University of the Sunshine Coast

01/06/2026

This is a message we talk a lot about – your ATAR (or OP, for those in Queensland of a different vintage) is just a number. There are plenty of other options to get into uni.

You don't have to study full time either – there are plenty of students who study as little as one subject per trimester. You have to find what works best for you.

Follow the link to read this piece written by a couple of our academics for The Conversation Australia + NZ about some of the different ways you can get into uni without relying on a high school score.

There are plenty of straight forward ways to get into university – you don't have to rely on your ATAR (or OP).

28/05/2026

Brigid has turned one of the darkest moments in her life into something beautiful – she’s dedicating her life to helping others, facing a national crisis head on.

She’s getting recognised for her efforts along the way too, being named Counselling Graduate of the Year by the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia – a leading national peak body for the professions.

Follow the link to read the heartbreaking but inspiring road Brigid took to get here.

If you need support, it is available through 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline (13 11 14), or in an emergency call 000

A dark time in Brigid Murnane's life set her on an unexpected path that has resulted in her being named Australia’s Coun

26/05/2026

Time to get in the groove – new research shows that rhythm and movement activities can improve focus, cooperation and emotional regulation in young learners.

A new paper based on the research has shed light on new evidence after a decade of developing, piloting and evaluating the Rhythm and Movement for Self-Regulation (RAMSR) program, providing children with regular opportunities to move in time with others supported by rhythm.

Follow the link to read more – great one for teachers or aspiring teachers!

From flash mobs to line-dancing to the Nutbush, experiencing rhythm and movement in a group context is known to boost me

26/05/2026

This year, UniSC turns 30 and we're celebrating in many different ways...reflecting on how far we've come in such a short time, a big part of our growth and impact in research and communities has been due to community support along the way. this year, and every eligible gift is tax deductible and matched dollar for dollar.

Your gift supports three causes close to our heart.

A Study Support Bursary for students who are working extra shifts just to cover rent and fuel. Care for sea turtles arriving at our Milbi Centre injured and exhausted. And research at the Thompson Institute helping people with PTSD to find a path through trauma.

Hit the link below to find out more.

https://bit.ly/4uwZQCo

25/05/2026

Our latest Building Better event, Tipping point: Saving Australia's iconic wildlife is SOLD OUT.

While we won't be live-streaming the event, we are filming it! The entire panel discussion will be accessible after the event, through the Building Better event series page (linked below).

So, if you missed out, don't worry. You can still experience the conversation as it'll be available to view any time you like, once uploaded.

https://www.unisc.edu.au/community/building-better-series

21/05/2026

Dr Greg Nash – so many of our students and graduates know that name. He's personable, authentic and makes university fun and relatable.

As he says himself, when he started teaching, he set himself a rule: “Be student focused. The five minutes that I gave a student…could be the difference between whether I saw them tomorrow, next week or in two months’ time."

But as popular as Dr Nash has become, it was a path that may have never been were it not for the insistence of his wife, who set the ball in motion for him.

Follow the link to read about Dr Nash's own journey into university life.

Greg Nash discovered a love of learning which propelled him from university student to becoming a lecturer and researche

20/05/2026

0.05 – that's how close Kyal came to getting into undergrad medicine.

The ATAR he received was really impressive – 99.70. He was dux of his high school – St Andrew's Anglican College. But it was just short of securing him a place in our Bachelor of Medicine, which gives students direct entry into a Doctor of Medicine.

Smart, hardworking, Kyal was undeterred. He already had a back-up in play, enrolling in a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Accelerated). It's an intense degree crammed into just two years, instead of four, and helps prepare students to sit the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) – the pathway into a Doctor of Medicine.

Well, Kyal smashed it, graduating with a perfect GPA of 7 out of 7.

Follow the link to read more about how Kyal received such an incredible and well-deserved result; and what he's focussing on now. (Hint: it starts with Doc and ends with Medicine).

From just missing medical school entry to achieving a perfect 7.0 GPA while refereeing elite soccer, this UniSC graduate

19/05/2026

Nothing silly about baby talk* – new research shows it actually helps with language development from as young as four months of age.

Lead researcher Dr Varghese Peter said when the babies heard vowels in adult speech, their brains showed a less advanced response.

"However, when they heard the same vowels spoken in infant-directed speech, their brains produced a more advanced response, similar to that seen in older infants and adults."

Follow the link to read more.

*Unless you're talking to anyone except a baby – then it's pretty silly.

Baby talk isn’t just cute – it could play a vital role in helping infants learn the sounds of their language, new resear

18/05/2026

Sick and injured turtles have received a lifeline with the opening of our Milbi Centre!

We are thrilled this new centre will now provide around-the-clock care for sick and injured turtles rescued from the Fraser Coast – a hotspot for recorded marine strandings in Queensland.

It's also a dedicated research base to better understand and help protect vulnerable turtle species worldwide.

This has been a big project, years in the making, envisioned with our valued partners at Turtles In Trouble Rescue Inc. and BNTAC Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation

Many thanks to all three levels of government – the Fraser Coast Regional Council , the Queensland Government and the Federal Government – for their support in helping realise this vision for this tremendous asset, not just for the animals it helps but also for the entire region.

Endangered sea turtles were washing up sick and injured on the Fraser Coast with a local facility to care for them prope

14/05/2026

It might have been the little pink crocs (adorable!) – or it could have just been the fact there was a dog on the primary school campus!

Like a bird getting into the classroom, it caused some theatrics among the students. While cute, it was a lot for Tarlia, who brought her guide dog to student placement. It was a bit overwhelming.

Tarlia has faced more hurdles than most when it comes to completing her teaching placements. But a genuine love for helping students learn and grow has kept her focussed on her goals.

Follow the link to read about Tarlia's love of teaching and education.

Starting her placement with a guide dog drew attention but Tarlia’s determination and connection with students is what m