Southern Cross University (SCU) Australia
Overview
The Southern Cross University (SCU) Australia is a new and vibrant public university with campuses located in Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast and Lismore and was founded in 1994. It is known to have creative education, exquisite courses to study in Australia, research on sustainability, and education that is integrated in the industry.
SCU has over 20,000 students with 6,000+ international students who represent 90+ countries and form a friendly learning atmosphere that attracts global student collaboration and real-world learning. Environmental science, business, health sciences, and engineering are the areas that the university is strong in.
The Southern Cross University (SCU) in Australia is characterized by a personalized way of teaching, scholarships to study in Australia, practical curriculum, and the cooperation with the leaders of the industry, throughout Australia, and the Asia-Pacific region. Its campuses are both modern and beautiful with natural scenes and it is an ideal academic cum a lifestyle.
Highlights
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Total International Students: 6,000+ from 90+ countries
- Programs Offered: 350+ undergraduate and postgraduate courses
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17: 1
- Scholarships: Up to 50% tuition waivers
- Graduate Employability Rate: 94% within six months of graduation
Rankings
Southern Cross University (SCU) Australia is globally recognized as the courses combine both academic and practical learning with real life case studies, projects, and internship taking students to workplace preparing them to be competent employees. Students are exposed to faculty that has experience in the field of work and so the lessons in classrooms are aligned with the prevailing trends in the industry for its strong teaching quality and research impact in areas such as environmental science, education, and nursing.
| Ranking Agency | Rank / Recognition |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2025 | #601 – 650 globally |
| Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 | #351 – 400 worldwide |
| QS Top 50 Under 50 2025 | Top 150 Young Universities |
| ARWU (Shanghai) 2024 | #401 – 500 globally |
| U.S. News Best Global Universities 2025 | #450 worldwide |
Intakes
Southern Cross University (SCU) Australia offers multiple intakes each year. This makes learners be able to synchronize their studies with their commitments, visa requirements and career aspirations. It is most advisable to apply early to be able to get a seat and time to prepare visa, housing and travel arrangements, and to ensure seats for students from different academic backgrounds.
February Intake: Primary intake or main intake is February for most undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
June Intake: Mid-year intake is July that is available for selected business, IT, and science courses.
October Intake: Additional intake is October for some pathway and postgraduate degrees.
Courses & Fees
Southern Cross University (SCU) Australia offers industry-aligned courses, this recognition reflects the institute’s growing reputation as an emerging player in Australia’s competitive higher education sector. Over the coming years, the institute aims to strengthen its profile globally by expanding partnerships and aligning its programs with international standards across disciplines with a focus on employability, research, and innovation.
Program | Duration | Tuition Fees (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Business and Enterprise | 3 Years | AUD 32,000 – 35,000 per year |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | 4 Years | AUD 36,000 – 40,000 per year |
Bachelor of Nursing | 3 Years | AUD 34,000 – 37,000 per year |
Bachelor of Information Technology | 3 Years | AUD 33,000 – 36,000 per year |
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 1.5 – 2 Years | AUD 68,000 total |
Master of Engineering Management | 2 Years | AUD 35,000 – 38,000 per year |
Master of Health and Human Sciences | 2 Years | AUD 34,000 – 37,000 per year |
Master of Information Technology | 2 Years | AUD 34,000 – 36,000 per year |
Cost of Studying at Southern Cross University (SCU) Australia
Living and studying in SCU’s coastal locations offers an affordable and vibrant lifestyle compared to Australia’s major cities. The students also have access to good career services, internships, and global progression opportunities, which assist them to undertake higher degree and career opportunities in other countries and partake in extracurricular activities without burning a hole in their pockets.
Expense Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
Tuition Fees | AUD 32,000 – 40,000 per year |
Accommodation | AUD 1,200 – 1,900 per month (≈ AUD 15,000 – 23,000 per year) |
Food & Groceries | AUD 400 – 700 per month (≈ AUD 4,800 – 8,400 per year) |
Transportation | AUD 100 – 160 per month (≈ AUD 1,200 – 1,900 per year) |
General Expenses | AUD 400 – 600 per month (≈ AUD 4,800 – 7,200 per year) |
Scholarships
Southern Cross University (SCU) Australia is known for small classes that is charged with the diverse environment provided by the institute and the encouraging personality of the faculty contribute to an interesting learning experience to secure scholarships to study in Australia. It indeed offers generous scholarships to reward your hard work, academic excellence and support international students financially.
Scholarship | Value / Waiver | Details |
|---|---|---|
Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship | Up to 50% tuition waiver | For high-achieving international students |
SCU International Regional Scholarship | 30% tuition discount | For students from eligible regions |
Women in STEM Scholarship | Up to 25% fee reduction | For female students in science and technology |
Postgraduate Research Scholarship | Full tuition + stipend | For research students with strong academic records |
Admissions
Southern Cross University (SCU) Australia accepts students of different academic qualifications by having a straightforward and clear-cut admission process. The institute has been focused on providing undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, management, computing and professional studies at an affordable but of good quality, and that is why it is a good option among international students to study in Australia.
- Qualifications: Year 12 degree or equivalent.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.0 (No score below 5.5) / TOEFL iBT 70 / PTE Academic 50+.
- Paperwork: Transcripts, English scores, passport and personal statement.
- Candidacy: Bachelor of degree in a pertinent requirement.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 79 / PTE Academic 58.
- Documents: Degree certificates, academic transcripts, resume and SOP.
Accommodation
The accommodation office offers advice to local and international students, including assistance in documentation related to housing, additional data needs and other related docs for hassle free stay.
Southern Cross University (SCU) in Australia offers accommodation to its students who are on campus and off campus in safe and comfortable conditions.
On-Campus Accommodation
Other accommodation centers like SCU Village Lismore, Towers Gold Coast, and Aquinas College provide furnished room, Wi-Fi, kitchen, and social facilities. The cost of rent varies between AUD 1,200 -1,800 per month, based on campus and the type of room.
Off-Campus Accommodation
There are options of renting an apartment or shared housing near the campuses at the Gold Coast or Coffs Harbour. The average cost of a private rental is AUD 1,000 -1,600 on average monthly which provides flexibility and the independence.
Placements
Southern cross university (SCU) Australia is a university that focuses on employability, by using industry related course work and work integrated learning (WIL). The strong relationships that the university has with the organizations in the fields of business, healthcare, tourism, IT, and engineering are beneficial to students.
Career and Employability Team provide career workshops, internship placement and networking with leading employers in Australia. Graduates of SCU have a reputation of being industry ready and practical with their skills.
Top Recruiters Include:
- PwC Australia
- Deloitte
- BHP Group
- Queensland Health
- Accenture
- EY (Ernst & Young)
- NSW Government
- IBM
- Suncorp Group
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Student Essential Services
Southern Cross University (SCU) Australia provides full-service to both academics, social, and individual care of students. The special mentors help the students in orientation, academic advice, visa issues and settling in Australia. The wellbeing officers make sure that all students feel supported.
Student Success Centre: The workshop programs, mentorship and peer study programs enable students to perform academically. The important subjects are tutored during the semester.
Careers & Internships: Career and Employability Hub provide career coaching, internships and employment fairs on campus where students are linked to employers.
Counselling & Accessibility: Access advisors and professional counsellors offer academic accommodations and mental health care to special needs students. There are health clinics and counselling centres that are based on campus. Each of the campuses has 24/7 security and emergency response services.
Clubs & Recreation: Each of the campuses has more than 100 student clubs and societies, which encourage socialization, sports, and community life. The libraries, digital laboratories and online learning programs of SCU provide a lot of resources to facilitate research and assignments.
Visa & Housing Assistance: International Student Support Team also helps in visa applications and renewal, accommodation before arrival. Cultural festivals, career weeks and community projects make the campus experience exciting and inclusive to the students across the world.
Location of Southern Cross University (SCU) Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
February, June and October applications are open. The application should be made at least 4 months prior to the start date.
Undergraduate: IELTS 6.0 or higher Postgraduate: IELTS 6.5 (or the TOEFL/PTE equivalent scores).
Yes, SCU has scholarships that are up to 50% of the tuition based on academical excellence and the locality.
There are on-campus accommodation and off-campus accommodation apartments in the areas of Lismore and Gold Coast campuses.
Career Hub has access to internship, mentorship, and job placements opportunities with the top employers.
In a beautiful coastal setting, SCU integrates academic excellence, low cost of living and good relationship with industries.
The global campus of SCU has 6,000+ international students who represent 90+ nations.
Talk to Our Expert Counsellor Today!
Unlock the best opportunities for higher education abroad. Our experts will help you choose the right university, program, & country to match your career goals!
Copyright © Unifi Lending LLC. All Rights Reserved 2025.