University of the Sunshine Coast
Study Abroad Australia 2008
The Sunshine Coast
Study Abroad at USC
The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations, with beautiful beaches, rivers and national parks. The pleasant subtropical climate is comfortable all year round. Located in the heart of the region, the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) campus lies approximately 90 kilometres from Brisbane and its international and domestic airports. From Brisbane there are train and bus connections to the University. Regional centres such as Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Noosa are between 15 and 40 minutes drive from USC. Regular bus services connect the campus to beaches and major shopping centres.
How to apply
Fees information
You can choose to study for one or two semesters in the USC Study Abroad program. To apply, contact the international office at your home university or complete an International Student Application Form, available at <www.usc.edu.au/ international>, and return it to USC International.
Fees* for students applying directly to the University of the Sunshine Coast are:
Population 275,000+
Sunshine Coast events
Visit <www.usc.edu.au/students/international/rules> for information on:
Location
Sunshine Coast sporting and cultural events attract visitors from around Australia and the world. They include:
• USC Student Fees and Charges Policy and Procedures (in relation to the refund of program monies)
• Noosa Festival of Surfing
• USC Student Grievance Policy
90 kilometres north of Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane, and just over one hour to Sydney and two hours to Melbourne by air. Attractions
• Coolum Kite Festival
• surfing beaches, national parks and sporting facilities
• Festuri (multicultural festival)
• markets, boutiques, cafés, restaurants and art galleries
• Noosa Triathlon and Multi Sport Festival
• World Heritage-listed Fraser Island (tourist attraction and location of USC teaching and research facilities)
• Australian PGA Championship
• UnderWater World
• Woodford Folk Festival
• Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo
Tourism Sunshine Coast <www.tourismsunshinecoast.com.au> Tourism Queensland <www.tq.com.au>
“People are always happy to have a chat with you and people here are very helpful. I will leave USC with a lot of precious memories.” Jakob Sievers Universität Kassel, Germany
Study Abroad at USC
• Noosa Jazz Festival
Extracurricular activities
More information
• USC Academic Rules relating to the deferment, suspension or cancellation of a student’s enrolment
• Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival
USC students have plenty to do in their spare time and during semester breaks. USC International staff can provide you with all the information you need to explore local attractions, and can assist you in planning trips further afield. Frequent flights from the Sunshine Coast Airport with budget airlines Jetstar <www.jetstar.com>, Tiger Airways <www. tigerairways.com> and Virgin Blue <www.virginblue.com.au> make it easy and affordable to visit Sydney to see the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House, or experience the cultural offerings and nightlife in Melbourne. Brisbane Airport is only one hour away by road with regular flights to major Australian destinations. You can go to Cairns to visit the Great Barrier Reef; or the Northern Territory to see World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park or the spectacular Uluru/Ayers Rock.
USC’s Study Abroad program gives international students an opportunity to earn credits toward their home degree while enjoying a valuable international and intercultural experience in Australia. The program allows you to register online, so you will know exactly what you will be studying before you arrive.
Why choose USC? Established by the Australian Government, USC is a modern and dynamic public university. The University has about 5,000 students and is ideal if you want a campus environment that is personal and friendly. It is a great place to meet Australian students and to experience the Australian lifestyle in a safe and natural environment. Located on the edge of a national park, the campus is home to kangaroos and a variety of other distinctive Australian animals and trees. Our environmentally friendly architecture has received national awards and the campus offers modern learning resources, as well as an art gallery, bookshop, sporting facilities and eateries. It is only a short walk from the University to shops, banks, cafés and student accommodation villages.
What makes USC different? The combination of highly qualified research and teaching staff, innovative degree programs and technologically advanced facilities has been a key factor in the University’s success. Australia’s Good Universities Guide 2008 recognised USC’s achievements with the awarding of its highest five-star rating in three key categories—staff qualifications, electronic support and teaching quality.
Why is graduate satisfaction so high? Class sizes at USC are generally smaller than at many other universities. Students enjoy a high level of personal service and are able to interact with academic staff, creating an environment where students are valued as individuals and the exchange of ideas is not only supported but also embraced.
Will I meet Australian students? USC attracts students from around the world. At the last count, more than 40 countries were represented. But international students account for only 12 percent of the on-campus student population, so the majority of students you will meet and spend time with in lectures, classes and tutorials will be Australian.
What can I study at USC?
Visa requirements Areas of study include: Biotechnology, Communication, Creative Writing, Design, Education, Environmental Science, International Business, International Relations, Journalism, Management, Marine Science, Marketing, Nursing Science, Public Relations, Sport and Exercise Science and Tourism. To see USC’s full range of courses, please visit <www.usc.edu.au/international>. Please note that not all courses are offered in every semester and some have prerequisite requirements.
Can I gain work experience? The international internship option offers Study Abroad students high-quality, individually designed work placements in an extensive range of professions. An internship will generally be the equivalent of one course; however, internships that are the equivalent of two courses may be possible. Students who wish to pursue internships need to make arrangements well in advance.
You can choose from a wide range of courses in our three faculties of Arts and Social Sciences; Business; and Science, Health and Education. Many courses offer insights into Australian society from historical, political, environmental, geographical, business, scientific, social and literary perspectives. There is also a wide range of courses with a more global perspective.
What services and facilities are available?
Courses range from liberal arts to professional, to science, and from discipline-specific to interdisciplinary. You can make your course choices before you arrive so you will know exactly what you will be studying. Each year more exciting programs and research projects are developed to broaden students’ study options and career horizons.
• confidential counselling
Study Abroad students have access to: • a full orientation program • 24-hour computer laboratories
Study Abroad fee (per semester)
A$7,700
Internship application fee
A$500
#
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)—USC will provide OSHC free of charge for fee-paying Study Abroad students (approximate value A$185 for single cover for six months). This cover will be with USC’s preferred provider. Students can arrange their own cover, but will receive no refund from USC if they choose to do this. * 2009 rates. Please visit <www.usc.edu.au/international> for the most up-to-date fees. Please note that fees quoted do not include accommodation, travel, books, general living costs or visa application fees. All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$). # Non-refundable fee for students applying for an internship.
Important dates
You will be required to obtain a visa that permits study, for example a Student Visa. Student Visas are only available for full-time study in programs offered on-campus in Australia.
Semester 1, 2009
23 February–28 June 2009
Orientation (attendance required)
16–20 February 2009
Depending on your nationality and proposed program’s length, you may be able to include family members, such as a spouse or dependant child, in your Student Visa application.
Semester 1 begins
23 February 2009
Intra-semester break
6–19 April 2009
Student Visa application procedures, requirements and processing times vary depending on your nationality and the academic program for which you apply. Contact the Australian overseas mission or embassy closest to you, or the nearest Department of Immigration and Citizenship office (if you are already in Australia) for advice. You may also visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website <www.immi.gov.au/students>.
Examination preparation
8–14 June 2009
Examinations
15–28 June 2009
Semester 1 ends
28 June 2009
Semester 2, 2009
27 July–29 November 2009
Orientation (attendance required)
20–24 July 2009
Once you have accepted an offer to study from USC, and paid your tuition fees, USC International will provide you with a Confirmation of Enrolment (COE). The COE will be required as part of your Student Visa application.
Semester 2 begins
27 July 2009
Intra-semester break
14–27 September 2009
Examination preparation
9–15 November 2009
Please note that international students are those who are not Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents and who intend to study under a Student Visa or temporary entry permit. The University is a registered provider of international education as defined in the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000. CRICOS Provider Number: 01595D.
Examinations
16–29 November 2009
Semester 2 ends
29 November 2009
Semester 1, 2010
22 February–27 June 2010
Orientation (attendance required)
15–19 February 2010
Semester 1 begins
22 February 2010
Intra-semester break
5–18 April 2010
Examination preparation
7–13 June 2010
Examinations
14–27 June 2010
Semester 1 ends
27 June 2010
Living costs An international student would normally require between A$275 and A$325 per week to live comfortably on the Sunshine Coast. These amounts are in addition to airfares, visa applications, health cover and tuition fees, and will vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences.
• the Internet with individual email accounts • learning support • language support for students from nonEnglish speaking backgrounds • study skills workshops • peer support programs • sporting facilities, including an internationalstandard athletics track and a new A$10 million indoor stadium
Published by University of the Sunshine Coast May 2008. All information contained in this publication is correct at the time of going to press, however the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Prospective students should check for any amendment before submitting an application. For the most up-to-date information visit the USC website <www. usc.edu.au>. University of the Sunshine Coast is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. CRICOS Provider Number: 01595D
Students with school-aged children have a wide choice of pre-school, primary and secondary education providers. For full details of all Queensland Government schools in the region, visit the Education Queensland website <education.qld.gov.au/schools/about> and use the District Maps search facility for the Sunshine Coast region. For details of private schools, visit the Independent Schools Queensland website <www.aisq.qld.edu.au> and use the Find a School search facility for the Sunshine Coast region. Please note that fees apply at both private and government schools.