Program Details: University of the Sunshine Coast
Is this program for me?
The USC is a highly regarded university in the Australia state of Queensland.. With a current student enrollment of around 12,000 students from over 50 different countries, USC is one of the fastest growing campuses in Australia.You can study a wide-range of subjects including: accounting, Australian studies, cultural studies, biomedical sciences, communications, computer-based art & design, environmental science, human resource management, information systems, international studies, management, marine studies, marketing, microbiology, public health, sports and exercise science, tourism and much more. USC offers a wide range of support services to meet the academic and personal needs of students, as well as a range of social events to help students acclimate to the area.
USC has a number of research centres such as: Adolescent Risk Research Unit, Art Research in Creative Humanities, Centre for Animal Health Innovation, Forest Industry Research Centre, GeneCology Research Center, Stormwater Research Group, Sustainability Research Centre, Tropical Forests and People Research Centre, and more.
Location
The University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) is located in Sippy Downs, Australia, just one hour away from Queensland’s capital, Brisbane. The Sunshine Coast is considered one of the most beautiful regions in Australia with world-class beaches, national parks, and a sub-tropical climate that is ideal for an outdoor lifestyle. The USC campus is built on a nature reserve and is home to many animals, including kangaroos. Sippy Downs is warm year-round with winter temperatures only getting down to around 55 degrees. There are also many hiking trails in the area. The beach is about a 20 minute bike ride from campus.
Cost
The cost of any study abroad program depends to a large extent on the participant's personal spending habits and lifestyle.
Visa Information
A student visa is required for participants of this program. Detailed information on how to apply for a student visa to study in Australia will be provided by USC after you receive final acceptance into the program. The student visa guide provides information regarding the application process and required documents. Please note that the appropriate consulate or embassy must be consulted for the most up-to-date visa information.
Housing and Meals
Students are housed off-campus in fully-furnished, shared apartments that are designated for university students. Each apartment offers a single bedroom, and a shared kitchen and living room. The apartments are conveniently located next to the university (between two and six kilometers). Bikes are the main transportation used by students.
The two primary apartment complexes near campus are Central and Varsity.
USC does not offer meal plans. If you do not want to prepare your own meals, students can eat at the campus cafeteria.
Program Dates
Fall (semester 2): mid-July—November (approx. 18 weeks)
Winter (semester 1): mid-February—late June (appox. 18 weeks)
Academic Year: mid-February—November
Courses
USC offers a wide range of course options for undergraduate students. Most USC courses will transfer to GVSU as 3 credits. Students will be required to sign up for 4 courses during their semester at USC.
USC Course List contains a list of available USC courses and course descriptions.
Some USC courses have already been pre-approved at GVSU. Students can find a list of pre-approved courses by clicking Existing Course Equivalencies
USC Guides
USC offers a variety of student guides on their website at:
Guides and handbook for International Students
Regular Study Abroad Applicants
Exchange Students (typically one person per year)
Steps to Applying as an Exchange Student
Estimated costs (for Exchange Students)
USC Application Process
Step 1 - Students must apply and be accepted into the GVSU OASIS application system.
Step 2 - The Padnos International Center will provide all applicants with application instructions after the OASIS priority deadline.
Step 3 - Students must complete all required application materials for USC.
Step 4 - Students receive admission into the program and are provided with additional pre-arrival instructions.
Campus Information
Students can make their way from one side of campus to the other in about 10 minutes. There are cafes near the campus. Students interested in sports will find a variety of community sports teams available rather than university teams. This offers students an opportunity to meet people from the surrounding area. Students interested in buying a bike to get around can often find used bikes for sale.
Travel Information
Students typically fly into Brisbane Airport. Students can choose an airport greeting to be met at the airport and taken to your accommodations. This service is often provided by the housing complex; however, USC may also offer this service to students.