University exchange allows students to study at a partner institution abroad for a short period, while continuing to pay their usual tuition fees to their home university.
UniSC has exchange agreements with universities around the world. These agreements allow UniSC students to study abroad (outbound exchange) while also offering opportunities for students from our partner universities to study at UniSC (inbound exchange).
Inbound exchange at UniSC is only available to students who are enrolled at a university that has an active exchange agreement with us. To find out if your university has a partnership with UniSC, contact the International Office at your home institution to enquire.
Not studying at one of our partner universities? You can still study at UniSC by applying as a Study Abroad student.
Why choose UniSC?
Founded in 1996, the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is one of Australia’s youngest and most innovative universities.
The flagship campus on the Sunshine Coast is around 90 km north of Brisbane, Queensland. Set on a 100-hectare nature reserve, UniSC offers a modern, sustainable learning environment surrounded by native Australian wildlife and lush scenery.
Campus facilities
- Engineering Learning Hub with 3D visualisation studio.
- Performing Arts Centre and simulated health labs.
- Science, design, and manufacturing labs.
- Nationally accredited sport science facilities.
- Olympic-standard swimming pool, gyms, and 3,000-seat UniSC Arena.
- Modern library, art gallery, community garden, and multi-faith prayer space.
Student benefits:
- Affordable living
- Strong community support
- Proximity to domestic travel hubs like Sunshine Coast Airport and Brisbane.
How to apply
If you are interested in attending UniSC as an exchange student, you must first consult with your home institution's International Office.
Steps:
- Step 1: Student confirms with their home university their interest in studying at UniSC as an exchange student.
- Step 2: Home university nominates the student to UniSC (via email). Indicating which trimester the nomination is for.
- Step 3: UniSC Global Learning team provides an outcome of the nomination to the home university (also via email). If accepted, information about how to apply will be provided to both the home university and successful student.
- Step 4: Student submits an application to UniSC for exchange, including relevant supporting documentation (see below).
- Step 4: UniSC Admissions team contacts the student to provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter.
- Step 5: Student then prepares for their studies abroad by applying for a visa and organising their travel and accommodation.
Supporting documentation
- A copy of your passport
- Certified copies of English proficiency (see UniSC English language requirements)
- Your home institution transcript and official translations of documents (if applicable).
Academic Calendar
UniSC’s academic calendar is structured across three trimesters, with Trimester 1 (February–
June) and Trimester 2 (July–November) being the most popular entry points for exchange students.
Application dates
University exchange |
Nomination deadline | Application deadline | Orientation date | Trimester commencement |
| Trimester 1 | 1 November | 30 November | 23-27 February | 2 March |
| Trimester 2 | 1 April | 30 April | 13-17 July | 20 July |
How many courses (subjects) should I choose?
You can enrol in 3-4 courses per trimester at UniSC. However, we would recommend choosing more than this for approval, both by your home institution (if you are using the courses for credit transfer) and UniSC. This is to take into account timetable clashes. All UniSC subjects you choose must be approved by your home university’s credit team.
Is there a minimum GPA?
The minimum GPA requirement for exchange students at UniSC is 4.5. This is in addition to UniSC's English language requirements.
What are the costs?
As an exchange student, you will continue to pay tuition fees to you home institution rather than UniSC. However, there are some other costs to consider.
OSHC costs
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for most International students who are studying in Australia on a Student visa. The costs for OSHC vary depending on the type of cover (single, couple/single parent or family) and the duration of your studies.
UniSC can arrange visa-length OSHC for you and accompanying family members with our preferred provider, Medibank.
Living costs
An international student at UniSC would normally require approximately AUD$450 to AUD$500 per week to live comfortably on the Sunshine Coast. This covers typical accommodation costs, food, transport and other daily life expenses. This amount is in addition to airfares, visa application and health cover (OSHC) and will vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences. Find out more about living costs.
Student visa
As an international student, you will need a visa to study in Australia. The cost of a student visa starts from $2,000 (AUD). Once you have accepted your offer, you must arrange your visa through the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DoHA).
Find out more about your Australian visa.
Accommodation and Transport
Public buses connect from the UniSC bus interchange to beaches, shopping centres, and nightlife, with integrated bus and rail services to Brisbane. Other private or ride share transport options are also available. UniSC is 20km from the Sunshine Coast Airport (with direct flights to Sydney and Melbourne) and 90km from Brisbane Airport, offering both domestic and international travel options.
Find out more about transport and parking.
UniSC does not own or operate on-site student accommodation. However, there are privately owned accommodation options within walking distance of UniSC's Sunshine Coast campus. Accommodation must be privately arranged between you and your chosen provider before coming to Australia. Additional fees and/or deposits may apply.
Find out more about accommodation and housing.
Disability and accessibility
UniSC provides an equitable environment so you can fully participate in university life. We recognise that disability may be permanent, temporary or variable and provide a range of accessibility support services to students to meet your unique needs and requirements.
Before you arrive
If you have questions about a specific UniSC program, what it's like to live in Queensland, or simply just want to connect with someone in your native language, you can talk to one of our international students.
Find out more information before you arrive.
Life as a UniSC student
UniSC is a place where lifelong friends are made, and opportunities are earned. Our diverse community is made up of many people, with many stories, from different backgrounds, ages, cultures and geographical locations.