University of the Sunshine Coast (USC)

Australia Awards

The Australia Awards aim to promote knowledge, education links, and enduring ties between Australia and our neighbours through Australia's extensive scholarship programs. The program brings together scholarships offered by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), the Department of Education and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). Read more about Australia Awards at USC.

Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship

The Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowships are open to high-achieving female researchers from APEC economies for research opportunities in partnership with Australian education and research institutions. The fellowships aim to support women’s economic empowerment in the APEC region and raise the profile of female role models in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Read more about the Australia APEC Women in Research Fellowship.

Northcote Graduate Scholarship

The Northcote Graduate Scholarship scheme is administered by the Britain-Australia Society on behalf of the Northcote Trust. Scholarships are to enable students normally resident in the United Kingdom to undertake a higher degree at an Australian University. There are no limitations to the field of study, however preference is given to applications where there is a clear reason for study to be undertaken in Australia. Read more about the Northcote Graduate Scholarship.

Other scholarships

There are other scholarships available from within USC, as well as from external providers. Individual Faculties may also offer prizes and awards to high achieving students. Some of these scholarships, prizes and awards may be available to Australian citizens and permanent residents only.

Working in Australia

Many overseas students studying in Australia often find part-time work to support themselves during their stay and to earn some extra money. If you are interested in working in Australia there are several things you should be aware of before you start looking for a job.

Work Permission

If your student visa was granted on or after 28 April 2008, you don’t need to apply for work permission. You already have work permission on your student visa and this allows you to work for 20 hours per week (outside school hours).

Tax File Number

Once you have work rights (or Working Holiday Maker Visa) you can then start looking for a job. You will need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) for taxation purposes. If you start work before you get your TFN, you have 28 days to provide your TFN to your employer.

Types of jobs

Your level of English and limited work hours will be an important factor when looking for a job. The most likely opportunities for work are in hospitality and service industries as these areas tend to have a high turnover of staff, flexible working hours and do not always require a high level of English.

Some examples are:

• Waitress/waiter
• Kitchen hand
• Shop assistant
• Delivery person
• Cleaner

Rates of Pay

The rates of pay vary from place to place. You could expect, for the above jobs, to receive anywhere from A$12 – A$20 per hour. Most of the above jobs are easy to come by and do not always require a high level of English. However, there may be downsides such as:

• Rate of pay may be less than for a native speaker
• Student visa regulations (full-time study and maximum hours work, per week)
• You can only work outside school hours and on weekends

Private accommodation providers

Many international and Australian students live in one of the three privately-owned, fully-furnished accommodation complexes that are conveniently located next to the University.

UniCentral, Varsity Apartments and The Village all offer modern self-contained accommodation in resort-style complexes and are all linked by a pathway to the campus, which is an easy three-minute walk away.

You can book directly through the private accommodation providers’ websites. Once you have signed a lease, it can be difficult and expensive to change your accommodation, so it is important you understand the terms and conditions of your lease arrangement.

On departure, you will have to pay for any damage to your room/apartment, and you risk eviction if you do not follow the accommodation provider’s rules.

The Village | thevillage.net.au

The Village offers two and three bedroom share villas, some with private garages attached. Each apartment is furnished and has a shared living room, kitchen and laundry facilities. Each private bedroom includes a double bed, some with a private bathroom, telephone, study desk and chair, internet connection and a free intercom system.

UniCentral | unicentral.net.au

UniCentral offers four-share accommodation in modern, self-contained apartments. Each unit has a shared lounge, kitchen and laundry facilities, and a courtyard or balcony. Each private bedroom includes a double bed, bathroom, telephone, study desk and chair, internet connection, free USC intranet, and an intercom system.

Varsity Apartments | varsityapartments.com.au

Varsity Apartments is a four-star, resort-style property. All apartments are self-contained with shared lounge and cooking facilities. Each bedroom has a private bathroom, double bed, telephone line and internet access. The apartments are fully furnished. The complex has on-site managers.

Varsity apartments also offers short-term accommodation for students for a minimum of two night stays at competitive rates (subject to availability).

Homestay accommodation

Living with an Australian family gives you the opportunity to experience Australian culture and speak English on a daily basis. The Australian Homestay Network offers standards-based accommodation, with specially trained hosts, as an introduction to living in Australia.

For details, costs and applications, visit homestaynetwork.org

Other accommodation

USC is close to suburbs and towns where off-campus accommodation is easy to find. If you would like to rent your own house, apartment, townhouse or flat, real estate agents and private providers advertise on the following websites:

• domain.com.au
• realestate.com.au
• easyroommate.com.au
• flatmates.com.au

The USC Student Guild frequently updates the off-campus Accommodation Register with a list of private rooms for rent. For more information, visit uscstudentguild.org.au Finding the right place could take some time, so you should book temporary accommodation before arriving