Fraser Coast residents considering higher education as their next step have the chance to hear from others who have taken many different paths to university – and are now making their career dreams a reality.

USC will hold an Open Day from 10am-1pm on Sunday 23 June at its Fraser Coast campus in Old Maryborough Road, Hervey Bay.

USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said prospective students could talk face-to-face with others who have been in their shoes – whether they were about to finish high school or had left the education system some time ago.

“USC is inviting visitors to explore the campus, check out the facilities, discuss their study options with our lecturers and learn about university life from current students and graduates,” Professor Hill said.

Two panel sessions are a special feature of Open Day.

The first is for high school students wanting to know about how to apply for and succeed at university. Starting at 10.15am, it will cover how to choose the right program to study and clues to making the most of university life.

For others not in high school, a second session will include advice on how to get back into study and balance it with other commitments.

There will be tips on juggling work, finances and family, as well as information on the various support services available to help students, from academic and careers advice through to counselling and financial support.

At the Info Hub between 10am and 1pm, visitors can get an overview of USC’s study areas and career opportunities.

USC academics will be on hand to provide one-on-one advice about programs and courses, while Student Support staff can help with tailored information on applying for university, scholarships, financial support and studying overseas.

Student ambassadors will run campus tours throughout the day, offering the chance to explore USC's teaching spaces, including nursing, science and robotics labs.

The day will showcase almost 20 degrees and pathway programs, including full degrees in Tourism, Leisure and Event Management, Animal Ecology, Business, Commerce (Accounting), Human Services and Primary Education.

Others include first-year degrees in Science, Environmental Science, Secondary Education, Social Work, Counselling, Psychology and Social Science and one-year diplomas in Business, Social and Human Services, and Innovation, Science and Technology.

High school students going into Year 11 and 12 next year can find out how to work towards a USC degree while still at school by inquiring about the Headstart program.

USC will hold another Open Day at its Sunshine Coast campus on Sunday 21 July, with a free bus services available for Fraser Coast residents who would like to attend.