Looking to specialise in sports nutrition? The Master of Dietetics (Sports Nutrition) (CRICOS course code 116690E) is a Masters Degree (Coursework) delivered by the University of the Sunshine Coast over 2 years. This program is designed for graduates who want to become accredited practising dietitians with a focus on sport and exercise nutrition. It combines advanced coursework with a substantial work-integrated learning component of 20 weeks (800 hours), giving you real-world experience in clinical and sports settings. Delivered at the UniSC Moreton Bay campus in Petrie, Queensland, this course is CRICOS-registered, meaning it meets Australian Government standards for international students. You’ll learn from industry-connected academics and gain the skills to help athletes and active individuals optimise their performance through nutrition. With Australia’s growing focus on health and fitness, this qualification opens doors to roles in hospitals, sports institutes, private practice, and research.
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The Master of Dietetics (Sports Nutrition) (CRICOS course code 116690E) is a postgraduate coursework degree at AQF Level 9. It is offered by the University of the Sunshine Coast (CRICOS 01595D), a government-funded public university. The course is classified under field of education 069901 – Nutrition and Dietetics, within the broader health discipline. As a CRICOS-registered course, it is approved for enrolments of international students on student visas. The program is designed to meet the accreditation requirements of the Dietitians Australia and prepares graduates to work as dietitians in diverse settings, with a special focus on sports nutrition. The University of the Sunshine Coast is known for its strong industry partnerships and practical approach to learning, particularly in health and sports science fields.
Students in this course will explore the intersection of nutrition science and exercise physiology. The curriculum typically covers advanced topics such as clinical dietetics, medical nutrition therapy, community and public health nutrition, food science, and research methods. Specialised sports nutrition subjects delve into energy metabolism, hydration strategies, supplement use, and nutrition for training and competition. You’ll also develop skills in behaviour change counselling, professional practice, and leadership in dietetics. The program includes a significant research or capstone project, allowing you to apply evidence-based practice to real-world problems. While specific subjects are determined by the university, graduates can expect to attain competencies required for accreditation as a dietitian, including the ability to assess, diagnose, and treat nutritional issues in individuals and groups.
The Master of Dietetics (Sports Nutrition) is a full-time course with a duration of 2 years, or 104 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is delivered in English. This is a single qualification (no dual awards) and does not include foundation studies. The program is available only on campus at UniSC Moreton Bay, with a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, and the mandatory work-integrated learning component. There is no online or part-time option for international students on a student visa, as CRICOS registration requires full-time study.
The indicative total tuition fee for this course is A$77,000, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, bringing the estimated total to A$77,000. Please note: this figure does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. As a guide, international students in Queensland should budget for OSHC (around A$600–A$800 per year for single cover), living expenses of approximately A$21,000–A$25,000 per year (covering rent, food, transport, and utilities), and the current visa application fee of A$1,600. Fees are set by the University of the Sunshine Coast and are subject to change – always confirm current fees on the provider's website (www.usc.edu.au) before applying.
Entry into the Master of Dietetics (Sports Nutrition) typically requires completion of a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as nutrition, exercise science, or health science, with a high grade point average. Applicants must also meet English language proficiency requirements – for this course, the indicative IELTS score is 6.5 to 7.0 overall, with no band less than 6.5 or 7.0 in each component (check with the university for exact sub-scores). Some prerequisite subjects may be required, such as human biochemistry, physiology, and introductory nutrition. The University of the Sunshine Coast may offer pathway programs for students who do not meet the direct entry criteria – contact the provider directly for details. Note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive.
Yes, this course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 20 weeks, with 40 hours per week, totalling approximately 800 hours. This is an industry placement, internship, or clinical placement where you will apply your skills under supervision in real healthcare or sports settings. Placements may occur in hospitals, community health centres, sports institutes, or private practices. The work component is a critical part of accreditation requirements and ensures you graduate with practical experience. You will receive support from the university to secure placements, but locations may not be limited to the Moreton Bay campus area. This experience also counts towards the supervised practice hours needed for dietitian accreditation in Australia.
This course is delivered at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Moreton Bay campus in Petrie, Queensland. Petrie is located approximately 30 km north of Brisbane’s CBD and is well-connected by train (Petrie Station) and bus services. The Moreton Bay region is a growing population centre with a mix of suburban and natural environments. Brisbane itself has over 200 CRICOS-registered providers and a large student population, offering a vibrant multicultural community. Living costs in Brisbane are moderate compared to Sydney and Melbourne – indicative weekly costs: rent A$200–A$400 for shared accommodation, groceries A$80–A$120, and public transport A$30–A$50 (with student discounts). The campus is purpose-built with modern facilities including health clinics, science labs, and a sports centre.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course, work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. As part of the visa application, you will need to demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) intention, sufficient financial capacity (tuition, living costs, OSHC, and travel), and meet health and character requirements. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application individually. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent – consult a MARA-registered agent or visit homeaffairs.gov.au for personalised advice. Remember that your visa is tied to your enrolment – any changes to your course or provider may affect your visa status.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Master of Dietetics (Sports Nutrition) at the University of the Sunshine Coast:
**Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers.** Browse HeadStart Academy to compare courses, check CRICOS registration, and confirm the course meets your goals. Use filters for study level (Masters Degree (Coursework)), field (Nutrition and Dietetics), and location (Queensland). Always verify the provider's CRICOS code (01595D) on the official register.
**Step 2: Apply directly to your chosen institution.** Visit the University of the Sunshine Coast’s website (www.usc.edu.au) to review specific entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), statement of purpose, and any required supporting documents. Submit your application online through the university’s international admissions portal.
**Step 3: Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500).** Once the university offers you a place, you will receive a Letter of Offer. Accept and pay the deposit to obtain your CoE. Then lodge your visa application with the Department of Home Affairs, including your CoE, OSHC evidence, financial documents, and GTE statement. Apply well before the course start date to allow processing time.
This course is ideal if you have a background in nutrition, exercise science, or a related health field and want to become an accredited practising dietitian with a sports focus. Consider whether you are prepared for two years of intensive study combined with significant placement hours. The program requires strong commitment and excellent time management. Queensland offers a warm climate and outdoor lifestyle, which complements sports nutrition studies. However, living costs in the Moreton Bay region are slightly lower than inner Brisbane, making it more affordable. Also think about future career opportunities: sports dietitians are in demand within elite sports organisations, rehabilitation clinics, and community health programs. Remember that accreditation requirements may involve additional exams or supervised practice after graduation – check with Dietitians Australia for current pathways.
Ready to take the next step? Check the University of the Sunshine Coast's official course page for the latest fees, entry requirements, and application deadlines.
Master of Dietetics (Sports Nutrition) is a CRICOS-registered programme at University of the Sunshine Coast. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.