Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University (abbreviated as SCU) is an educational institution of state type in Australia that has been active in scientific and educational activities since the distant 1994. The university campus is located far from the urban hustle and bustle away from the city of Gold Coast.

• Type: university.

Southern Cross University conducts research on issues of regional and global significance in collaboration with industry, government sectors, and local communities.

The Southern Cross Model divides study into six-week terms. During each term, students focus on one or two units and learn through curated materials, workshops, and tutorials.

The Student Learning Zone provides academic support, resources, and programs. Student visa holders normally complete at least 8 units, equivalent to 96 credit points, each year. No more than 33% of their units may be completed online.

• Lismore campus: Environmental Science, Engineering, Health Sciences, Law and Justice, and Indigenous Knowledge,
• Coffs Harbour campus: Health Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery, Marine Sciences, and Education and Teaching,
• Gold Coast campus: IT, Law and Justice, Social Welfare, Business and Tourism, Education, Occupational Therapy, Biomedical Science, Nursing, Pedorthics and Podiatry,
• SCU College: diploma programs in Education, Engineering, Business, Information Technology, and Health. Most are one-year qualifications and may provide up to 8 units of credit toward a related bachelor's degree. Pathway diplomas can provide direct entry into the second year of a linked bachelor's program, depending on the pathway.

• Southern Cross University ranks in the world's top third of universities for citations per faculty in the QS World University Rankings 2026,
• the university is leading an AI-supported circular economy project funded by an AUD 730,000 grant from the CSIRO Next Generation Graduates Program,
• its research covers ocean and marine health, support for young people, and the next generation of agriculture.

• Southern Cross University's alumni community includes more than 75,000 people worldwide.

On-campus residences are available at Lismore and Coffs Harbour. Students can live in modern, fully furnished apartments with their own kitchen, lounge, dining area, and bathroom. The university also helps students find off-campus accommodation.

There is no on-campus residence at Gold Coast. Students can choose homestay accommodation that includes three meals per day, Wi-Fi, and transport to campus.

UniLife organizes sports, cultural, and social activities that help students explore new interests and connect with one another.

• SCU Stingrays teams participate in netball, touch football, and OzTag competitions,
• SCU Gold Rats Rugby Club competes in men's and women's Far North Rugby Union competitions,
• Lismore Netball Club has more than 150 players across 15 teams,
• student clubs cover cultural, political, academic, sports, recreational, and community-service interests,
• on-campus residents can take part in movie nights, themed parties, study groups, and cooking classes.

• Southern Cross University is ranked among the top 600 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027,
• the university received a five-star rating for social equity in the Good Universities Guide 2026,
• SCU College English language programs are registered with CRICOS, and the college is accredited by the National English Language Teaching Accreditation Scheme,
• diploma students receive additional support through College Connect as they transition to university study,
• athletes and performers can access flexible admissions and enrollment arrangements, assignment and exam deferrals, alternative exam arrangements, flexible placement dates, and a choice of on-campus or distance study.

We are talking about a medium-sized educational institution of this type, where about 15,000 students take a course each year. Among the university teachers there are about 800 teachers of the highest category and professors. Both students and teaching staff can, if they wish, apply for participation in special student exchange programs. To clarify information about the price and activities of the university, visit the official portal at www.scu.edu.au, as well as through the pages and accounts of the university and its students in social networks such as Facebook, Linkedin, and YouTube and Twitter.

University infrastructure

All conditions are created for students for the convenience of living and studying: there is a large library, a modern hostel and a developed sports infrastructure on the campus. The institution of higher education is constantly evolving, as evidenced by its entry into various international scientific groups and communities.

Non-tuition expenses include textbooks, stationery, and excursions.

After a student accepts an offer, the university issues an electronic Confirmation of Enrolment, which must accompany the student visa application.

According to the Good Universities Guide 2026, 92% of Southern Cross University postgraduates were employed full-time after completing their degree.

• An international student must apply for an eligible onshore course, meet all admission requirements, including English language requirements, and be assessed as a Genuine Student,
• a student visa applicant must obtain health coverage for the full duration of the visa and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity.

• The Southern Cross admissions team assesses international scholarship eligibility at the time of application. Successful applicants are notified in their Letter of Offer, which includes the scholarship details,
• international scholarship applications are open throughout the year and close one month before the relevant study session.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision