New incentives from the University of the Sunshine Coast will give high-achieving students even more reason to pursue their ambitions close to home, while continuing to dream big. 

After paving the way for first-in-family students, people returning to education, and First Nations students, the new UniSC scholarship and leadership pathways are aimed at attracting and retaining high achievers. 

Students graduating from Queensland high schools in 2026 who achieve an ATAR of 90 or above and make UniSC their first preference will receive a scholarship offer of $5,000. 

UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said the scholarships would be paired with special access to leadership, networking and development opportunities. 

“The UniSC High Achieving Student Program is further reason for Year 12s to lock in their future at our Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Fraser Coast, Gympie and Caboolture campuses,” Professor Bartlett said. 

“We want to attract those with exceptional dedication and vision. 

“The Program serves as an additional reason for outstanding high school students from all around the state to consider our unique offer. 

“A significant part of our charter as a university is to foster knowledge in our regions, and this goes a significant way to achieving that goal.” 

To qualify for the UniSC High Achieving Student Program, the following need to be met: 

• Students must be graduating from Year 12 with an ATAR of 90 or above; 
• A UniSC program must be placed as the first preference in their QTAC application; 
• Preferences must be lodged with QTAC before 12 noon on Monday, 21 December 2026; 
• For select programs – Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Accelerated), Bachelor of Medical Science, Bachelor of Midwifery and Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) – students also need to live in a UniSC campus area or regional, rural or remote location. 

To facilitate a seamless, stress-free transition into UniSC, those who qualify for the High Achieving Student Program do not need to make a separate application, other than their QTAC submission. 

Representing local high schools, Principal of Matthew Flinders Anglican College Michelle Carroll welcomed the concept. 

“There are incredibly talented young people in our region, so it’s wonderful to see UniSC encouraging them to pursue their ambitions close to home,” Ms Carroll said 

“The financial support provided through the scholarship will make a real difference, but the opportunity goes well beyond that. 

“Bringing high-achieving students together gives them the chance to learn from one another, build valuable connections and challenge each other to think bigger about what they can achieve.” 

High Achieving Student Program incentives will complement other existing UniSC scholarships and initiatives. 

UniSC has a long history of encouraging equitable access to high education, with nearly 40 per cent of students first-in-family to attend university, and a growing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cohort.  

A full list of Frequently Asked Questions about the High Achieving Student Program can be accessed on the UniSC website.