The first discussions for a university in the region began in 1973, but it wasn't until 1989 that the Commonwealth government approved the establishment of a university.
Planning began for the Sunshine Coast University College in 1994. The University opened in 1996, becoming the first greenfield university to open in Australia since 1971.
Students benefit from friendly and supportive environments, access to highly-qualified teaching staff, personal attention, and modern technology and facilities. Study choices are wide, and degrees are complemented by opportunities to gain practical experience and travel overseas.
USC will be a university of international standing and an unsurpassed community asset, focusing on the region from Moreton Bay to Fraser Coast.
USC undertakes research of international, national and local significance.
Our areas of research focus include medical and health science, sustainability and the environment, animal and marine ecology, aquaculture and agriculture, forestry research, accident research, and creative humanities.
USC has been rated by the Australian Research Council as having 26 research fields at or above world standard, including the equal highest rating nationally in nursing, zoology, and environmental science and management.
USC’s national and international research impact is growing fast, with annual research income more than tripling in five years to reach $26 million.
We are here to help you enhance your employability and achieve your career goals. Whether you are in your first or final year, you can access workshops, consultations, self-guided resources, and leadership opportunities to build your skills and ensure you are industry ready. Thinking about your employability throughout your studies is important- it can enhance your education, help you to achieve your goals and remain competitive.
The Global Student Satisfaction Awards empower students across the globe to determine the best universities of 2019. By rating institutions on a scale from 1 to 5, on multiple studies-related questions, we found the top educators in the world.
Learn more about the Global Student Satisfaction AwardsThere are a variety of accommodation options close to USC's campuses whether you want to live in a student village, share a house or find a place of your own.
The mission of the USC 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. The Library has a policy of open access to the collections for study and research.
USC has modern campuses with award-winning facilities and friendly staff. Flexible study options give you freedom to choose a campus near you with parking, cycling, public transport and express shuttles at all our locations.
Great community, teaching staff and campus facilities.
I have great average and willing to do more
My experience at the University of the Sunshine Coast has been very positive over the course of my degree. All of the courses I undertook were structured in a way that was easy to follow, but still provided the practical experience needed for a future career. There are also many courses covering various disciplines that make it a well-rounded university. I was able to take...