University of the Sunshine Coast: Campus, Courses, Admissions, Fees, Scholarships and Placements

University of the Sunshine Coast [USC]: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Sippy Downs, QueenslandLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1994established year
17809enrollment
Public
7.1/10
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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.

University of the Sunshine Coast Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesExams ScoreAction
M.B.A
2 years
Application Deadline For 2024 Intake (24th May 2024)
USD 18,480 /Yr
AUD 28,000 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 76
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • PTE: 50
Application Deadline For 2024 Intake (24th May 2024)
USD 16,500 /Yr
AUD 25,000 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 98
  • IELTS: 7.0
  • PTE: 65
M.P.A
2 years
Application Deadline For 2024 Intake (24th May 2024)
USD 18,480 /Yr
AUD 28,000 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 76
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • PTE: 50
Application Deadline For 2024 Intake (24th May 2024)
USD 19,536 /Yr
AUD 29,600 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 105
  • IELTS: 7.0
  • PTE: 65
Application Deadline For 2024 Intake (24th May 2024)
USD 16,500 /Yr
AUD 25,000 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 76
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • PTE: 50
Application Deadline For 2024 Intake (24th May 2024)
USD 16,500 /Yr
AUD 25,000 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 76
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • PTE: 50

Top Recommended Courses


2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL76|IELTS6.0|PTE50
USD 18,480 /YrAUD 28,000 /Yr

USD 16,500 /YrAUD 25,000 /Yr

18 months
Online, On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL76|IELTS6.0|PTE50
USD 18,480 /YrAUD 28,000 /Yr
3 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL76|IELTS6.0|PTE50
USD 16,500 /YrAUD 25,000 /Yr
2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: TOEFL76|IELTS6.0|PTE50
USD 18,480 /YrAUD 28,000 /Yr

University of the Sunshine Coast Ranking

20252024202320222021202020192018

QS World University logo

Overall 1001 out of 1503 in Global Ranking

#35 out of 37 in Australia 2025

Nearest Ranked Colleges

University of the Sunshine Coast Ratings

Based on 2 Students Rating

7.1 out of 10
7.5/10Academic
6.5/10Accommodation
6.5/10Faculty
7.5/10Infrastructure
7.0/10Placement
7.5/10Social Life

University of the Sunshine Coast Reviews


StreamDegree TypeStudent StatusNationalityBatchCourse
Sort By :
Newest First

Social Studies (1)
Course (2)
Business (1)
Environment (1)
Placement (1)
Program (1)
Review (1)
Section (1)
Sunshine (1)
Tuition (1)

2 Reviews Found

Cathy
6.2 /10

Overview:

I got to know about this college from an education agent and after that did a bit of research. I applied for it with no application fee. I chose this college because I like the location and tuition is fairly reasonable. my undergraduate background is the law which is kind of related to what I am studying right now. I was asked for a bridging course anyway.

Fees:

The tuition fee is paid each semester, which is not cheap for international students. as far as I know, it is 3 times the fee of local students. I know some scholarships can support international students with financial struggles at some points, however, I just feel I'm not qualified to apply.

academic: 7/10
faculty: 6/10
infrastructure: 6/10
accomodation: 5/10
placement: 6/10
extracurricular: 7/10

M
8.0 /10

Overview:

I choose to study at the University of the Sunshine Coast because they offer a relatively large variety of courses including majors and minor options. The course is only 3 years long so this gives me great convenience along with it being close to home.

Fees:

The fee structure is better than other universities as it is cheaper as well as the numerous ways to pay.

academic: 8/10
faculty: 7/10
infrastructure: 9/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 8/10
extracurricular: 8/10

University of the Sunshine Coast Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Robert S. McNamara Fellowship ProgramScholarship per student$44,888Level Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
Narotam Sekhsaria ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Bharat Petroleum ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Bhajan Lal ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
Paul Foundation scholarshipsScholarship per student$20,174Level Of StudyDiplomaTypeMerit-Based
FINCAD Women in Finance ScholarshipScholarship per student$20,000Level Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based

University of the Sunshine Coast Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
IELTS-6--
TOEFL-76--
Graduate
GRE310.5---

Attendance Cost

$16,500

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$16,500 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$18,480 / Year
On Campus
The Village (2 Bedroom)
$6,336 / Year
The Village (3 Bedroom)
$5,386 / Year
UniCentral, Varsity Apartments
$5,861 / Year

University of the Sunshine Coast Campus Location


+61-7-5430-2843
Telephone
90 Sippy Downs Dr, Sippy Downs QLD 4556, Australia
Address

Nearby This Campus

  • Bus Station
  • Book Store
  • Shopping Mall
  • Super Market
  • Airport

Bus Station

USC Sunshine Coast0.23 km
Sippy Downs Dr at Fairfax Street0.32 km
Sippy Downs Dr at Claymore Road0.33 km
Sippy Downs Dr at Claymore Road0.36 km
Show More

Shopping Mall

Chancellor Park Marketplace1.53 km
Buderim mall3.68 km
The Zone Maroochydore5.56 km
Premier speedway warrnambool5.63 km
Show More

Airport

Suncoast Air Parts7.54 km

Book Store

Co-op0.25 km
Buderim Rare Books3.67 km
Birtinya News & Gifts5.72 km
Batini Books5.75 km
Show More

Super Market

Woolworths Buderim3.63 km
Woolworths Mountain Creek3.70 km
FoodWorks3.75 km
IGA3.87 km
Show More

● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary

Comments


2 Comments
P
philip lihanda lihanda
I am from Africa. I have 6.5 in ielts with a band of 5.5 in reading, 6 in speaking, 6.5 in listening and 7 in writing. Can i apply for masters program?
K
Karan Gupta

The minimum requirement for International students seeking admission to Graduate programs at the University of Sunshine Coast is to submit an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each subtest.

A
aastha panta timilsina

My IELTS overall score is 6 Speaking 7 Listening and reading 5.5 But in writing it's 5 Hance, Will I be applicable to study business in bachelor's?

S
Sinbad Chongtham

The University of the Sunshine Coast accepts IELTS Academic as one of the English Language Proficiency tests. To IELTS score requirement for the Bachelor of Business program is an overall score of 7.0 with minimum 7.0 in writing and speaking and 6.5 in reading and listening.


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