since May 2024 applicants must show financial capacity of at least AUD 29,710 for one year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and around AUD 2,500 for travel. Since March 2024 all applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test.

Working while you study

Student visa holders may work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session — a cap re-introduced in July 2023 — and unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Students enrolled in a master’s by research or a doctoral degree have no work-hour limit at any time. Work must not begin before the course start date.

After you graduate

Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) within six months of completing their studies. In the Post-Higher Education Work stream, bachelor’s and master’s (coursework) holders receive up to two years and master’s (research) or doctoral holders up to three years; regional study and the Australia–India trade agreement can add further time. The general age limit is under 35 at the time of application, rising to under 50 for research-degree holders.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; Group of Eight typically 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT79–100; UG 79–90, PG 90–100
PTE Academic50–65; UG 58+, PG 65+

Main intakes

FebruaryJuly

The Graduate Diploma of Midwifery is a program designed for registered nurses seeking to specialise in midwifery. It involves significant supervised Midwifery Practice Experiences (MPEs) in clinical settings, including antenatal care, labour and birth, postnatal care, and neonatal care. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to meet the NMBA Midwife Standards for Practice. Successful completion requires undertaking specific supervised MPEs, such as Continuity of Care Experiences (Connect Program), and accumulating a minimum number of clinical placement hours.

Scholarships

for Australia

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia Awards)

ASEAN-Australia Awards Scholarships

Open to citizens of eligible ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste) applying for a master's degree by coursework or research at an Australian university. Applicants need a strong academic record, leadership potential, relevant work experience and English proficiency, and must meet Australian visa and health requirements. Exact terms are set each cycle by the Australian Government.

Forrest Research Foundation (Minderoo Foundation)

Forrest Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowships

Open to early-career post-doctoral researchers of any nationality and from all academic disciplines. Applicants must be in the final year of their PhD or no more than two years past PhD completion at the time of taking up the fellowship, be proficient in English, and meet the employment-eligibility conditions of the host Western Australian university. Fellows must reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the full term and commit to mentoring Forrest Scholars, undertaking ambassadorial duties and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.

University of Melbourne

Hansen Scholarship at the University of Melbourne

Australian citizens, permanent residents or holders of an Australian temporary or permanent protection visa who are enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or IB programme, aged 16-20 at application, with a predicted ATAR of 90+ (or IB equivalent) and demonstrated financial hardship (e.g. a family receiving Centrelink benefits). Asylum seekers are eligible for full fee remission.

Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

Australia Awards Scholarships

Open to citizens of ~30+ eligible developing countries (mostly the Indo-Pacific), who are not married to/engaged to an Australian or NZ citizen, meet academic and English requirements, and commit to returning home for at least 2 years after study. Fields must align with the partner country's development priorities.

University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS)

For international students undertaking a postgraduate research degree (a master's by research or a PhD) at the University of Sydney. It covers tuition fees and a living-allowance stipend; applicants need a strong research background and a confirmed place and supervisor for their research project.

University of Melbourne (School of Computing and Information Systems)

University of Melbourne CIS PhD Scholarship

Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold a Master of Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, apply for the Doctor of Philosophy – Engineering and IT (Computing and Information Systems) programme (DR-PHILEIT), and demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and research potential. A research proposal, a personal statement, and a letter of support from the proposed PhD supervisor are required.

Frequently asked questions

What are the typical tuition fees for international students at the University of the Sunshine Coast?

International tuition fees at UniSC generally range from AUD 22,000 to AUD 35,000 per year, depending on the specific program and study level. For precise fee details, it is essential to consult the individual course information published on the UniSC website.

What are the estimated living costs for international students in the Sunshine Coast region?

International students should budget approximately AUD 22,000 to AUD 27,000 annually for living expenses on the Sunshine Coast. This estimate includes costs for accommodation, food, transportation, and health insurance.

What makes the University of the Sunshine Coast's location unique?

UniSC is uniquely situated within three interconnecting UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and near the World Heritage Listed K'gari (Fraser Island). This distinctive environment offers exceptional opportunities for learning and research in diverse natural settings.

What are the graduate employment outcomes at UniSC?

UniSC graduates achieve strong employment outcomes, with nearly nine out of ten securing employment within four months of completing their studies. This rate is higher than the national average in Australia.

Does UniSC offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, UniSC offers scholarships for international students, such as the UniSC International Stipend Scholarship and the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship. These scholarships typically provide a reduction in tuition fees based on academic merit.

Last updated 3 July 2026