Applying for admission

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Applying for admission

USC's application process is very simple:

• complete your application form *
• submit your application and supporting documentation
• You can also apply via one of USC's overseas representatives. Contact USC International for more information.

* For PDF documents you must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded from the Adobe Download page. Please note: You must open with Adobe Acrobat to successfully complete and submit these forms.

Before lodging your application, make sure you:

• meet the entry requirements and English language requirements
• read and understand USC's student rules, policies, procedures and guidelines.

Detailed application information is available for:

• Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP)
• Undergraduate programs  
• Honours programs
• On campus postgraduate coursework programs
• Online postgraduate coursework programs
• Masters by Research and Higher Degrees by Research  
  • Master of Psychology (Clinical)
• Study Abroad
• English Language Programs
• Cross-institutional study
• Visiting students

Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) and Undergraduate degree programs

Step 1 - Complete an application form

Complete an application form or apply via one of our overseas representatives.

• International Student Application Form (PDF 187KB) *

Step 2 - Apply for recognition of prior studies (advanced standing / credit)

You may be eligible for the transfer of Academic credit if you have partly or fully completed a recognised course/program at a post-secondary institution in your home country or in Australia. This may reduce the number of courses needed to complete your USC degree.

The amount of credit given depends on what subjects/courses you have studied and the program for which you apply.

To apply:

• complete the Application for Credit (PDF 48KB) * and attach to your International Student Application form
• include detailed supporting documentation about your prior studies, including subject/course descriptions

Step 3 - Submit completed application form

Submit your completed application form with supporting documentation to USC International as soon as possible.

USC will accept applications any time prior to the start of your program, however as the Student Visa application process can take time, we recommend that you take this into account in your planning. This will ensure you are able to obtain your visa in time to commence.

• Via mail:
  USC International - ML17
  University of the Sunshine Coast
  MAROOCHYDORE DC QLD 4558
  AUSTRALIA
• Via email: international@usc.edu.au
• Via fax: +61 7 5430 2836

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia, must apply for entry through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website. Your school will provide you with full details on how to apply through QTAC.

Step 4 - What happens next?

You will normally receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application within 48 hours and a decision regarding your application within 72 hours (this will be longer if credit transfer needs to be assessed).

If you do not have an email address, please allow extra time to receive notification by post. Delays will occur if you do not include all required supporting documentation with your application.

Honours programs

Step 1 - Contact the relevant faculty

Contact the relevant faculty to discuss your intended research topic and the availability of a supervisor.

Step 2 - Complete an application form

After you have confirmed that a suitable topic is available:

• Complete an International Honours Application Form (PDF 137KB) *

Step 3 - Submit completed application form

Submit your completed application form with supporting documentation to USC International as soon as possible.

USC will accept applications any time prior to the start of your program, however as the Student Visa application process can take time, we recommend that you take this into account in your planning. This will ensure you are able to obtain your visa in time to commence.

On campus postgraduate coursework programs

Step 1 - Complete an application form

Complete an application form or apply via one of our overseas representatives.

• International Student Application Form (PDF 187KB) *

Step 2 - Submit completed application form

Submit your completed application form with supporting documentation to USC International as soon as possible

USC will accept applications any time prior to the start of your program, however as the Student Visa application process can take time, we recommend that you take this into account in your planning. This will ensure you are able to obtain your visa in time to commence.

Online postgraduate coursework programs

Step 1 - Complete an application form

Complete an application form or apply via one of our overseas representatives.

• International Student Application Form (PDF 187KB) *

Step 2 - Submit completed application form

Submit your completed application form with supporting documentation to USC International

Masters by Research and Higher Degrees by Research

Step 1 - Consider admission criteria

Consider whether you meet academic and English language admissions criteria.

If you are unsure if you meet this criteria please contact USC International Admissions for guidance.

Step 2 - Contact the relevant faculty

To apply for a Higher Degree by Research (including Master by Research and Doctoral degrees), you must first contact the relevant faculty to discuss your intended research topic and a possible supervisor.

Entry is highly competitive and depends on:

• your academic background
• the submission of a suitable research proposal
• the availability of a supervisor
• the availability of resources to support your proposed research topic

Step 3 - Develop a research proposal

You will need to develop a research proposal together with your intended supervisor before submitting an application.

Step 4 - Complete an application form

Complete an application form or apply via one of our overseas representatives.

• Higher Degree by Research Application Form (Word doc 258KB)

Step 5 - Submit completed application form

Submit your completed application form with supporting documentation to USC International as soon as possible.

You may apply at any time as entry dates to higher degrees by research are flexible. Only complete applications will be considered. 

Master of Psychology (Clinical)

Complete an application form or apply via one of our overseas representatives.

The Master of Psychology (Clinical) application form is in two parts.

• International Student Application Form (PDF 187KB) *
• Master of Psychology (Clinical) Supplement to International application form (PDF 42KB) * 

Please complete and submit both of these forms, along with relevant supporting documentation.

For the application submission deadline for the Master of Psychology (Clinical) please see application dates.

Study Abroad

Step 1 – Complete an application form

Complete your Study Abroad Application form (PDF 390KB)* or apply via one of our overseas representatives.

Step 2 – Submit completed application form

Submit your completed application form and supporting documentation to USC International.

USC will accept applications any time prior to the start of your program, however as the Student Visa application process can take time, we recommend that you take this into account in your planning. This will ensure you are able to obtain your visa in time to commence.

English Language Programs

Step 1 – Complete an application form

Complete an English Language Programs Application Form (PDF 230KB) * or apply online.

Our overseas representatives can also help you with your application.

Depending on the program you apply for, a pre-departure test may be required.

Step 2 – Submit completed application form

Submit your completed application form and supporting documentation to USC International.

There is no application deadline for English Language Programs.

Australia Awards applicants

Please refer to the information and application procedure on the AusAID website.

Cross-institutional study

Step 1 – Select your course(s)

View the relevant timetable to find courses offered in a particular session/semester. Read the University's course descriptions to assist your selection.

Step 2 – Check course prerequisites

Ensure you meet all prerequisites (or equivalents) for your chosen course(s). Seek advice from the relevant faculty for more information.

Step 3 – Complete an application form

Complete the International Student Application for Cross Institutional Study (PDF 124KB) *

Lodge the completed application form with supporting documentation with USC International.

Visiting students

Step 1 – Select your course(s)

Select your course(s). Refer to the relevant timetable to find courses offered in a particular session/semester. Read the University's course descriptions to assist your selection.

Step 2 – Check course prerequisites

Ensure you meet all prerequisites (or equivalents) for your chosen course(s). Seek advice from the relevant faculty for more information.

Step 3 – Complete an application form

Complete the International Visiting Student Application form (PDF 125KB) *

Lodge the completed application form with supporting documentation with USC International

* For PDF documents you must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded from the Adobe Download page. Please note: You must open with Adobe Acrobat to successfully complete and submit these forms.

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