What is university exchange?
UniSC partners with institutions around the world to provide reciprocal student exchange programs. The Global Learning team arranges exchange opportunities for UniSC students to study overseas, and also facilitates expressions of interest (nominations) from partner universities wishing to send students to UniSC on exchange (inbound).
University exchange opportunities can only be arranged for students who attend a partner university that has an existing exchange arrangement in place with UniSC.
If you are interested in studying at UniSC but your home institution is not a partner of UniSC, you may be interested in enroling with us 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.
About the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast, located in southern Queensland just north of Brisbane, is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions with a population of over 350,000. It offers a unique blend of stunning beaches, lush hinterland, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. With over 100km of pristine coastline, national parks, and iconic landmarks like the Glass House Mountains and K’gari (Fraser Island), the region is a natural wonderland ideal for both adventure and relaxation. The climate is sub-tropical, with over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it perfect for year-round outdoor activities.
The Sunshine Coast is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its ecological significance and is a welcoming destination for international students, offering a safe and inclusive environment.
Student benefits:
- Affordable living
- Strong community support
- Proximity to domestic travel hubs like Sunshine Coast Airport and Brisbane.
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 study abroad and
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 should you choose?
You can enrol in four courses, however we would recommend that you choose 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 instances such as timetable clashes.
Is there a minimum GPA?
The minimum GPA requirement for exchange students intending to study at UniSC is 4.5. This is in addition to UniSC's English language requirements.
How to apply
Students interested in attending UniSC as an exchange student should first speak to their home institution's International Office to confirm there is an exchange partnership is in place between both institutions.
Steps to apply:
- Step 1: Student confirms with their home university their interest in studying at UniSC as an exchange student.
- Step 2: Home university's International Office nominates 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 partner institution (also via email). If accepted, information about how to apply will be provided to both the institution and student who has been nominated.
- Step 4: Student submits an application 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)
Accommodation and Transport
Public buses connect from UniSC’s on-site 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 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 at UniSC.
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, check with provider directly.
Find out more about accommodation and housing at UniSC.
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.