Southern Cross University is powered by passion. We are surrounded by ambitious and dedicated students and colleagues, and environments of stunning natural beauty.

In addition to our world university rankings, we are also ranked the top university in Australia for overall experience in Engineering and Technology, Agriculture and Environmental Studies in the 2021 Good Universities Guide.

Southern Cross is deeply rooted in its regional communities and demonstrates that world-class research, teaching and learning thrives outside metropolitan centres. We create and apply knowledge in partnership with our communities in fields that are regionally relevant and globally significant. The latest Excellence in Research for Australia report has ranked Southern Cross as ‘at world standard or above’ in 23 key research areas. The University operates The Hotel School Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Hayman Island in partnership with Mulpha Australia.

Campuses

Gold Coast campus

The Gold Coast campus offers a personalised learning experience in a vibrant location, adjacent to the Gold Coast Airport and overlooking North Kirra Beach.

Our courses range from business, law, and information technology, to health, arts, education, social work and community welfare. Students can take full advantage of this thriving city, with a multitude of placement and work opportunities. Our health degrees are taught in state-of-the-art health science laboratories, and include biomedical science, occupational therapy, speech pathology, osteopathic studies, midwifery, nursing, and sport and exercise science. A Health Clinic on campus provides services to the public as well as placement opportunities for students.

Pathways courses Preparing for Success Program (PSP) and Transition to Uni as well as entry-level Diplomas in health and business are available through SCU College at the Gold Coast and our Coomera Creative Campus in the northern Gold Coast also offers degrees in contemporary music, digital media and information technology.

Lismore campus

Lismore is a subtropical rainforest campus, a creative hub within easy reach of national parks and a half hour drive to the ocean. This campus houses state-of-the-art facilities for music, engineering, marine, forest and environmental sciences, studios for visual arts, specialist health labs, and an on-campus Health Clinic.

Degrees in media, education, creative writing, Indigenous knowledge and SCU College pathway programs can also be studied at Lismore. The campus is home to Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples and includes a contemporary Learning Centre and library complex, heated pool and gym.

Coffs Harbour campus

The vibrant Coffs Harbour campus is part of an education precinct in Coffs Harbour, within easy reach of the ocean, international sporting facilities and a regional airport.

Southern Cross University’s multi-million-dollar Health Sciences Building features a biomechanics running track and high-tech simulation teaching laboratories. Degrees in education, community welfare and health including midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology, speech pathology and sport and exercise science, and pathway programs are offered at the Coffs Harbour campus.

Coffs Harbour is also home to the University’s National Marine Science Centre—adjacent to the Solitary Islands Marine Park—one of Australia’s leading facilities for marine science teaching and research.

Key Dates

February start

Orientation:

21 – 25 February 2022

Start: 28 February 2022

June start

Orientation:

27 June – 1 July 2022

Start: 4 July 2022

October start

Orientation:

24 – 28 October 2022

Start: 31 October 2022

For the latest information, visit scu.edu.au/teachingcalendar

Courses requiring special entry procedures/tertiary prerequisites

All Southern Cross University undergraduate education courses require applicants to complete a non-academic requirements statement as part of their application; visit qtac.edu.au/teacher-entry. The Bachelor of Art and Design and the Bachelor of Contemporary Music have additional or alternative selection criteria (interview/portfolio/audition). Students wishing to study the Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management (at The Hotel School Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Hayman Island) are selected on individual merit and attend an interview.

Online study

Southern Cross University offers many courses online through direct application to the University. Visit the SCU website for more information.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

Indigenous Australian applicants who believe they may not meet the usual admission requirements are invited to a testing and assessment program for consideration for admission to their preferred course. For information, email Indigenous Australian Student Services (IASS) or phone 1800 626 481.

Recognition of prior learning

There are a variety of reasons prospective student could gain credit towards their study, including recognition of prior learning and industry experience. Southern Cross University recognises qualifications from TAFE institutes and other educational providers in formal agreements that grant advanced standing towards a number of courses. Visit scu.edu.au/advancedstanding.

Facilities

Discipline-specific facilities vary at each campus. General student facilities also vary at each campus but may include food outlets, bookshops, gymnasium and sporting facilities, swimming pool, and banking facilities. Visit scu.edu.au/campuses for details.

Student accommodation

All the University’s campuses provide a list of off-campus accommodation available in their area. Visit the SCU website for more information.

Find information about accommodation in colleges at both Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses, visit SCU Village.

Student support services

Academic support is available to all students. The UniMentor program connects new students with an experienced student mentor studying in the same discipline. The University has a free counselling service for all students. Students with a disability have access to a range of support services. Southern Cross University is an inclusive and culturally safe work and study environment. For a full list of student support services, visit scu.edu.au/studentsupportservices.