该页无缩略图
English language requirements
Standard English language requirements
The table below specifies the standard requirements that will be accepted for most programs. Standard
english language entry requirements for all programs (except those specified in table 2).
English proficiency test results are regarded as valid for two years from the test date. Where more than
one English proficiency test result has been submitted for assessment, UniSC may base its assessment
on the most recent test. These lists are not exhaustive. Other proof of English proficiency may be
considered, and applications are assessed individually.
Students progressing from the Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) program to an undergraduate
program, will need to demonstrate the English language proficiency required for entry to the relevant
undergraduate program as indicated in either Table 1 or 2.
Students progressing from the Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway (PQP) program to a postgraduate
program, will need to demonstrate the English language proficiency required for entry to the relevant
postgraduate program as indicated in either Table 1 or 2.
1. Meeting this requirement is usually sufficient however, the University reserves the right to ask for additional evidence of proficiency in certain
instances. For more information visit usc.edu.au/englishlanguagereqs
Test or other preparation Undergraduate
(including undergraduate Study
Abroad and TPP)
Postgraduate coursework
(including PQP, postgraduate Study
Abroad and Honours)
Higher Degrees by Research
(including Master by Research and
Doctoral degrees)
IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 6.0 with minimum
5.5 in each subtest
Overall score of 6.5 with minimum
6.0 in each subtest
Overall score of 6.5 with minimum
6.0 in each subtest
TOEFL iBT Overall score of 76 with minimum
score of 18 for writing
Overall score of 85 with minimum
score of 21 for writing
Overall score of 85 with minimum
score of 21 for writing
TOEFL: Paper-based Overall score of 550 with minimum
essay score of 4
Overall score of 575 with minimum
essay score of 4
Overall score of 575 with minimum
essay score of 4
Pearson Test of English Overall score of 50 with no sub score
less than 50
Overall score of 58 with no sub score
less than 54
Overall score of 58 with no sub score
less than 54
Language of Instruction
English (LOI) 1
Minimum 1 year full-time tertiary
study, or 1 year full-time other
post-secondary study, or 2 years
full-time secondary study where
the language of instruction is
English, successfully completed in
last 5 years in one of the following
countries: Australia, Canada, New
Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South
Africa, United Kingdom and United
States of America
Study completed in countries
that don't appear in this list will
be considered on a case-bycase basis.
Minimum 2 year full-time tertiary
study, or 2 year full-time other
post-secondary study where the
language of instruction is English,
successfully completed in the last 5
years in one of the of the following
countries: Australia, Canada, New
Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South
Africa, United Kingdom and United
States of America
Study completed in countries
that don't appear in this list will be
considered in a case-by-case basis.
Minimum 2 years full-time tertiary
(university level) study where the
language of instruction is English,
successfully completed in the last
5 years in one of the of following
countries: Australia, Canada, New
Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South
Africa, United Kingdom and United
States of America
Study completed in countries
that don't appear in this list will be
considered in a case-by-case basis.
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency
Note: Cambridge Advanced
English (CAE) prior to Nov 2021
Overall score of 169 or above with no
less than 162 in each skill
Overall score of 177 or above with no
less than 169 in each skill
Overall score of 177 or above with no
less than 169 in each skill
ISLPR (IIAA accredited)-
(previously ASLPR)
3 in all four skill areas - -
Global Assessment
Certificate (GAC)
Successful completion with a
minimum GPA of 2.3
- -
UniSC's English for Academic
Purposes (EAP) 2
Successful completion Successful completion Successful completion
UniSC's English for Academic
Purposes (EAP) 3
Successful completion Successful completion Successful completion
Table 1: Standard English language requirements
CRICOS Provider Number: 01595D 99
English language entry requirements
for non-standard programs
English language proficiency for the programs listed in Table 2 may only be met by means of the criteria
in Table 2. No other evidence of English proficiency, including online versions of the tests listed, will be
considered for these programs.
English proficiency test results are regarded as valid for two years from the test date, unless otherwise
specified for the relevant program.
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours)
IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each subtest
TOEFL Paper-based — overall score of 575 with minimum essay score of 4
iBT — overall score of 86 with minimum score of 21 for writing and 20 in all other sections
Pearson Test of English Overall score of 58 with no subscore less than 54
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency
Note: Cambridge Advanced English
(CAE) prior to Nov 2021
Overall score of 177 or above with no less than 169 in each skill
Language of Instruction English (LOI) LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have
successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary (eg VET/TAFE) or
tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last five years in any
of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South
Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will not be considered for studies
undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 2 Successful completion of EAP 2 with a minimum overall score of 70%
Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Social Work/Bachelor of Criminology
and Justice, Master of Social Work (Qualifying)
IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 7 with minimum of 7.0 in each subtest
Language of Instruction English (LOI) LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who have
successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary study or at least three years of Bachelor
or Master level study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last five years
in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland,
United Kingdom, United States of America and South Africa. LoI English will not be considered for studies
undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list.
Bachelor of Nursing Science, Bachelor of Nursing Science: Graduate entry
IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 7.0 with minimum 7 in each subtest
TOEFL TOEFL iBT — overall score of 98, with 27 for writing, 24 for listening and reading, and 23 for speaking
Pearson Test of English Overall score of 65 with no subscore less than 65
Occupational English Test (OET) An overall pass with no subscore less than B
Language of Instruction English (LOI) Applicants must have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and
secondary education taught and assessed solely in English. At least two years of this education
must have been between grades 7 and 12. This education must have been completed in one of the
following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom,
or United States of America.
LoI English will not be considered for primary/secondary school studies undertaken in countries that
don’t appear in this list. Post-secondary study will not be considered from any country.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 3 EAP 3 is no longer available as a direct pathway into Nursing programs. Applicants who do not meet
the English language requirements outright are encouraged to enrol into EAP 3 to prepare them
for a formal English language test (ie one of the tests mentioned in this table) onshore. Students
completing EAP 3 will need to achieve the required English test score before they can progress into
their UniSC Nursing program.
Table 2: Non standard English language requirements
100 International Student Guide 2023 – University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
Bachelor of Midwifery 1
IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 7.0 with minimum 7 in each subtest
TOEFL TOEFL iBT — overall score of 98, with 27 for writing, 24 for listening and reading, and 23
for speaking
Pearson Test of English Overall score of 65 with no subscore less than 65
Occupational English Test (OET) An overall pass with no subscore less than B
Language of Instruction English (LOI) Applicants must have attended and satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and
secondary education taught and assessed solely in English. At least two years of this education
must have been between grades 7 and 12. This education must have been completed in one of
the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United
Kingdom, or United States of America. LoI English will not be considered for primary/secondary
school studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list. Post-secondary study will
not be considered from any country.
Bachelor of Dietetics (Honours)1
, Bachelor of Paramedicine1
, Bachelor of Medical Science1
IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 7.0 with minimum 6.5 in each subtest
TOEFL Paper-based — overall score of 600 with minimum essay score of 5
iBT — overall score of 96 with minimum score of 24 for writing and 23 in all other sections
Pearson Test of English Overall score of 65 with no subscore less than 58
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency
Note: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) prior
to Nov 2021
Overall score of 186 or above with no less than 177 in each skill
Language of Instruction English (LOI) LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who
have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary (eg VET/
TAFE) or tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last
five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand,
Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will
not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list.
Bachelor of Laws (Llb), Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry), Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws/
Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting), Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of
Creative Industries (Creative Writing And Publishing), Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Communication (Journalism),
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Environmental Management, Bachelor of
Laws/Bachelor of Criminology And Justice
IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 7.0 with minimum 7.0 in writing and speaking and 6.5 in reading and listening
TOEFL Paper-based — overall score of 600-617 with minimum essay score of 5.0
iBT — overall score of 100 with minimum score of 25 for writing and speaking and 23 in all
other sections
Pearson Test of English Overall score of 65 with minimum of 65 in writing and speaking and 58 in all other subtests
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency
Note: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) prior
to Nov 2021
Overall score of 186 with no less than 186 in speaking and writing, and no less than 177 in the
other skills
Language of Instruction English (LOI) LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who
have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary (eg VET/
TAFE) or tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last
five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand,
Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will
not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list.
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood), Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of
Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Primary Education, Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/
Bachelor of Recreation And Outdoor Environmental Studies
IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 7.5 with minimum 8.0 in speaking and listening and 7.0 in reading and writing
Language of Instruction English (LOI) LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants
who have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary
(eg VET/TAFE) or tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within
the last five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New
Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will not
be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list.
1. Program not available to international students on a Student visa.
CRICOS Provider Number: 01595D 101
Master of Teaching (Primary), Master of Teaching (Secondary)
IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 7.5 with minimum 8.0 in speaking and listening and 7.0 all other subtests
Language of Instruction English (LOI) LOI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants
who have successfully completed at least three years of tertiary study where the language of
instruction is English, completed within the last five years in any of the countries listed, may be
considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom and United
States of America. LOI English will not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that
don’t appear in this list.
Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology, Master of Nursing (Clinical Leadership), Master of Professional Psychology,
Master of Psychology (Clinical)
IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 7 with minimum of 7.0 in all other subtests
TOEFL Paper based - overall score of 785 with a writing score of 5.5
iBT - overall score of 105 with no sub score less than 25
Pearson Test of English Overall 65 with no sub score less than 65
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency
Note: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) prior
to Nov 2021
Overall 185 or above with no less than 185 in each skill
Language of Instruction English (LOI) LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who
have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary (eg VET/
TAFE) or tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last
five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand,
Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will
not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list.
Master of Information And Communications Technology
IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 6.0 with minimum 6.0 in each subtest
TOEFL Paper-based — overall score of 550 with minimum essay score of 4
iBT — overall score of 76 with minimum score of 21
Pearson Test of English Overall score of 50 with no subscore less than 50
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency
Note: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) prior
to Nov 2021
Overall score of 169 with no less than 169 in each skill
Language of Instruction English (LOI) LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who
have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary (eg VET/
TAFE) or tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last
five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand,
Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will
not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 2 Successful completion of EAP 2 with a minimum overall score of 70%
Bachelor of Prosthetics And Orthotics
IELTS (Academic) Overall score of 6.5 with minimum 6.0 in each subtest
TOEFL Paper-based — overall score of 575 with minimum essay score of 4
iBT — overall score of 85 with minimum score of 21 for writing and 20 in all other sections
Pearson Test of English Overall score of 58 with no subscore less than 54
C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency
Note: Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) prior
to Nov 2021
Overall score of 177 or above with no less than 169 in each skill
Language of Instruction English (LOI) LoI English will be considered in limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who
have successfully completed at least two years of senior secondary, post-secondary (eg VET/
TAFE) or tertiary study where the language of instruction is English, completed within the last
five years in any of the countries listed, may be considered: Australia, Canada, New Zealand,
Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America. LoI English will
not be considered for studies undertaken in countries that don’t appear in this list.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) 2 Successful completion of EAP 2 with a minimum overall score of 70%
102 International Student Guide 2023 – University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
Other country specific qualifications
The qualifications and results listed should be used as a guide only and are an indication of minimum
English language proficiency requirements.
UniSC reserves the right to request additional proof of meeting English language requirements. If your
qualification is not listed, or you would like to find out more information about whether or not your
qualification could be used to meet English language requirements contact:
• International applicants: international@usc.edu.au
• Domestic applicants: information@usc.edu.au
Qualifications listed below, that are the equivalent to Australian Year 12, must be completed within the last
five years, unless otherwise specified.
Tests listed below must have been completed within the last two years, unless otherwise specified.
Test or other preparation Undergraduate
(including undergraduate Study
Abroad and TPP)
Postgraduate coursework
(including PQP, postgraduate
Study Abroad and Honours)
Higher Degrees by Research
(including Master by Research
and Doctoral degrees)
Austrian Maturity Certificate
(Reifexeugnis/ Reifeprufungszeugnis/
Matura /Maturazeugnis)
GPS of 2 in English from the last
three years of Austrian High
School Diploma (completed in
the last seven years)
GPS of 2 in English from the last
three years of Austrian High
School Diploma (completed in
the last seven years)
n/a
Canada (Quebec) Ministerial
Examination of College English Exam
Minimum grade of B in all
three criteria (Comprehension
and Insight; Organisation of
Response; Expression)
Minimum grade of B in all
three criteria (Comprehension
and Insight; Organisation of
Response; Expression)
n/a
DAAD English language certificate Minimum B2 (4 stars) in all areas Minimum grade of C1 (5 stars)
in all areas
Minimum grade of C1 (5 stars)
in all areas
Danish Upper Secondary School
(Studentereksamen)
Grade of 7 in English A, or Grade
of 10 in English B
Grade of 7 in English A, or Grade
of 10 in English B
Grade of 7 in English A, or Grade
of 10 in English B
Eiken Test in Practical English
Proficiency
Grade of Pre-1 n/a n/a
Finnish High School Grade of 8 or better in English
(13 point scale), 7 or better (9
point scale) or 4 or better (7
point scale)
n/a n/a
GCE Advanced level (A levels)
(Awarded by an examining body
registered with Ofqual)
Minimum grade of C in English Minimum grade of C in English Minimum grade of B in English
German Senior High School
Diploma (Abitur)
Grade of 5 or better (15 point
scale) in English in at least one
of the three years of Senior High
School (completed in the last
seven years)
Grade of 5 or better (15 point
scale) in English in at least one
of the three years of Senior High
School (completed in the last
seven years)
n/a
Hong Kong Year 12 (HKDSE) Minimum level of 3 for English n/a n/a
Iceland Studentsprof Grade of 5.2 in English (on a
10 point scale) in the Icelandic
Studentsprof from Gymnasium
Grade of 5.2 in English (on a
10 point scale) in the Icelandic
Studentsprof from Gymnasium
n/a
International Baccalaureate English B – Higher level minimum
grade 5, English A1 or A2 –
Higher/standard levels minimum
grade 4, completed within the
last two years
English B – Higher level minimum
grade 5, English A1 or A2 –
Higher/standard levels minimum
grade 4, completed within the
last two years
n/a
Kenyan Certificate of Secondary
Education (KCSE)
Grade of C+ in English n/a n/a
Malaysia – STPM, SPM, Cambridge
English Language 1119
STPM – Minimum grade of C in
English in Literature SPM – B pass
in English Cambridge English
Language 1119 – Grade of C6
n/a n/a
CRICOS Provider Number: 01595D 103
For more information visit usc.edu.au/englishlanguagereqs
Netherlands – HAVO or VWO HAVO – a grade of 7 or better
in English
VWO – a grade of 6 or better
in English
HAVO – a grade of 7 or better
in English
VWO – a grade of 6 or better
in English
HAVO – a grade of 7 or better
in English
VWO – a grade of 6 or better
in English
Norwegian Upper Secondary School
(Vitnemal)
A grade of 4 or better in English
in at least one of the three
years of Upper Secondary
School (completed in the last
seven years)
A grade of 4 or better in English
in at least one of the three
years of Upper Secondary
School (completed in the last
seven years)
A grade of 4 or better in English
in at least one of the three
years of Upper Secondary
School (completed in the last
seven years)
Papua New Guinea Upper Secondary
School Certificate
Successful completion of senior
secondary studies
n/a n/a
South Africa – National Senior
Certificate or Senior Certificate
National Senior Certificate –
Grade of 5 in English
Senior Certificate – Matriculation
endorsement and grade of C
in English
National Senior Certificate –
Grade of 5 in English
Senior Certificate – Matriculation
endorsement and grade of C
in English
n/a
Swedish Upper Secondary School
(Slutbetyg)
A grade of VG or MVG in final
year English or Grade C or
better in English 6 or English
7 (completed in the last
seven years)
A grade of VG or MVG in final
year English or Grade C or
better in English 6 or English
7 (completed in the last
seven years)
A grade of MVG in final year
English (completed in the last
seven years)
Test or other preparation Undergraduate
(including undergraduate Study
Abroad and TPP)
Postgraduate coursework
(including PQP, postgraduate
Study Abroad and Honours)
Higher Degrees by Research
(including Master by Research
and Doctoral degrees)
Other country specific qualifications
2023 Scholarships
English Excellence Scholarship
The English Excellence Scholarship is awarded to
commencing international students who have achieved
higher than required results in a recognised English
language proficiency test. This 20 percent tuition fee
reduction applies to the officially scheduled and published
tuition fees for the relevant program and study period.
International Student Scholarship
The International Student Scholarship is
available to international students commencing
in 2023 across all UniSC Queensland campuses.
This 15 percent tuition fee reduction applies to
the officially scheduled and published tuition
fees for the relevant program and study period.
For more information regarding our scholarships including terms and condition, visit usc.edu.au/internationalscholarships,
or contact the International Office, or your preferred UniSC agent representative.
104 International Student Guide 2023 – University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
How to apply
Applying to UniSC as an international student is easy, and you can apply to
UniSC via the International Application Portal. The portal is open all year round,
so you can simply follow the steps below to start your academic adventure.
4. Find a UniSC agent
representative
Many international students prefer to use
an education agent to assist
them with the application
process to UniSC. You can find
a complete list of UniSC agent
representatives at
usc.edu.au/internationalreps
1. Browse for your
preferred degree
Browse this guide or visit
usc.edu.au/intapply
3. Check eligibility for credit
and collect supporting
documents
Information regarding supporting documents
can be found at www.usc.edu.au/
international-undergrad-reqs. UniSC also
offers credit for some or all of your home
country qualifications or prior
learning. For more detailed
information visit
usc.edu.au/credit
5. Check eligibility for
scholarships
UniSC offers a range of scholarships in 2023
for international students.
There are also a range
of external scholarships
available. Visit usc.edu.au/
internationalscholarships for
more information
2. Check if you meet the
entry requirements
Check the undergraduate entry requirements
listed in this guide or by visiting usc.edu.au/
internationalundergradrequirements
Postgraduate requirements are listed on each
specific program page. Check the English
language requirements,
or alternatively, consider a
pathway option (see page 92)
if you don’t meet the direct
entry requirements.
6. Apply online
Once you are ready to submit your
application, you can head over to our
International Application Portal. If you are
applying via a registered UniSC agent,
they will submit an application
on your behalf. Contact your
nominated UniSC agent
representative for further
information.
CRICOS Provider Number: 01595D 105
Admissions checklist 1. Accept your offer
If you receive an offer to study at UniSC, you
can accept this offer in the International
Application Portal. If you have applied via a
UniSC agent, your agent will advise you on
how to accept.
2. Pay your deposit
Once we have received your payment, you’ve
officially accepted your offer to study at
UniSC. For more information on how to pay,
refer to your Letter of Offer.
3. Apply for a Student visa
In order to study in Australia, you will need to
apply for a Student visa via the Department
of Home Affairs (DOHA). If you’re already on
another type of temporary
visa with study rights, you
do not need to apply for a
Student visa. See usc.edu.
au/beforeyouarrive for more
detailed information.
4. Secure your
accommodation
Exploring your accommodation options is
an important step in preparing to arrive
in Australia. There are a variety of options
close to UniSC's campuses whether you
want to live in a privately
owned accommodation
complex, share a house, book
a homestay or find a place
of your own. See usc.edu.au/
accommodation for more
detailed information.
5. Check your UniSC
Student Email regularly
Every UniSC student is provided a University
email account provided by the Microsoft
Office 365 for Education
system. This is where you will
be sent important information
from UniSC regarding your
studies. Find out more at
usc.edu.au/uscmail
6. Fees due date
Payment of fees is required by the due
date. Refer to the relevant
Academic Calendar found
at usc.edu.au/calendars for
key administrative dates,
including the fee due date and
census date.
106 International Student Guide 2023 – University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
Working in Australia
Student visa holders are normally allowed to work up to 40 hours per fortnight during
semester, and full-time during semester breaks. Students undertaking Higher Degrees
by Research have unlimited work rights. For more information, visit homeaffairs.gov.au
Visas
If you’re not an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent resident,
you’ll need a visa that has study rights before you can enter Australia and undertake
study. If you intend to study in a program that is longer than three months, you will
normally need a Student visa. If you hold or are going to apply for any other visas,
contact the Department of Home Affairs for advice regarding your eligibility to study.
To find out what type of visa you need and how to apply, visit:
• Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) homeaffairs.gov.au
For advice or assistance with your application for a visa to study in Australia, you can
contact a registered migration agent to assist you:
• Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) mara.gov.au
Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Framework
The ESOS Act and National Code ensure international students in Australia get the education
they desire. To access the National Code of Practice 2018, or for a description of the ESOS
framework for students, visit education.gov.au
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
OSHC is health insurance to assist international students meet the costs of medical and
hospital care that they may need while in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs requires
overseas students to maintain OSHC for the duration of the time they are in Australia.
UniSC can organise visa length OSHC cover for you, with our preferred provider Medibank,
or you can arrange your own OSHC with an alternative provider. Costs for OSHC vary
depending on the type and length of cover you choose. Fees can range from A$376 for one
semester to A$2,170 over three years for a single cover policy.1
1. Information pertaining to fees is correct at the time of publication.
First Bay, Coolum Beach
Important information
CRICOS Provider Number: 01595D 107
Admission The process of administering the applications to programs of study, including assessing applicants'
academic history, checking program entry requirements and making offers to applicants.
Application Application to a program is a process undertaken by students. This process includes submission of
an application and supply of appropriate documentation.
Articulation pathway Two programs that are constructed in such a way that completion of the first program allows credit
from that program to be transferred to the second program (eg articulation from TAFE).
Award An award (or award program) is a recognised certification of achievement that is granted to a
student after the completion of all requirements of a higher education program (eg Bachelor of Arts).
Bachelor Bachelor is the title for an undergraduate program (eg Bachelor of Business). Generally, a bachelor
degree at UniSC comprises 288 units (24 courses) and normally takes three years of full-time study
or six years of part-time study to complete. Four-year undergraduate programs are also available.
Census date The census date is the date by which students must finalise their enrolment in each semester or
session. The census dates for semesters and sessions are listed in the Academic Calendars.
Census date is also used to confirm that students are enrolled to receive their scholarship
or bursary payments.
Combined degree A combined degree is a combination of two undergraduate degrees undertaken simultaneously
(eg Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science). A combined degree at UniSC comprises 384 units
(generally 32 courses) and normally takes four years of full-time study or eight years of part-time
study to complete.
Course A course (commonly known as a subject) is a component of an award program that is normally one
semester in length. Each course is generally 12 units in value. The standard enrolment for a full-time
student is four courses per semester.
Credit points The number of credit points defines the academic weighting assigned to a course.
Most courses at UniSC have a weighting of 12 credit points.
Credit transfer Credit transfer is the process of assessing prior academic work in order to determine whether those
studies are of equal depth and academic rigour as courses offered at UniSC. A successful credit
transfer application will reduce the number of courses required to complete an award program.
Also known as advanced standing. See also: Recognition of Prior Learning.
Cross-institutional
enrolment
Cross-institutional enrolment is where a student enrols in a course/s through another institution
which, on successful completion, can be credited to the student’s award program at their home
institution.
Domestic student Domestic students are Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens (including a diplomatic or consular
representative of New Zealand, a member of the staff of such a representative or the spouse or
dependent relative of such a representative) or holders of an Australian permanent visa.
Elective Many programs include elective courses, where students have the flexibility to study courses outside
of their required courses that counts towards their degree. Electives may be from other UniSC Schools
depending on the program requirements.
English language
requirements
UniSC requires students to be sufficiently proficient in English to successfully undertake tertiary study.
Students who have not previously undertaken secondary or tertiary study where the medium of
instruction was English may need to demonstrate their English language proficiency eg, through an
IELTS or TOEFL exam.
English prerequisite Some UniSC programs require successful completion of English subject in Year 12, or equivalent,
for admission to that program.
Enrolment Enrolment is the process where an applicant, having received a written offer to study a particular
program, chooses the courses to study in that program, pays the appropriate fees, and is issued
with a Student ID Card. See also: Recommended enrolment pattern.
Equivalent Full Time
Student Load (EFTSL)
An Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL) unit is the measure of the course workload of a student.
1 EFTSL is equivalent to 8 courses.
Fee due date The date by which student fees must be paid.
Graduate A graduate is a student who has completed all the requirements of an award program and has
received their testamur (degree certificate).
Honours program An honours program is usually two semesters (one year full-time) of coursework, seminars and
supervised research undertaken after a bachelor degree. It advances a student's knowledge and
experience and helps to prepare for future research work or postgraduate study.
Introductory courses Introductory courses provide a sound knowledge of essential areas, and a foundation for studies in
majors and/or minors within an award program. They are normally coded as 100-level courses
(eg ENP101).
Major A major is a sequence of eight courses from one particular area of study.
UniSC terminology
108 International Student Guide 2023 – University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
UniSC terminology
Minimum entry
requirements
The minimum requirements an applicant must satisfy to be considered for entry to a particular
program. This may include, for example, Year 12 subject prerequisites completed to a specified level
of achievement, employment, or a completed qualification such as a diploma. It also encompasses
admissions rules such as English Language proficiency, Entry rank/OP and prerequisite study.
Minor A minor is a sequence of four courses from one particular area of study.
Non-award student A non-award student is enrolled in a course/s which does not lead to an award
(eg Bachelor of Science). Headstart, visiting or Study Abroad students are non-award students.
Offers The allocation of available program places to eligible applicants.
Part-time student A part-time student studies either one or two courses per semester. The standard part-time workload
is two courses per semester. Those attending university in Australia on a student visa cannot study on
a part-time basis.
Portal Portal is another term for Canvas; a web-based system for accessing course learning materials and
other pertinent student information. Portal (Canvas) is linked from the UniSC homepage.
Postgraduate student A postgraduate student studies a postgraduate coursework program (eg Graduate Certificate,
Graduate Diploma, Masters by coursework) or a higher degree by research
(eg Masters by research, Doctor of Philosophy) at university.
Practical A practical offers students the opportunity to practically apply relevant skills (eg laboratory skills).
Practical classes are usually 15–25 students in size.
Pre-requisite Specific knowledge that is needed prior to enrolling in the nominated course.
Program A program is the complete award with which a student graduates (eg Bachelor of Arts).
Program code A program code is a combination of letters and numbers that identifies an award program for
administrative purposes.
Program structure A program structure shows you the courses and total unit value you must complete to be eligible
to graduate.
Quota The estimated number of places in a program.
Scholarship Financial support for a number of years, to assist with the costs of study. Awarded to students on low
income or other equity groups (eg coming to study from a rural/remote location). Also awarded to
students with high academic achievement.
School A school is an organisational area within the University devoted to particular academic programs
and research (eg School of Education). Each school is headed by a Head of School or Dean.
Semesters The academic year is divided into two main semesters. First semester generally runs from February to
June, and second semester from July to December, as listed in the Academic Calendars.
Sessions The academic year is divided into multiple sessions, as listed in the Academic Calendars.
Sessions are generally for postgraduate studies, but also apply to what was previously
known as Summer semester.
Specialisation A specialisation is available to postgraduate programs only, and is a prescribed sequence of
4 courses (48 units) from an area of study.
Study costs Study costs broadly describes the charges a student can expect to incur whilst undertaking
university studies.
Study period A study period broadly describes a session, semester or trimester.
Tertiary Preparation
Pathway (TPP)
An alternative entry pathway to undergraduate degree study. Students can use this enabling
program to update study skills or to qualify for university entry.
Trimester Trimester 1, Trimester 2 and Trimester 3 are teaching sessions within Study Period 1 and 2 respectively,
consisting of 12 weeks of teaching, a study break period and an examination period.
At UniSC trimesters run concurrently alongside the two semesters.
Tuition fees Tuition fees are incurred by fee paying students.
Undergraduate student An undergraduate student studies a bachelor degree or honours program at university.
An undergraduate student may also be a student who already holds a degree,
but is taking a second or subsequent degree at the same level.
UniSCCentral UniSCCentral is the online system where students enrol, view grades and class schedules,
and update contact details.
Work integrated
learning
Work integrated learning incorporates field trips, lectures by industry experts, internships, practicums
and applied research projects. Work integrated learning is designed to enable students to experience
the work environment and career realities of their chosen discipline
CRICOS Provider Number: 01595D 109
Have any questions,
or want to learn more?
Contact the International Office
and we would be happy to
assist you further.
International Office
usc.edu.au/international
international@usc.edu.au
Tel: +61 7 5430 2843
FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE
UniSC.International
CRICOS Provider Number: 01595D
Brisbane
UniSC quick facts
Established: 1996
Type of institution: Public university
Student population: 18,275
Location: Sippy Downs, Sunshine Coast, Australia
Sunshine Coast population: 350,000+
