University of the Sunshine Coast
Sippy Downs, Australia • Founded 1994 • World Rank #1727
Overview
Established in 1994, the University of the Sunshine Coast is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium city of Sippy Downs (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Queensland.
Officially recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Australia, University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) is a large-sized coeducational Australian higher education institution. University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 29-year-old Australian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this Australian higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
USC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
University of the Sunshine Coast's physical location and the contact details prospective students typically need before applying or visiting. Channels listed below come from the institution's published profile.
Academic Details
University of the Sunshine Coast's key academic numbers — student body size, faculty composition, and accreditation context. Numbers reflect the most recent figures published by the institution and recognised bodies.
Academic Structures
The institutional units housing University of the Sunshine Coast's programmes. Subject overlap across faculties is normal — interdisciplinary fields like data science or environmental studies often span multiple units.
Unit 3 items
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Business
- Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Degrees
Also Combined Degree, 4 yrs
Master's 14 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Aquaculture
- Business Administration
- Education
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- Management
- Midwifery
- Performing Arts
- Primary Education
- Psychology
- Secondary Education
- Social Work
- Writing
Doctoral 2 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Fine Arts
- Philosophy
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Department of Education and Training of Australia.
Arts and Business (Faculty) 21 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Communication Arts
- Development Studies
- Geography
- History
- Hotel Management
- Human Resources
- Indigenous Studies
- International Business
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Political Sciences
- Psychology
- Regional Planning
- Rural Planning
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Science, Health, Education and Engineering (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Civil Engineering
- Community Health
- Education
- Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Secondary Education
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Every programme University of the Sunshine Coast offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.
Bachelor's Degree
64 programmes
University of the Sunshine Coast delivers 64 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Nursing Science Nursing 165 weeks
Bachelor of Creative Industries Media Studies & Mass Media 156 weeks
Bachelor of Laws Legal Studies 208 weeks
Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) Legal Studies 156 weeks
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts Legal Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business Legal Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) Legal Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Science Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Animal Ecology Biological Sciences 156 weeks
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminology and Justice Legal Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Criminology and Justice Psychology 208 weeks
Bachelor of Social Work/Bachelor of Criminology and Justice Social Work 260 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Environmental Management Environmental Sciences 156 weeks
Bachelor of Sports Studies Medicine & Health 156 weeks
Bachelor of Health Science Public Health 156 weeks
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Environmental Management Legal Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies Environmental Sciences 156 weeks
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology Medicine & Health 208 weeks
Bachelor of Creative Industries (Theatre and Performance) Performing Arts 156 weeks
Bachelor of Creative Industries (Screen Media) Media Studies & Mass Media 156 weeks
Bachelor of Creative Industries (Creative Writing and Publishing) Psychology 156 weeks
Bachelor of Music Performing Arts 156 weeks
Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics Rehabilitation Sciences 156 weeks
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) Psychology 156 weeks
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Counselling Psychology 208 weeks
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Criminology and Justice Psychology 208 weeks
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) Business Administration 208 weeks
Bachelor of Education Studies (Early Childhood) Education & Teaching 156 weeks
Bachelor of International Sport Management Business Administration 156 weeks
Bachelor of Computer Science Computer Sciences 156 weeks
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Creative Industries Business Administration 208 weeks
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Design Business Administration 208 weeks
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Criminology and Justice Business Administration 208 weeks
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Communication Business Administration 208 weeks
Bachelor of Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 156 weeks
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Humanities & Cultural Studies 208 weeks
Bachelor of Arts Humanities & Cultural Studies 156 weeks
Bachelor of Business Business Administration 156 weeks
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Humanities & Cultural Studies 208 weeks
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Science Business Administration 208 weeks
Bachelor of Business (International Business) Business Administration 156 weeks
Bachelor of Business (Marketing) Advertising & Digital Marketing 156 weeks
Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology Computer Science & IT 156 weeks
Bachelor of Human Services Social Work 156 weeks
Bachelor of Communication Media Studies & Mass Media 156 weeks
Bachelor of Criminology and Justice Criminal Law & Justice 156 weeks
Bachelor of Nutrition Medicine & Health 156 weeks
Bachelor of Social Work Social Work 208 weeks
Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) Psychology 156 weeks
Bachelor of Design Applied Design 156 weeks
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) Business Administration 208 weeks
Bachelor of Environmental Science Environmental Sciences 156 weeks
Bachelor of Biomedical Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 156 weeks
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 156 weeks
Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Leisure and Event Management) Business Administration 156 weeks
Bachelor of Nursing Science: Graduate Entry Nursing 113 weeks
Bachelor of Primary Education Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Counselling Social Work 156 weeks
Bachelor of International Studies Humanities & Cultural Studies 156 weeks
Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) Business Administration 156 weeks
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) Accounting 156 weeks
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
37 programmes
These 37 programmes form University of the Sunshine Coast's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
Master of International Business Business Administration 79 weeks
Master of Counselling Social Work 104 weeks
Master of Nursing (Clinical Leadership) Nursing 78 weeks
Master of Education Education & Teaching 78 weeks
Master of Management Business Administration 105 weeks
Master of International Development Social & Cultural Studies 104 weeks
Master of Professional Psychology Psychology 52 weeks
Master of Business Administration (Extended) Business Administration 105 weeks
Master of Business Administration/Master of International Business Business Administration 105 weeks
Master of Information and Communications Technology Computer Science & IT 104 weeks
Master of Teaching (Secondary) Education & Teaching 104 weeks
Master of Teaching (Primary) Education & Teaching 104 weeks
Master of Sport and Exercise Science by Research Medicine & Health 104 weeks
Master of Cyber Security and Forensics Computer Science & IT 104 weeks
Master of Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction 104 weeks
Master of Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering 104 weeks
Master of Robotics and Automation Engineering Mechanical Engineering 104 weeks
Master of Renewable Energy Engineering Electrical Engineering 104 weeks
Master of Engineering Project Management Engineering & Technology 104 weeks
Master of Dietetics (Sports Nutrition) Medicine & Health 104 weeks
Master of Business Intelligence and Analytics Business Administration 78 weeks
Master of Business Administration/Master of Business Intelligence and Analytics Business Administration 104 weeks
Master of Engineering Engineering & Technology 104 weeks
Master of Social Work by Research Social Work 104 weeks
Master of Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 104 weeks
Master of Arts Humanities & Cultural Studies 104 weeks
Master of Creative Arts Arts, Design & Architecture 104 weeks
Master of Professional Accounting Accounting 105 weeks
Master of Health Promotion Medicine & Health 104 weeks
Master of Climate Change Adaptation by Research Earth Sciences & Geology 104 weeks
Master of Business by Research Business Administration 104 weeks
Master of Business Administration Business Administration 79 weeks
Master of Sports Nutrition by Research Sport and Exercise Science 104 weeks
Master of Regional Planning by Research Architecture 104 weeks
Master of Psychology (Clinical) Psychology 104 weeks
Master of Education by Research Education & Teaching 104 weeks
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Social Work 104 weeks
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
University of the Sunshine Coast delivers 1 programme at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Doctor of Philosophy 208 weeks
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
25 programmes
University of the Sunshine Coast also offers 25 programmes across associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation routes — shorter or vocational qualifications that build practical skills or bridge into a full degree.
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) Civil Engineering & Construction 208 weeks
Graduate Certificate in Education Education & Teaching 26 weeks
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours)/Bachelor of Environmental Science Civil Engineering & Construction 260 weeks
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) Psychology 208 weeks
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) Mechanical Engineering 208 weeks
Bachelor of Urban Design and Town Planning (Honours) Architecture 208 weeks
Bachelor of Communication (Honours) Media Studies & Mass Media 52 weeks
Bachelor of Creative Industries (Honours) Arts, Design & Architecture 52 weeks
Graduate Certificate in Business Research Business & Management 26 weeks
Graduate Certificate in Education Research Education & Teaching 26 weeks
Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) (Honours) Psychology 52 weeks
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) Rehabilitation Sciences 208 weeks
Bachelor of Criminology and Justice (Honours) Humanities & Cultural Studies 52 weeks
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)(Honours) Electrical Engineering 208 weeks
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic) (Honours) Electrical Engineering 208 weeks
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Humanities & Cultural Studies 52 weeks
Bachelor of Business (Honours) Business Administration 52 weeks
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 52 weeks
Associate Degree in Business Business Administration 104 weeks
Associate Degree in Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 104 weeks
Graduate Certificate in Management Business & Management 26 weeks
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration Business Administration 26 weeks
Graduate Diploma in Business Administration Business Administration 53 weeks
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Business & Management 52 weeks
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) Rehabilitation Sciences 208 weeks
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to University of the Sunshine Coast
What applying to University of the Sunshine Coast typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. University of the Sunshine Coast offers 127 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at University of the Sunshine Coast has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via University of the Sunshine Coast's online portal at www.usc.edu.au. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +61 (0)7 5430 2843. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of the Sunshine Coast
A short Q&A covering University of the Sunshine Coast's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
In what year was University of the Sunshine Coast established?
University of the Sunshine Coast was founded in 1994 (approximately 32 years ago).
Where can I find University of the Sunshine Coast?
The institution is located in Sippy Downs, Australia.
Is University of the Sunshine Coast public or private?
University of the Sunshine Coast operates as a public institution.
How many students does University of the Sunshine Coast have?
The institution has a student body of 10,000-14,999.
How is University of the Sunshine Coast ranked?
It ranks #1727 globally and #34 in Australia.
What degrees does University of the Sunshine Coast offer?
University of the Sunshine Coast offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is University of the Sunshine Coast organised academically?
The institution comprises 3 academic units.
Is University of the Sunshine Coast officially recognised?
Yes, University of the Sunshine Coast is recognised by Department of Education and Training of Australia.
What is University of the Sunshine Coast's official website?
The institution's website is www.usc.edu.au.
Top-Ranked Universities in Australia
Ranking methodologies vary across Australia — national rankings, subject-specific rankings, and international tables can each tell different stories about the same universities.
Members of Universities Australia
Student exchange agreements within Universities Australia formalise mobility opportunities. The universities below typically have dedicated exchange slots reserved for students from University of the Sunshine Coast.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Geographic neighbours to University of the Sunshine Coast appear below — each worth considering if location is part of your decision. Nearby institutions tend to share academic calendars, making cross-applications less complex.
Where Else to Study Business Administration
Programme-led research opportunities for Business Administration students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.
Universities Often Compared with University of the Sunshine Coast
When students choose University of the Sunshine Coast, they typically weigh it against institutions of similar standing. These universities sit at a comparable level — useful comparisons before committing to a final choice, especially when programme content is similar across the options.
