University of the Sunshine Coast
Sippy Downs, Australia • Founded 1994 • QS 2027 #851-900
Updated May 2026
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.
127 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Australia
Bachelor's Degree 64 programmes
Showing 10 of 64.
Honours Degree 17 programmes
Showing 10 of 17.
Master's Degree 37 programmes
Showing 10 of 37.
Associate's Degree 2 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 5 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 1 programme
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 QS 2027 #851-900.
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.
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