Southern Cross University
About
Ready for uni with a difference?
When you join Southern Cross University, you’ll be studying in a revolutionary academic model of six-week terms and immersive learning experiences. The Southern Cross Model is designed for your success at uni and beyond – it’s helping our students get better grades and enjoy their studies more as they learn in real-world scenarios.
Mentors and support services are there for you at every stage of your journey, not to mention generous scholarship programs for all kinds of students.
Our diverse academic portfolio includes courses in business, creative arts, education, engineering, health, humanities, Indigenous knowledge, information technology, law, science, social work and tourism.
We have three main campuses – Northern Rivers, Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour as well as a thriving online campus. Marine science is offered at the University’s National Marine Science Centre in Charlesworth Bay, Coffs Harbour. We also have branch campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and The Hotel School campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Hayman Island in partnership with Mulpha Australia.
On-campus accommodation is available at Coffs Harbour and our rainforest campus in the Northern Rivers and at all our campuses, you’re never far from the beach. The Gold Coast campus is only 400 metres from the rolling waves of Kirra Beach.
As a Southern Cross student, you’ll be part of a community of like-minded and passionate people and be connected to an alumni network that spans the globe.
CRICOS provider number: 01241G
TEQSA provider ID: PRV12043
Contact
Phone: 1800 626 481
Email: futurestudent@scu.edu.au
Website: visit the
Southern Cross University
Southern Cross University
PO Box 157
Lismore NSW 2480
Campus Locations
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Events
Important Dates
March commencement
Monday 4 March 2024
Orientation: Monday 26 February to Friday 1 March 2024
July commencement
Monday 1 July 2024
Orientation Monday 24 to Friday 28 June 2024
October commencement
Monday 28 October 2024
Orientation: Monday 21 to Friday 25 October 2024
Open days
Northern Rivers campus: Sat 4 Aug 2024
Coffs Harbour campus: Sun 11 Aug 2024
Gold Coast campus: Sun 18 Aug 2024
Campus visits
Book a personalised campus tour, guided by current students, at all campuses: call 1800 626 481 or email campustours@scu.edu.au.
Student Outcomes
The student outcomes display the overall undergraduate results for the institution.
No QILT data available for this institution.
For further information visit ComparED website
Policies and Services
Admission criteria
To be offered a place in a course you must meet the course entrance requirements and be selected in competition with other eligible applicants.
An applicant who has one or more of the following qualifications is eligible for admission to the University. However, an applicant who is eligible for admission may not necessarily gain a place in a particular course when competing with other candidates. Some courses require interviews, portfolios and/or tests for admission – read course descriptions in the course search for additional selection criteria.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)
If you are a 2023 or 2024 Australian Year 12 student you will be selected for admission on the basis of your ATAR or equivalent. You may also be admitted on the basis of a strong performance in individual subjects relevant to the course you want to study.
Selection rank adjustments
Selection rank adjustments may allow 2024 Year 12 applicants to receive an offer to a program even though they have an ATAR below the published lowest selection rank.
Equity adjustments
Southern Cross University has an Educational Access Scheme (EAS) to assist applicants who believe they have been educationally or financially disadvantaged. EAS applications are processed centrally through UAC.
Elite athlete and performer adjustments
Southern Cross University is a member of the Australian Sports Commission’s Elite Athlete Friendly University program. Elite athletes and exceptional performers may be considered for ATAR adjustments based on in recognition of competitive commitments which may have impacted your high school academic performance and to assist you in gaining entry into your chosen course.
Location adjustments
At Southern Cross University we recognise that Year 12 students from our region may not always have the same opportunities as students from non-regional areas. If you completed Year 12 at a regional high school or TAFE you will automatically be considered for five selection rank adjustment points.
Criteria that may apply in addition to ATAR
Consideration of other specified criteria may also be applied in addition to your ATAR; for example, strong performance in selected Year 12 subjects, personal interview, and submission of additional supporting documentation, statements and portfolios.
Other admission options
Early Offer Scheme
Our Early Offer Scheme is a Principals Recommendation Scheme available to current Year 12 students who attend school in the Greater Gold Coast, Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Upper Hunter, Namoi, New England, or North West NSW regions. If you have been recommended by your principal and have satisfied specific University entry criteria, you will be considered by the University under this scheme.
Limited ATAR
Southern Cross University accepts the Limited ATAR for applicants sitting the NSW HSC.
Applicants with higher education study
If you have attempted any tertiary studies, you will be considered for admission on the basis of your grade point average in these studies. Applicants who are currently under exclusion that extends into 2024 are not usually eligible for admission.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
Applicants 18 years of age and over
The University strongly advises applicants who have no formal qualifications or who have performed poorly in other studies to sit the Skills Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice test.
The STAT is accepted for:
- post-school applicants
- applicants who are 18 years or over.
Skills Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The University strongly advises applicants who have no formal qualifications or who have performed poorly in other studies to sit the Skills Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice test.
The STAT is accepted for:
- post-school applicants
- applicants who are 18 years or over.
Enabling course options
Southern Cross University offers a range of associate degree qualifications that provide pathways into our degree programs for students who do not meet the direct entry requirements.
The Preparing for Success at SCU Program is available at every teaching session to people who have a passion for learning and who may not meet the formal entry requirements for enrolment in a degree.
Applicants with work and life experience (includes those who left secondary education more than 2 years ago)
If your only qualification is an Australian Year 12 before 2020, you will be selected for admission on the basis of your ATAR or equivalent.
Personal Competencies Statement
If you do not have formal qualifications or your formal qualifications are not sufficient for entry, you can provide a Personal Competencies Statement.
Applicants 18 years of age and over
Applicants aged 18 and over on Friday 1 March 2023 who do not meet the admission criteria outlined above may be considered for admission on the basis of a satisfactory level of performance in one or more of the following:
- completion of a one-year foundation or enabling course, including the TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate
- completion of the Preparing for Success at SCU Program
- study equivalent to at least six months full-time at a university, TAFE or accredited private institution at Certificate III level or higher
- completion of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
- work or field experience equivalent to at least one-year full-time
- post-secondary qualifications, including healthcare qualifications, commissioned officer qualifications, apprenticeships and traineeships
- interview.
Skills Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The University strongly advises applicants who have no formal qualifications or who have performed poorly in other studies to sit the Skills Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice test.
The STAT is accepted for:
- post-school applicants
- applicants who are 18 years or over.
Enabling course options
Southern Cross University offers a range of pathways into our degree programs for students who do not meet the direct entry requirements.
The Preparing for Success at SCU Program is available at every teaching session to people who have a passion for learning and who may not meet the formal entry requirements for enrolment in a degree.
The Transition to Uni Program is an intensive six-week program available to Year 12 students who may not meet the formal entry requirements for a degree.
Applicants with overseas qualifications
There are commonly accepted overseas secondary qualifications that SCU may take into consideration. Check your qualification.
Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia with overseas qualifications should contact Southern Cross University to discuss eligibility for admission before applying through UAC.
English language proficiency
If you have qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.
First Nations applicants
If you are an Indigenous Australian and do not receive an offer to Southern Cross University based solely on your application, there is a pathway scheme available.
The Testing and Assessment Program allows you to sit an assessment task and then discuss your options for university admission. This may include you receiving an offer into the course you have applied for or considering a pathway into your preferred course
Indigenous Australian Student Services (IASS) provides an extensive service to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are studying at Southern Cross University. There are IASS officers at each campus.
How to apply
Through a TAC
Domestic students can apply for courses through the appropriate TAC:
New South Wales - Apply through UAC
Queensland - Apply through QTAC
Direct to the institution
Students can also apply directly to the university.
Enrolment
Acceptance of offer
Successful applicants will receive an offer of admission from Southern Cross University which will include acceptance and enrolment procedures.
Advanced standing
If you have undertaken study elsewhere like TAFE or university, or had work experience at a professional level during the past 10 years, you may be eligible for Advanced Standing (credit, exemption or recognition of prior learning) which could shorten the length of your study at Southern Cross University.
Deferment
Initial course deferment of one year (except for STAR Early Entry offers) is available, but a deferred offer can be deferred again in the following year. Applicants must request deferment directly to the University after acceptance of their offer.
Fees and charges
All SCU students must pay student contributions for a Commonwealth-supported place (CSP). When you study in a CSP course, you only have to pay part of the cost of your course (a student contribution) and the Australian Government pays the remainder of the cost. In addition, students can choose to pay student association fees.
To find out more about course fees.
Student Services and Amenities Fee
All students are also required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Eligible students are able to apply for a SA-HELP loan scheme to defer these fees.
Financial assistance
Scholarships
Equity Scholarships
Commencing and continuing students who meet low socio-economic criteria are eligible for support from one of two available programs at SCU:
- Southern Cross University Equity Scholarships, which range in value from $500 to $2,000 and are offered to the most disadvantaged students
- Southern Cross University Equity Book Bursaries, which are vouchers valued at up to $500.
Applications from Australian Indigenous students will be considered for a range of other scholarships.
All Equity Scholarships applications are processed centrally through UAC.
Rising Star Scholarships Program
Rising Star scholarships are available to commencing and continuing students on a competitive merit basis. Scholarship eligibility and criteria varies. Read about scholarships on the SCU website.
Financial assistance
Youth and student allowances
For details on Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY, visit the Services Australia website.
Where to get further information
- Southern Cross University – Southern Cross University's Profile
- TEQSA national register – The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) is Australia's independent national quality assurance and regulatory agency for higher education
- ComparED – The ComparED website provides prospective students with transparent institution information from recent graduates and current students views.
- Study Assist – Information for students about government assistance for financing tertiary study.
- Tertiary Admission Centre: UAC (NSW & ACT)
Student Profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at the institution. It provides data on all students who commenced undergraduate study in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds, across all Australian campuses, and international students studying in Australia.
For more information about the Student Profile, please visit Student Profile explained.
| Applicant background | Session 1, 2021 | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of students No. of students | Percentage of all students % of all students | |
| (A) Higher education study | 770 | 25.9% |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | 595 | 20.0% |
| (C) Work and life experience | 396 | 13.3% |
| (D) Recent secondary education | ||
|
179 | 6.0% |
|
31 | 1.0% |
|
673 | 22.7% |
| (E) International students | 324 | 10.9% |
| All students | 2968 | 100% |
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
There are no undergraduate courses listed. Please visit the institutions website for more information.
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L/N: Low numbers – The number of survey responses are too low to display.
N/A: Data not available for this study area or institution.
Data source: ComparED website