History, Affiliations and Rankings
The University of the Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s highest-rated public universities based in Queensland. A Young University, it was established in 1994 as the Sunshine Coast University College by the Australian Government in response to the growing population in the Sunshine Coast region. It received full University status in 1996, along with acquiring its present name. One of the fastest growing universities in Australia, USC has expanded both, in terms of its campus locations as well as in terms of the student enrollments, which have nearly doubled over the past decade! The University is affiliated with the Regional Universities Network, and is also listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. USC ranks in the #601-800 bracket according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and #33 in the Best National Universities category ranked by US News and World Report 2022.
Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses
The University of Sunshine Coast has multiple campus locations across Queensland, including the main campus at Sunshine Coast and other campuses at - Moreton Bay, Fraser Coast, Caboolture, Gympie and SouthBank. In addition, USC has three Teaching and Research Centres. Facilitated with stimulated, modern learning spaces and the perfect balance of urban architecture and open green spaces, USC campuses are student-friendly and state-of-the-art. Some of the USC campuses are equipped with Visualisation and Simulation facilities, which are interactive digital learning spaces and simulated laboratories designed for students studying Nursing, Engineering, Health Studies, Sciences, Paramedics and so on. At USC, students can choose from 120+ academic programs in 10+ study areas. Degree programs at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate level are offered by USC along with Graduate diplomas, certificates, and Associate degrees.
Accomplishments and Alumni
In 2021, the University of Sunshine Coast became one of the 68 Australian and International Research, Government and Industry partners to work collaboratively on Australia’s emerging Marine Bioproducts sector, in the Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Center. The University’s student enrollment rate has nearly doubled over the past decade, with the University recording a total of 33,700 awards conferred till date. Further, the University of Sunshine Coast graduates have a graduate employment rate of 85% within 4 months of graduation. Many notable personalities have graduated from the University of Sunshine Coast. Some of these include - Marayke Jonkers (Australian Paralympic Swimmer and Paratriathlete), Gary Crew (Australian Young Adult Fiction Writer), Jonty Bush (Member of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland) and Karen Foxlee (Australian Author).
Student Diversity and Visiting Companies
The University of Sunshine Coast has a student population of 18,725, out of which 8% comprises the international student body on the campus, who come from 72 countries worldwide. Of the total enrollments at USC, 70% comprises full-time students and 60% of them fall in the age group below 24. Most of the degree programs at USC involve a component of Internship, Work Placement, Practical, Industry Project or Field Experience to promote what is known as “Work-Integrated Learning.” This also makes them highly attractive prospects for local and international employers. Some of the companies that recruit USC graduates are - Deloitte Australia, Canva, Westpac Group, Commonwealth Bank, Accenture, Adobe, Allianz, Wellington Management Australia, Taco Bell, TCS and more.
