The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is a public research university based in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. It is recognized as a leader in flexible education, offering on-campus, online, and multimodal study options. UniSQ is known for its strong focus on research, teaching, and graduate outcomes.
Key Highlights
- Rankings: UniSQ consistently ranks highly for graduate employment and starting salaries in Australia. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it was placed in the top 400 globally. It is also rated a 5-star university by The Good Universities Guide for graduate starting salary.
- Campuses: The university has three main campuses in Queensland: Toowoomba (the main campus), Springfield, and Ipswich. These locations provide diverse learning environments and specialized facilities.
- Research: UniSQ is a research-intensive institution with a strong focus on areas of national importance, including space and defense, agriculture, and health. It houses unique facilities such as the Mount Kent Observatory, Queensland’s only professional astronomical research facility.
- Flexible Learning: With over 40 years of experience in distance education, UniSQ is an expert in providing flexible study options, with a high percentage of its students choosing to study online.
1. Admissions & Entry Pathways
The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) makes the process of joining its community relatively straightforward, whether you’re a domestic student or coming from overseas. Working on a trimester calendar, the university opens its doors several times a year — a welcome relief for anyone who misses a single application window.
Applying to UniSQ
Most applicants start online, submitting forms through UniSQ’s dedicated portal. For international students, a few key documents are non-negotiable:
Academic records and evidence of past qualifications
A valid photo ID
Proof of English language skills
A “Genuine Student” (GS) statement — an Australian visa requirement
Deadlines for 2026 intakes
Trimester 1 (February) – Apply by 8 December 2025
Trimester 2 (June) – Apply by 23 March 2026
Trimester 3 (September) – Apply by 6 July 2026
English proficiency
The required scores depend on your program of choice:
General undergraduate/postgraduate: IELTS 6.0 (no band lower than 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 72 with minimum section scores.
Higher-threshold programs (e.g., Nursing, Education): IELTS 7.0 (no band below 7.0) or TOEFL iBT 94 overall.
2. Academic Offerings
UniSQ’s programs cater to both traditional campus learners and those who prefer the flexibility of online study — a balance they’ve been fine-tuning for decades.
Undergraduate degrees span fields like Business, Engineering, Creative Arts, IT, and Health.
Postgraduate study includes Graduate Certificates, Diplomas, and Master’s programs — among them, the much-touted MBA.
Fully online degrees allow students to complete coursework from anywhere in the world.
Standout programs:
MBA: Known for its strategic leadership focus and multiple yearly start dates.
Engineering: Civil, mechanical, and electrical streams with strong industry connections.
Nursing: A practice-oriented degree with embedded clinical placements.
3. Scholarships & Financial Support
Money shouldn’t be the only deciding factor, and UniSQ backs that up with a range of funding options.
International Student Support Scholarship: Tuition fee reductions for high-achieving international students.
Research scholarships: Often available for PhD candidates, covering both tuition and living expenses.
Applications are lodged online through the scholarship portal, though closing dates vary by award.
Tuition guide for international students: Around AUD $27,400 to $48,000 annually, depending on the program.
4. Rankings & Reputation
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, UniSQ landed at 410th globally — a respectable placement given its size and regional focus. Its research strength is particularly visible in areas like space manufacturing, climate resilience, and regional health. Notably, it climbed 40 spots in the “Citations per Faculty” metric, now ranking 103rd worldwide.
Graduates fare well, too: over 80% of undergraduates secure full-time work within four months of finishing their degree, with a median starting salary of roughly AUD $62,300.
Know more about rankings & requirements for Top Australian Universities
5. Campus Life
UniSQ operates across three main campuses, each with its own personality:
Toowoomba: The flagship site, with modern facilities, a famed Japanese garden, an art gallery, and three residential colleges.
Springfield: Close to Brisbane, strong in technology and media, boasting cutting-edge digital studios.
Ipswich: A blend of heritage architecture and up-to-date teaching spaces, especially for health and human services programs.
Student housing in Toowoomba offers everything from shared rooms to private ensuites, with weekly rates (2025) between AUD $195 and $220. Living on campus often means quicker friendships and easier access to academic support.
FAQs
1. Is the University of Southern Queensland good?
Yes. The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is well-regarded for its high graduate employment rates, flexible online study options, and strong research in fields like space manufacturing, climate resilience, and regional health.
2. How much is University of Southern Queensland fees for Indian students?
For Indian students, annual tuition fees at UniSQ typically range from AUD $27,400 to $48,000, depending on the course and level of study.
3. What is the University of Southern Queensland ranked in Australia?
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, UniSQ is ranked 410th globally and is recognised for strong teaching quality and graduate outcomes.
4. What is the acceptance rate for University of Southern Queensland?
UniSQ has a relatively high acceptance rate, making it accessible to qualified domestic and international students. Exact rates vary by program but are generally above 60%.
5. Which university is better in Australia?
The “best” university depends on your priorities. For research intensity, the University of Melbourne and Australian National University are often top-ranked. For flexibility and online learning, UniSQ is one of the strongest choices.
6. Is the University of Southern Queensland public or private?
The University of Southern Queensland is a public university funded by the Australian government.
7. Is the University of Southern Queensland low tier?
No. UniSQ is considered a mid-tier university with specific areas of excellence, particularly in online learning, regional engagement, and applied research.
8. Which is the cheapest university in Australia?
Tuition fees vary, but universities such as Federation University, Charles Darwin University, and UniSQ often have lower average tuition costs for international students.
9. How much is Southern Queensland per year?
International students can expect to pay between AUD $27,400 and $48,000 per year in tuition, depending on the course.
10. What is Southern University famous for?
UniSQ is best known for flexible online education, high graduate employment rates, and research in space technology, climate science, and regional health.