Southern Cross University is powered by passion. We are surrounded by ambitious and dedicated students and colleagues, and environments of stunning natural beauty. We pride ourselves on an innovative academic model that is driving student success at university and beyond. Southern Cross University is deeply grounded 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 has three main campuses along the east coast of Australia and operates The Hotel School Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Hayman Island in partnership with Mulpha Australia. We have a thriving online campus and most degrees have an optional online study mode.

Campuses

Gold Coast campus

Our Gold Coast campus is located at Coolangatta, just 400 metres from North Kirra Beach. Many vantage points from the campus buildings offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The campus is spread across three multi-level buildings that house innovative learning spaces, health science laboratories, computer labs, student lounges, the University’s Digital Enterprise Lab and an on-campus Health Clinic.

Lismore – Northern Rivers campus

Lismore is the original Southern Cross campus, located in the heart of the Northern Rivers on acres of lush rainforest that is home to abundant native wildlife and a koala hospital. The campus is within easy reach of beautiful national parks with beaches close by at Byron Bay, Lennox Head and Ballina.

The campus has state-of-the-art creative studios, engineering and environmental science facilities, specialist health labs and simulated hospital wards, the Enterprise Lab, a Learning Centre and library complex, on-campus accommodation, a gym, heated pool and an on-campus Health Clinic.

Coffs Harbour campus

The Coffs Harbour campus is part of an innovation hub in this coastal city, within easy reach of the ocean, international sporting facilities and a regional airport. An advanced Health Sciences Building features a biomechanics running track and high-tech simulation teaching laboratories, surrounded by extensive green spaces and sporting fields.The campus has on-campus accommodation and a gym, library and student lounges.

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

Key Dates

October start 2022

Orientation:

24 – 28 October 2022

Start: 31 October 2022

March start 2023

Orientation: February 2023

Teaching starts: March 2023

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 are selected on individual merit and attend an interview.

Online study

Southern Cross University offers many courses online through direct application. 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 students 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 scu.edu.au/accommodation. For 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.