University of Southern Queensland

University of Southern Queensland
Former names
List
    • Queensland Institute of Technology (Darling Downs)
      (1967โ€“1971)
    • Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education
      (1971โ€“1989)
    • University College of Southern Queensland
      (1990โ€“1991)
Motto
Latin: Per Studia Mens Nova
Motto in English
"Through study the mind is renewed"
TypePublic research university
Established
  • 1967 (as institute of technology)
  • 1992 (as university)
AccreditationTEQSA
Academic affiliation
BudgetA$388.91 million (2023)
ChancellorJohn McVeigh
Vice-ChancellorGlen Coleman (acting)
Academic staff
837 (2024)
Administrative staff
1,009 (2024)
Total staff
1,846 (2024)
Students20,288 (2024)
Undergraduates13,805 (2023)
Postgraduates2,642 coursework (2024)
940 research (2024)
Other students
2,334 non-award (2024)
Location, ,
CampusUrban and regional with multiple sites
ColoursGold Plum
Sporting affiliations
Websiteunisq.edu.au

The University of Southern Queensland is a public research university based in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, the sixth largest city in the Australian state of Queensland. Founded in 1967 after a successful campaign by the local Darling Downs community, the university is a founding member of the Regional Universities Network.

The main Toowoomba campus occupies a large area of south-western Toowoomba in the suburb of Darling Heights. Campuses in Ipswich and Springfield also exist alongside a Brisbane City industry hub. The university owns and operates the Mount Kent Observatory, which is the only professional astronomical research observatory in Queensland. The Ravensbourne Field Studies Centre, which acts as a research centre for environmental science, is also operated by the university. The university has partnered with the Canterbury Institute of Technology to offer the Sydney Education Centre.

Through twelve schools, the university offers a variety of associate, bachelor, master, doctoral, and higher doctorate degrees The university operates four research institutes and eight research centres which focus on a wide range of business, agricultural, scientific, environmental, and technological issues. Recent notable research includes the discovery of Gliese 12 b, an Earth-like planet 40 light years away making it the closest located to date.

The University of Southern Queensland consistently ranks among the top 400 universities worldwide. In the 2026 US News Best Global Universities rankings, it is positioned at 278th. In the 2025 QS World University Rankings, the University of Southern Queensland holds the 396th spot. In the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, it is placed within the 301-350 range.