University of the Sunshine Coast welcomes plans to increase international students

A Sunshine Coast university says it’s ready for controversial, proposed changes to international student numbers despite a shortage of affordable housing in the area. Here’s why.

University of the Sunshine Coast Sippy Downs campus.

A Sunshine Coast university has welcomed controversial changes to international student numbers, while acknowledging the growing demand for affordable housing in the region.

A University of the Sunshine Coast spokesman responded on Thursday to the federal government’s proposed cap at 1200 enrollments in 2025.

“UniSC welcomes the discontinuation of Ministerial direction 107 and looks forward to consultation on new processes so that universities can prepare for the years ahead and communicate clearly to stakeholders and prospective students,” he said.

“We appreciate the reduced uncertainty around visa approvals and greater clarity allowing UniSC to plan and support managed growth in international students, at least for next year.”

The enrolment caps, if implemented, would mean certain universities have their international student numbers slashed, while rural and regional universities could have their intakes increased.

Sunshine Coast Business Council chair Sandy Zubrinich.

The university’s spokesman said despite the economic turmoil currently facing other tertiary education providers, USC was in a “strong financial position” and had no plans to cut jobs.

“UniSC appreciates the tough economic conditions many universities are facing. Our strong financial position is grounded in clear strategies to grow enrolments in our regions, minimise risk, and continue finding cost efficiencies while maintaining our quality in teaching and research,” he said.

“We have not cut jobs and have no plans to do so.”

Sunshine Coast Business Council chair Sandy Zubrinich said there were many economic benefits that came along with increased numbers of international students, but more housing and public transport would be critical in ensuring they remained in the region.

“This is exciting news for UniSC and our tertiary education offering here on the Sunshine Coast. An increase in international students of course benefits the university and therefore there are flow-on effects on the local economy, particularly as numbers increase,” Ms Zubrinich said.

“The accommodation and food services and retail industries collectively contribute close to 19 per cent of our jobs in the region and given both these industries require their share of casual labour, we anticipate any increase in student numbers will also assist with filling these positions in the future.”

University of the Sunshine Coast Sippy Downs campus

USC’s spokesman said new accommodation for students may be built if demand continued to grow.

“UniSC is committed to creating more opportunities for students to find safe, affordable and convenient accommodation during their studies,” he said.

“The university is actively assessing accommodation availability for students and exploring new solutions to address growing demand. New accommodation may be built if our feasibility study recommends that sufficient demand and commercial viability supports it.”