Australia: University of the Sunshine Coast

Type of Program: Semester
City: Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
Cost: See Program Costs page

The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) provides students with the perfect study and living environment.  The USC campus is located in the centre of the Sunshine Coast region.  Located on the edge of a national park, the campus is home to kangaroos.  The campus is approximately 90 kilometres from Brisbane.  Major centres such as Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Noosa are between 15 and 40 minutes drive away. 

USC has the highest proportion of academic staff with Doctoral or Masters qualifications of any university in Queensland, and the fifth highest in Australia.  Graduates consistently give the University top marks, with a five-star satisfaction rating for overall educational experience.  USC is the highest ranked university in Australia in relation to graduates' satisfaction with teaching.  USC received five-star ratings for both electronic support and academic services in the 2006 Good Universities Guide.  The University library houses more than 23,500 digital resources that supplement the print resources held in the University collection.  Students can choose from a wide range of courses in three faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, Business, and Science, Health and Education.   Many courses offer insights into Australian society from historical, political, environmental, geographical, business, scientific, social and literary perspectives.  There is also a wide range of courses with a more global perspective.  Students can take courses in liberal arts concentrations, professional studies, or the sciences and may find courses that are discipline-specific or interdisciplinary.  Areas of study include:  Creative Writing, Journalism, Public Relations, Computer-Based Design, International Business, Languages, Marketing, Management, Biotechnology, Tourism, Education, Environmental Restoration, Marine Science, Sport and Exercise Science, Human Services, International Relations and Communication Studies.  The internship program offers study abroad students high quality, individually designed work placements in an extensive range of professions.  Students receive a $1,000 tuition discount for this program. 

Review the International Student Guide for additional information on courses and the university.

Academic Calendar 2013:

Australia Semester 1: February 18, 2013 through June 22, 2013
Australia Semester 2: July 15, 2013 through November 16, 2013

Eligibility and Prerequisites

Students must have declared a major and taken prerequisite courses. Students must have completed three semesters in college-level residence. Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher are eligible to apply. 

Application and Study Abroad Deposit Deadlines

Please note that both the application and fee are due in the Office of International Studies. All students must attend an advising session at least one week prior to the deadline in the Office of International Studies to obtain an application.

Photo by: Amanda Lee