High-achieving Queensland school-leavers are being offered a $5,000 scholarship under a new university program aimed at attracting top students.
The University of the Sunshine Coast’s High Achieving Student Program is open to eligible students completing Year 12 in Queensland in 2026.
To be eligible, students must achieve an unadjusted ATAR of at least 90 and make a UniSC course their first QTAC preference by 12pm on December 21.
They must also meet residency or citizenship requirements and be enrolled in an eligible UniSC program at the first census date of trimester 1 in 2027.
UniSC will assess eligibility through applicants’ QTAC preference and enrolment meaning students do not need to submit a separate scholarship application to the university.
The scholarship will be paid in two $2,500 instalments and recipients will also have access to leadership, networking and development opportunities.
Additional location requirements apply to students seeking to study the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Accelerated), Bachelor of Medical Science, Bachelor of Midwifery or Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours).
Those students must live in a UniSC campus region or an eligible regional or rural Queensland location.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Helen Bartlett said the program provided another incentive for school-leavers.
“The UniSC High Achieving Student Program is further reason for Year 12s to lock in their future at our Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Fraser Coast, Gympie and Caboolture campuses,” Professor Bartlett said.
“We want to attract those with exceptional dedication and vision.
“The program serves as an additional reason for outstanding high school students from all around the state to consider our unique offer.
“A significant part of our charter as a university is to foster knowledge in our regions and this goes a significant way to achieving that goal.”
Matthew Flinders Anglican College principal Michelle Carroll welcomed the program.
“There are incredibly talented young people in our region, so it’s wonderful to see UniSC encouraging them to pursue their ambitions close to home,” Ms Carroll said.
“The financial support provided through the scholarship will make a real difference, but the opportunity goes well beyond that.
“Bringing high-achieving students together gives them the chance to learn from one another, build valuable connections and challenge each other to think bigger about what they can achieve.”
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The program will complement UniSC’s existing scholarships and initiatives.
Recipients can hold the new scholarship alongside other scholarships, although conditions attached to another scholarship may prevent some students receiving both.
More information and eligibility details are available on the UniSC website.
