Established in 1996, University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is a highly rated, modern public university. UniSC’s main campus in Sippy Downs in Sunshine Coast, Queensland, is an architecturally diverse campus and is also renowned for its environmental sustainability.  

Students at UniSC receive a high-quality educational experience while enjoying the relaxed lifestyle that the Sunshine Coast offers. UniSC offers more than 120-degree programs and nearly 300 course options at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, across various disciplines.  

UniSC’s international reputation for research is growing every year, with 26 research fields now rated at world standard or above. From climate change, brain science and road safety to mental health and indigenous and social policy, UniSC’s research is breaking new ground in terms of relevance of topics and innovative insights for advancements. Students learn from those at the forefront of their fields in a stimulating environment, at the edge of discovery.  

The Sunshine Coast is in Queensland, on the east coast of Australia, and offers students a sunny destination of gorgeous beaches, vast hinterlands and lush green rainforests, located only about 90 kilometres north of the state’s capital, Brisbane. UniSC’s campus is situated on a 100-hectare wildlife reserve, which is also a sanctuary to native Australian wildlife such as the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, which makes for a unique learning environment at locations like the K’gari Research and Learning Centre on Fraser Island, which is a World Heritage-listed island. 

Excellent facilities on campus, including advanced 3D visualisation facilities, a well-stocked library, 24-hour computer labs, an art gallery and various cafés offering a range of dining options, further enhance the living and learning experience for students. 

UniSC’s careers and employability service helps students enhance their employability. The service provides students the opportunity to access workshops and resources to build their skills and ensure that they are industry ready. 

UniSC offers a student leadership award as a formal recognition of students’ professional development, progress in co-curricular learning, and contributions to the community undertaken during the students’ period of study at the university. Besides adding value to a student’s resume, the award is also a demonstration of enhanced employability to future employers.  

The careers and employability team also hosts industry-specific iEngage sessions, employability workshops and career fairs throughout the year. Students can meet and mingle with potential employers at these events and build networks. Other opportunities for employers to connect with students include internships and work experience. UniSC graduates may continue to access career services for a period of two years after they graduate. 

The university offers more than 120-degree programs and 280 course options at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across seventeen study areas. These include arts, business and commerce, communication, creative industries, design, education, engineering, environmental studies, law and criminology, medical and health sciences, nursing, psychology and social work, science, technology and sports and exercise science.  

UniSC’s undergraduate programs focus on building the core skills students will need in the workplace, such as communicating well, solving problems and thinking creatively. Most programs provide opportunities for work-integrated learning (internships) and receive hands-on training. 

UniSC’s career-focused double degrees help broaden students’ horizons and increase their career options. Students can opt to study two related fields or choose to combine a professional qualification with a subject area of interest. A higher qualification than a bachelor’s degree is an honours degree, which helps students deepen their knowledge and undertake advanced research in a particular field. UniSC also offers diplomas and associate degrees that serve as a broad introduction to a field of study. 

UniSC’s postgraduate programs are delivered with flexible study options, which lets students tailor their studies to suit their lifestyle. Postgraduate students at UniSC can access a range of support services, academic and otherwise. The opportunity to undertake world-class research and learn using some of the most advanced facilities available further enhances the postgraduate study experience. 

Rankings and ratings 

Good Universities Guide 2023/24 

UniSC is number one public university in Queensland for overall educational experience, and the best in Australia for postgraduate skills development. Plus, they have a five-star rating for teaching. 

AACSB Accreditation 

UniSC has been accredited by the world’s longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools – AACSB International. Only six percent of the world’s business schools have the accreditation, which recognises institutions that have demonstrated a focus on excellence in all areas, including teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning. 

ACS Accreditation 

UniSC is accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) for its popular technology degrees including computer science, ICT and cyber security. Furthermore, students can gain industry certifications (Microsoft, ITS, Cisco and more) at no extra cost.  

Bachelor of Computer Science 

UniSC is the first university in Australia to integrate Google career certificates into their programs. This means you get more job-ready skills to help fast track your career in high growth fields. 

Course updates 

UniSC has recently launched the Diploma in Animal Ecology, offering up to 96 units of credit towards the Bachelor of Animal Ecology. This is a great pathway to learn about animals and turn a love of nature into a meaningful career. 

Research 

Addressing the key challenges of tomorrow, UniSC’s researchers are powerful innovators, bringing ground-breaking knowledge to complex issues facing the region and the world. UniSC has 26 research fields ranked at world standard or above (Excellence in Research for Australia). UniSC also ranked first in Queensland in the Global Impact Rankings, and is in the top two percent globally for overall impact in Times Higher Education Impact Ratings 2023.