Australia Awards | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Australia Awards

Australia Awards are prestigious international scholarships and fellowships funded by the Australian Government. The Awards offer the next generation of global leaders an opportunity to undertake study, research and professional development.

Why choose UniSC?

Founded in 1996, UniSC is one of the youngest universities in Australia, with our flagship campus located on the Sunshine Coast. Located in a 100 hectare nature reserve, our Sunshine Coast campus is home to Australian wildlife and fauna. Our campus has been designed with sustainability in mind, with innovative building design and initiatives across the campus to reduce our carbon footprint. We have nationally-accredited sport facilities, alongside our beautiful surroundings, and state-of-the-art study spaces.

UniSC is the second ranked public university in Australia and No. 1 in QLD* for overall educational experience with a five-star rating for teaching.

The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings assess universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and measure the social and economic impact of an institution. UniSC has a strong commitment to achieving sustainability in terms of teaching, research and how we operate, we’re thrilled to be the top ranked Queensland university in the 2022 THE Impact Rankings.

UniSC performed strongly in the most recent Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) Rankings, with 13 of our research fields ranked well above world standard. UniSC’s research explores the timeliest topics of our era, those with the most significance for the future. Our research impacts are being felt on both a regional and global scale through outcomes that make a tangible difference, transforming communities and lives.

UniSC is a great place to study for Australia Awards recipients. Over the years, UniSC has been privileged to host awardees from around the world and we look forward to welcoming you.

*2021 Student Experience Survey Data.

Australia Awards applications are managed through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Education and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. You will need to apply directly to the relevant program, which will then pass on your application to UniSC.

Eligibility requirements and application processes vary throughout the Australia Awards programs. Please visit the Australia Awards website for detailed information about the eligibility criteria and selection process for each program currently on offer.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of the specific scholarship to which they are applying, including English language requirements.

As you prepare for your arrival at UniSC, please make yourself familiar with the below information:

Airport transfer and initial accommodation

UniSC will organise airport transfer for all awardees once flight details have been provided. You will be emailed your airport transfer details directly. Please check your email regularly in the lead up to your departure.

UniSC will also assist awardees with organising suitable accommodation. Accommodation arrangements are made on a case by case basis to ensure awardees' individual needs and preferences are met wherever possible.

You may also choose to arrange your own accommodation independently. If this is the case, please notify UniSC of your intentions to do so. Please be aware that rental lease agreements are legally binding documents. UniSC recommends awardees avoid committing themselves to long leases until they have been able to carefully inspect a rental property in person and determine whether it will be suitable for them.

Information about the different accommodation options available to UniSC students can be found on the Accommodation pages.

Money matters

On your arrival, UniSC can assist you with opening an Australian Bank Account. This bank account will be used to deposit your establishment allowance (if applicable) and your stipend into. Awardees are able to open a different bank account with their preferred bank once they have arrived in Australia.

Australia Awards awardees are provided with a once-only establishment allowance of A$5,000 on arrival in Australia. No re-establishment allowance is paid when an awardee transfers between institutions, or returns from a period of suspension. The allowance is paid in a lump sum for you to use at your discretion. Awardees should use it as a contribution towards expenses, such as rental bonds, text books, study materials, additional medical insurance and home contents insurance.

UniSC endeavours to deposit the establishment allowance into your bank account prior to your arrival, however where flight details were not available with sufficient notice it may take a number of days for UniSC and the bank to process the payment.

You should come prepared with funds in Australian dollars to ensure you have enough money to cover any costs that may be incurred before you receive your establishment allowance.

Your fortnightly Contribution to Living Expenses (CLE or stipend) is paid into your Australian bank account automatically. The CLE is paid to help you meet everyday living costs, such as accommodation, transport, food, entertainment and stationery. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade reviews the payment rate regularly and UniSC has no influence over this.

Introductory Academic Program

The Introductory Academic Program (IAP)  is mandatory and intended to provide awardees with support during their first weeks in Australia. The program aims to assist in preparing you for study in Australia, to enhance your ability to meet the demands of Australian academia and maximise the likelihood of completing your course by the scholarship completion date.

The IAP is usually conducted over a four to six week period directly prior to the commencement of your studies at UniSC.

Attendance at the IAP is compulsory for all awardees and failure to attend may result in the termination of your scholarship.

Personalised IPA schedules will be provided to awardees upon arrival at UniSC.

Bringing family to Australia

Deciding on whether your family should join you in Australia is a big decision.

Please be aware that the Australian Government does not provide any financial or other support for the family members of awardees.

Awardees who intend to bring family with them are strongly encouraged to come to Australia on their own for at least the first six months. This will allow you to attend the Introductory Academic Program (see above) and become established in your program of studies without the distraction of family responsibilities.

If you bring family to Australia, you are responsible for making arrangements for accommodation, as well as schooling and child care for dependents. You are also responsible for the visa application, including all costs associated with the visa requirements for your family members. You should contact the Department of Home Affairs for information about current visa requirements for accompanying family.

Please remember, the Student Contact Officer may be able to provide information but is not responsible for making arrangements on your behalf.

Current Australia Awards students should discuss any questions regarding their studies at UniSC with their course coordinators, supervisors and/or Program Advisers at Student Central.

Any questions related to your Australia Awards scholarship can be directed to the Australia Awards Student Contact Officer.

Awardees must also make themselves familiar with the current Australia Awards Handbook. Please consult the handbook regarding your enquiry prior to making an appointment with the Student Contact Officer.

Australia Awards Handbook

The Australia Awards Handbook provides essential information for Australia Awards participants. It specifically outlines the roles and responsibilities of awardees and should be used as a primary source of information for all topics surrounding your Australia Awards experience.

The most recent version of the handbook can be accessed via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.

Your Australia Awards Student Contact Officer

Your UniSC Australia Awards Student Contact Officer (SCO) is 

Mr Elliot Escott-Kenny
sponsoredstudents@usc.edu.au
+61 7 5430 2843

Australia Awards recipients are asked to make an appointment prior to visiting UniSC International to speak to their SCO.

To make an appointment, please use the contact details above. Your appointment request should include a brief outline of the topics you wish to discuss and your preferred date and time to meet. We will endeavour to accommodate your preference wherever possible.

Notification of change of circumstances or details

You must notify the Student Contact Officer (SCO) immediately of any personal, financial or family circumstances or incidents (e.g. family or financial problems, medical conditions, etc.) that might affect your ability to succeed in your studies at UniSC.

You must also keep your contact details current on UniSC Central at all times.

If you would like to have your stipend deposited into a different bank account, please contact the SCO.

Student support at UniSC

The While you are studying pages give an excellent overview of the support pages available to all students studying at UniSC. Australia Awards students are encouraged to make use of these services throughout their studies.

Meet UniSC's Australia Awards Alumni

Alois Bai
Bachelor of Health Promotion

Simon Tundua
Graduate Diploma in Business Administration