This page provides information for our international partner universities and their students who are interested in participating in inbound exchange at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC).
University exchange enables students from our partner institutions to study at UniSC for a short period, typically one or two teaching periods, while remaining enrolled and continuing to pay tuition fees to their home university. This arrangement supports academic continuity while offering students an immersive international study experience in Australia.
UniSC maintains formal exchange agreements with universities across the globe. These reciprocal partnerships allow UniSC students to study overseas (outbound exchange) and, equally, provide opportunities for students from our partner institutions to study at UniSC (inbound exchange). Exchange activity is an important part of our shared commitment to global learning, mobility, and cross‑cultural engagement.
Inbound exchange at UniSC is available only to students enrolled at a university with an active exchange agreement with us. Students interested in studying at UniSC through exchange should contact the International Office at their home institution to confirm eligibility, partnership status, and nomination processes.
Students who are not studying at one of our partner universities may still be able to study at UniSC through our Study Abroad program, which offers flexible study options for a fee-paying arrangement.
Why choose UniSC?
Founded in 1996, the University of the Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s youngest, most innovative and fastest growing universities.
Our flagship campus on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland is approximately 90 km north of Brisbane (1hr drive). 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
Students interested in attending UniSC as an exchange student must begin the process from their home institution.
Application steps
- Step 1: The student discusses their interest in studying at UniSC with the International Office at their home university to confirm eligibility for exchange.
- Step 2: The home university formally nominates the student to UniSC via email, indicating the intended trimester(s) of study.
- Step 3: The UniSC Global Learning team assesses the nomination and advises the outcome to the home university. If the nomination is approved, an application form and application instructions are provided to both the home university and the nominated student.
- *Step 4: The student submits a formal exchange application to UniSC's international Admissions team via email (study@unisc.edu.au), including all required supporting documentation (outlined below).
- Step 5: UniSC Admissions contacts the student regarding the next steps. Once requirements are met, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) is issued where applicable.
- Step 6: The student prepares for their studies at UniSC by applying for a student visa and organising travel and accommodation arrangements.
(*) Please note, the exchange application process at UniSC differs to our Study Abroad application process. Exchange students must follow application instructions provided by the Global Learning team to submit a physical application form to our Admissions team, via email.
Supporting documentation
As part of the application, students are required to provide:
- a copy of their passport
- certified evidence of English language proficiency (see UniSC English language requirements)
- an official academic transcript from the home institution, with certified English translations 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 common 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 |
Course load and academic requirements
Exchange students at UniSC typically enrol in 3-4 courses per trimester, which is considered a full‑time study load.
To support academic approval and smooth enrolment, we recommend students consider more courses than required during the planning stage and have all of these courses approved by their home university in advance. This allows flexibility if timetable clashes occur or a subject is unavailable, and a student is required to select a new course at UniSC. All courses selected at UniSC must be approved by the student’s home institution. Students are encouraged to work closely with their home university’s academic or credit team before finalising course choices.
Is there a minimum GPA?
UniSC does not have a minimum GPA requirement for inbound exchange students.
However, students must meet and comply with any academic requirements set by their home institution, including minimum GPA thresholds that may apply for exchange participation.
English language requirements
Students and partner institutions are encouraged to review UniSC’s English language requirements.
Exchange students must ensure they meet English proficiency requirements before applying as an exchange student to UniSC. These requirements help ensure students are well prepared for academic study in an English‑speaking environment.
What are the costs?
Exchange students at UniSC continue to pay their tuition fees to their home institution, in accordance with the exchange agreement between our universities. However, there are a number of additional costs that students should plan for when studying in Australia.
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 study.
As a guide, the single person OSHC cost for one trimester is approximately $427 AUD (2025).
When completing a UniSC exchange application, students may request that OSHC be arranged on their behalf. An accurate cost will be provided at that stage.
UniSC can arrange visa-length OSHC for students and their 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 lifestyle and personal preferences.
Find out more about living costs.
Student visa
All international students must hold an appropriate Australian Student visa to study at UniSC.
Student visa application fees start from AUD $2,000. Once an offer has been accepted, students are responsible for lodging their own *visa application directly with the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA).
(*) Please note, UniSC is unable to provide visa advice.
Find out more about Australian visas.
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 students and their 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 all students 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 their unique needs and requirements.
Exchange students requiring adjustments will be provided with advice and support before their arrival to ensure they have everything they need to study and thrive at UniSC.
Before arrival
Students who would like to ask questions about UniSC programs, what it's like living in Queensland, or studying in Australia are welcome to connect with UniSC international students and staff before they arrive. Including those who speak their native language.
Talk to a UniSC international student or 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.