University of the Sunshine Coast

University of the Sunshine Coast

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Welcome to the University of the Sunshine Coast, UniSC for short. A young, fresh university driven by an unwavering belief that community and culture is just as important as a world-class education, delivered by world-class educators. 

University of the Sunshine Coast Key Statistics & Highlights

  • #501 Ranking
  • 120 Courses
  • 1,145 Academic Staff
  • 17,846 Students
  • 743 Students (female)
  • Public Institution Type

Top reasons to study here

  • UniSC has three SDGs in the global top 50, and five in the global top 100
  • Overall, UniSC placed among the top 4 percent of universities around the world
  • UniSC ranked first place in Queensland in two categories – Zero Hunger and Climate Action – and second in Australia for Zero Hunger

University of the Sunshine Coast Distance Learning Courses

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History

Our first campus, on the Sunshine Coast, opened its doors in 1996. Today, our award-winning facilities span five campuses across South East Queensland, an area of unique geographical importance. In fact, UniSC is the world’s only university with campuses on three connecting UNESCO biosphere reserves and the World Heritage Listed K’gari.  

Education

Study options include more than 150 programs over five campuses spread across South East Queensland. With online and blended study options available, our regional students have study, research and employment opportunities right on their doorstep. And if you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help.

Research

Implementing changes that make a big difference to lives and communities here at home, across the Pacific and around the globe. And ultimately, bringing about real impact and positive change that helps move everyone forward.

Across our campuses, the next generation of researchers are answering some of today’s most pressing issues, focused on ensuring healthier people and a healthier planet.

Career

Our Careers Advisers work with prospective students, current students and graduates with career planning and decision making. This can include; navigating a career transition or change, having difficulty deciding on what to study, discussing pathways, identifying interests and skills, professional development goals and strategies, or transitioning into graduate and professional careers.

Student services

Student Success Advisers connect current students with resources and services to support them and their studies, including balancing uni and life, dealing with unexpected circumstances and options if they fail a course.

Housing services

Campus facilities include a $37m Engineering Learning Hub with 3D CAVE2TM visualisation studio, $5.5 million Performing Arts Centre, simulated nursing and paramedic labs, specialised computer, science, manufacturing and design labs, nationally accredited sport science labs, and a range of interactive digital learning spaces.

Library services

The mission of the University of the Sunshine Coast Library is to provide quality services and collections that support the teaching, research and scholarship activities of the University.

We recognise that we need to work in partnership with our clients to ensure that Library services, collections and facilities meet our clients’ needs. 

ICT services

Our IT support staff can assist with access the UniSC network and troubleshoot problems with logins, passwords, and access to UniSC information technology systems including email and wifi.

Medical services

Take care of your mind and body while studying with our range of health and wellbeing services. Student Wellbeing also provides a variety of trauma-informed services and resources to support the mental health and wellbeing of current students, including counselling, personal support and Safer Communities initiatives and services to keep our university a safe and inclusive space for everyone.

Campus life

Discover our award-winning facilities spread across five campuses in South East Queensland, an area of remarkable geographical significance. UniSC stands as the world's sole university with campuses situated within three interconnected UNESCO biosphere reserves and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed K’gari.

Sports facilities

The University of the Sunshine Coast has updated the name of its indoor sports facility to UniSC Arena.

It was previously known as USC Stadium.

The University's $24 million indoor sports facility is nationally-accredited, fully air-conditioned and seats more than 3,000 spectators. It is also home to Sunshine Coast Lightning, the Sunshine Coast’s first national sports team. They play home games and train alongside local school, grassroots athletes and community groups who also use the facilities.

The arena caters to a range of local sports at all levels of competition, including basketball, futsal, netball, badminton and volleyball.

University of the Sunshine Coast Overview

University of the Sunshine Coast Rankings

Study Portals Meta Ranking

Top 11.9% Australia
Top 29.7% Worldwide

Studyportals ranking look at the scores of the most used ranking systems and present you with one number of how well this University performs.

World University Rankings

501

By Times Higher Education

Climbed 100 places compared to 2025

World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.

3 year trend World University Rankings

2024 2025 2026
501 601 501

Academic Ranking of World Universities

801

By Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Dropped 100 places compared to 2024

ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.

3 year trend Academic Ranking of World Universities

2023 2024 2025
701 701 801

Best Global Universities Rankings

1048

By U.S. News & World Report

Dropped 18 places compared to 2025

Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.

3 year trend Best Global Universities Rankings

2024 2025 2026
1072 1030 1048

QS World University Rankings

No 2026 Ranking

By TopUniversities

This university doesn’t have a ranking for 2026 yet. Rankings are updated yearly, so check back later for the latest info.

QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.

3 year trend QS World University Rankings

2024 2025 2026
1001 1001 -

University of the Sunshine Coast Campus Locations

#1 Main Campus
Australia Country
Brisbane City
#2 Branch Campus
Australia Country
Sippy Downs City
#3 Branch Campus
Australia Country
Strathpine City
#4 Branch Campus
Australia Country
Hervey Bay City
#5 Branch Campus
Australia Country
Caboolture City
#6 Branch Campus
Australia Country
Gympie City
#7 Branch Campus
Australia Country
South Brisbane City

University of the Sunshine Coast Student Reviews & Awards

4.1

Based on 12 reviews

  • 5 Star
    5 Reviews
  • 4 Star
    5 Reviews
  • 3 Star
    1 Review
  • 2 Star
    0 Reviews
  • 1 Star
    1 Review
5/5

Industrial Electrical to Asset Management

My experience studying at CQUniversity has been both rewarding and professionally valuable. As an experienced electrical technician with over 30 years in the industry, I enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Asset and Maintenance Management to strengthen my knowledge of modern asset management principles and maintenance strategies. The course content was highly relevant to real-world industry challenges and provided practical insights into asset lifecycle management, reliability engineering, risk management, maintenance optimisation, and the application of ISO 55000 standards. I particularly appreciated the flexibility of online learning, which allowed me to balance full-time employment with postgraduate study. The learning materials were well structured, and the assessments encouraged critical thinking and the practical application of concepts to workplace situations. The academic staff were knowledgeable, supportive, and responsive, helping students understand both theoretical and practical aspects of asset management. One of the greatest benefits of studying at CQUniversity was the opportunity to connect my extensive industry experience with contemporary asset management frameworks and best practices. This has increased my confidence in pursuing advanced roles in asset management, reliability engineering, and infrastructure maintenance. I would highly recommend CQUniversity to working professionals seeking flexible, industry-focused postgraduate education that can be immediately applied in the workplace.

Posted by Anonymous
Studied from Sep 2024 - Oct 2025
Posted on May 2026
4/5

Great Flexible Learning Experience

Studying at the university has been a very positive experience for me. I really appreciate the flexibility of the online learning system because it allows students from different countries and backgrounds to study at their own pace. The courses are well-structured, and I have improved my knowledge and practical skills in computer science and technology. The discussion forums and assignments encourage critical thinking and independent learning. I also like that tuition is affordable compared to many other universities, making higher education accessible to more students. One area that could be improved is faster communication and feedback in some courses, especially during busy periods. More live interaction sessions with instructors would also make the learning experience even better.

Posted by Anonymous
Studied from May 2026 - Aug 2030
Posted on May 2026
4/5

Career advancement

Very much grateful for the opportunity and i am looking forward to hear more from you.

Posted by Anonymous
Studied from May 2025 - Nov 2028
Posted on Dec 2025
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