Embedded in some of Queensland’s fastest growing and most diverse regions, UniSC is closely connected to the communities it serves. Through education, research, and partnerships, we support workforce diversity, social inclusion, and economic growth.
This inaugural triennial Social and Economic Impact Report provides a comprehensive snapshot of UniSC’s impact across South East Queensland and South Australia, including Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Caboolture, Fraser Coast, Gympie and Adelaide.
It highlights our role as a leader in driving knowledge, innovation, and inclusive growth.
UniSC works closely with each community to co-develop programs and partnerships that reflect unique industries, cultures and needs. Our social and economic contributions are underpinned by key pathways that strengthen:
- Workforce capability through graduate employment and skills development
- Community wellbeing through education access and inclusion
- Economic resilience through local investment, research, and innovation.
Strategic relevance
Under the UniSC Strategic Plan 2025–2028, UniSC commits to measuring and communicating its social and economic contributions with transparency and accountability. This report provides a comprehensive snapshot of UniSC’s impact to inform government, industry, and community collaboration.
Social and Economic Impact Reports 2024
The 2024 Reports can be accessed in PDF or accessible text format.
PDF format
Accessible text format
2024 Key highlights
Social impact
Strengthening community connections
Partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities – These partnerships embed cultural knowledge and leadership across UniSC. Our international students further enrich this diversity, bringing global perspectives that strengthen learning and intercultural understanding.
Research and outreach – Through place-based initiatives, responsive programs and research addressing real-world challenges, UniSC builds stronger communities and drives social impact.
Widening equity participation – With 66 percent equity students, UniSC is positioned as a key driver of the University Australian Accord’s national goal for 8 in 10 Australians to hold a postschool qualification.
Driving regional growth and equity in education participation
Students contribute to a stronger, more skilled and more inclusive future for our South East Queensland communities
- +5.9% growth enrolments
(other Queensland universities fell .01% on average) - 68.7% female representation
(other Queensland universities average 57.3%) - 24% domestic students from regional and remote communities
(other Australian universities average 17.7%).
Driving community impact through research and partnerships
UniSC’s research and partnerships deliver real-world benefits, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, advancing good health, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion while empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- World-class applied research for impact, translating discovery into solutions for climate, health, and community resilience.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnerships, building strong, respectful relationships that honour Indigenous knowledge and leadership.
- Connecting people, research and place through community partnerships that link education, culture and innovation to strengthen regional and social wellbeing.
Skill development
Building regional capability
Building future workforces through industry-aligned and priority skills education
UniSC graduates drive regional growth through strong employment outcomes, supported by industry-connected learning and partnerships.
- 89% domestic graduates employed within four months
- 67% domestic graduates remain the region
Local economic investment
Regional growth impact
Driving regional growth through local investment and economic impact
Through direct employment, UniSC provides a major economic boost to regional communities and supporting thousands of employees.
- $167.1m Sunshine Coast
- $25.1m Moreton Bay
- $12.7m – Fraser Coast, Gympie, Caboolture
International students stimulate local economies and contribute to cultural vitality and global connections.
- $69.6m in local spending across regions
- $43m – tuition fees directly contributed back into local economy
