The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is a public university located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. It is known for its commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and producing a diverse and award-winning alumni base. UniSC aims to be a leading regional university in Australia, enriching its communities and creating opportunities for all.
| Acronym | UniSC |
| Nickname | UniSC |
| Motto / Slogan | For a better tomorrow |
| Colour | Blue and Gold |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Location | Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia |
| Address | University of the Sunshine Coast PO Box 5280 Sunshine Coast MC QLD 4560 AUSTRALIA |
To be the major catalyst for the academic, cultural and economic advancement of the region through the pursuit of international standards in teaching and research, and by being responsive to students, staff, community and the environment.
At UniSC, the vision is to become Australia's premier regional university, and the mission is to enrich our regions, connect with the communities, and create opportunities for all.
The University of the Sunshine Coast's primary objectives are to enrich its regions, connect with communities, and create opportunities for all. The university aims to be a leading regional university in Australia, focusing on student success, community engagement, and sustainable practices.
UniSC is consistently rated highly for teaching quality and student experience, often earning five-star ratings and ranking among the best in Australia for overall educational experience. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized support, helping you get more attention from lecturers and a stronger learning foundation.
UniSC is recognized internationally for sustainability and impact research — including high global rankings in key areas like climate action and environmental studies. Its location within UNESCO biosphere reserves supports unique research opportunities in ecology, sustainability, and community wellbeing
Many UniSC graduates find employment quickly after graduating, thanks to career services, employer connections, and practical learning embedded in courses. International students also benefit from support with internships, job search skills, and post-study work pathways, where eligible.
Whether you want on-campus study, blended learning, or fully online study, UniSC provides options that fit your circumstances and life balance. The university offers academic help, wellness support, orientation programs, and English language assistance to help you succeed.
Entry requirements vary by course. Check the page for entry requirements.
To be eligible for admission as a domestic student to a postgraduate program at the University of the Sunshine Coast, an applicant needs to:
International applicants
International applicants must meet specific entry requirements and apply directly to UniSC International.
Apply through QTAC
Apply direct to UniSC
Email: [email protected],[email protected]
Phone : +61 7 5430 2843
AACSB International
With a career spanning almost four decades, Professor Bartlett brings extensive international experience in higher education, having held senior leadership roles in Australia, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Prior to joining UniSC, she was Vice-Chancellor and President of Federation University Australia, where she led a significant institutional transformation and championed regional innovation. She also served as President and Chief Executive of Monash University Malaysia from 2013 to 2017.
Professor Bartlett has played a pivotal role in shaping national education policy, contributing as chair of the Regional Universities Network (RUN) from 2018–2021, Chair of the Victorian Vice-Chancellor’s Committee (2016–2017), Member and currently Chair of the Australian Government’s Higher Education Standards Panel, and previously Expert member of the Australian Government Council for International Education, and member of the National Priorities and Industry Linkage Fund Working Group. She also contributes as a non-Executive Director to a range of Boards, including Higher Education Services Pty Ltd (HES).
As... read more
His leadership experience encompasses a wide range of initiatives, including projects with significant impacts on university culture, external partnerships, business improvement processes, and investments in built and digital environments
Prior to joining UniSC in June 2023, Professor Wilmore served for two periods as the Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) of UNE with responsibility for the University’s three faculties, the portfolio of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), and the Education Futures, Student Experience and Brand Partnerships and Business Development portfolios.
Having worked extensively in international education, including several years in Japan, she brings strong offshore networks alongside expertise in industry partnership development, campus establishment and growth strategy. Alex's achievements have been entrepreneurial and innovative and recognised both internally and externally by her employers and partners.
Alex joined UniSC in August 2021 as Head of International. Prior to this, she was Executive Director of Federation University's new award-winning campus in Brisbane, where she was responsible for the successful establishment and leadership of the campus, including business planning, student recruitment and marketing, program portfolio development, and industry partnerships.
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) of the University of the Sunshine Coast, Professor Young oversees the research strategy of the University, including the support of researchers and Higher Degree by Research students. His portfolio also includes UniSC's University research centres and institutes, along with the Clinical Trials Centre and UniSC’s Innovation Centre.
Professor Young is committed to the effective integration of research, innovation and partnership to ensure that UniSC’s work is of the highest quality, has impact and improves the communities served by UniSC.
The university was established in 1994, opening in 1996 as the Sunshine Coast University College. The University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998 was passed in Queensland Parliament on 19 November of that year, legislating the independent status of the university. The university changed to its current name of the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC; UniSC from July 2022) in 1999. It was created by the Australian Government ... read more
The inaugural vice-chancellor was Paul Thomas, AM, who took office with effect from 1 January 1996, having spent an earlier period as planning president. UniSC's second vice-chancellor, Professor Greg Hill AO, took over from Professor Thomas AM in 2011 after starting at the university in 2005 as deputy vice-chancellor. He stayed in the role until August 2020 when Professor Helen Bartlett joined as the university's third vice-chancellor.
Justice Gerald “Tony” Fitzgerald was the university's inaugural chancellor, followed by pastoralist Ian Kennedy, AO, who was UniSC's second chancellor. Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret'd) became the university's fourth chancellor when he was appointed to the role in 2017 after John Dobson OAM retired from the position. Sir Angus remains the university's current chancellor.
The student body has grown consistently since the university opened in 1996 with an intake of 524 students. In 2020, UniSC had 18,150 students enrolled.
The university introduced paid parking at its Sippy Downs campus from February 2013, a move that garnered a negative response from some students and staff. Of the university's 2,400 parking spaces, approximately 450 (located 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) from the centre of campus) remain as free parking. Some of the parking has solar canopies, which along with campus roofs supply 2.1 MW of solar electricity (5 GWh/year). The power is also used to cool 4.5 million liters of water for air conditioning, estimated to save AU$100 million over 25 years.