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Southern Cross University (SCU)

  • 20% international / 80% domestic

About Southern Cross University (SCU)

Southern Cross is a different kind of university

Southern Cross University stands for what matters. It’s an ethos that informs the courses, the research and the direction of the university. 

Southern Cross is committed to protecting and managing our precious natural resources, to understanding and advancing our human world. Regenerating, challenging, exploring, experimenting, finding solutions where they appeared to be none, building knowledge from the ground up. Adapting to and finding resilience in an uncertain world.

All three of the main campuses at Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour offer something unique, thanks to their locations and the vibrant communities that live in these subtropical areas, communities that nourish the thinking and the academic rigour that define the University. The online campus at Southern Cross is a dynamic, connected community, where distance is no barrier to a deeply satisfying university experience.

Whether you study at one of the beautiful campuses or online, the small class sizes mean the lecturers know you by name, while the flexible support services and study options reflect a community that can’t wait to see you flourish and succeed at Southern Cross.

Top 150 Young Universities (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020)

Southern Cross is a young university, but has come a long way in 25 years and is now ranked among the world’s top young universities. 

Southern Cross is ranked in the top 3% of universities in the world in Life Sciences, in the top 4% in Physical Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020) and in the top 3% for Agriculture and Forestry (QS Rankings 2020).

Additionally, the University achieved world standard or above results in 23 key research areas (Excellence in Research for Australia 2018).

No.1 in Australia for overall international student support (International Student Barometer)

There’s never been a more important time to feel supported. No matter who you are, Southern Cross University’s 5-star student support (The Good Universities Guide 2020) is available to you. Support programs include:

  • Academic skills – individual appointments, UniMentor Program and the Learning Experience Team
  • International students – academic pathways, settling in and dedicated advisers
  • Student access and inclusion – supporting and educating the University community in matters relating to disability
  • Indigenous Australian Student Services – a wide range of information, advice and support for Indigenous Australian students
  • Counselling, careers and employability and a multifaith chaplaincy.

Southern Cross graduate stories. Listen to the people who have already been there. 

Maria Smith

Online MBA (Managing and Leading People) graduate

“For me the support I’ve had during the course has been fantastic. Just to get a call for a ‘How are you going?’ or ‘What do you need?’ That’s been great!

Steffen Westmann

Bachelor of Business (Honours)

“The academic support in completing this research thesis is quite amazing, my supervisors are really switched on and really helpful.”

Zohra Ali

Online Master of Laws (Business Law) graduate

“I chose Southern Cross University because I was attracted to the flexibility of the program. I am able to study at times that are suitable to me rather than having to adhere to a structured attendance timetable. This was an important feature for me as someone who is working full-time and managing a household.”

Katarzyna Loubet 

Bachelor of Social Science with Honours

“Going to university was one of the best decisions I have made! The rewards of tertiary study are certainly worth all the hard work, the frustrations, and even the tears. It’s an amazing feeling when you get onto that stage to receive your qualifications, you really do feel like anything is possible, it’s a truly fulfilling moment."

Upskill with a 12-week short course

Southern Cross University has announced a suite of short courses for Australians looking to upskill and retrain from mid-2020.

The new online courses are backed by the Federal Government’s COVID-19 relief package and are designed to enable people to build skills in areas such as health, IT, engineering, science, education and agriculture for a fraction of the usual cost of study – with HECS-HELP available to all Australian citizens.

To find out more, please visit our website.

Research degrees

If you are ready to take your research studies or career to the next level, become part of our vibrant and widely recognised research community. This will allow you to benefit from the expertise of our researchers, fellow graduates and staff across a varying range of disciplines. Travelling this pathway with the help and support of supervisors, fellow graduate research students and our University, will be a highly rewarding and life-changing experience. We can help you achieve your goals.
To find a supervisor or browse our research degree 
options visit scu.edu.au/graduate-school

Scholarships

One application. 380+ scholarships. 

Scholarships really make a difference. They make your education attainable by reducing the financial burden – enabling you to focus on your studies and put your learning first.

Postgraduate scholarships range in value to help pay for textbooks up to living expenses, and fee reductions of up to $8,000 per year.  

Scholarships are available for:

  • Financial hardship
  • Academic achievement
  • International students
  • Indigenous Australian students
  • Leadership and community involvement.

For more details and how to apply, please visit our website.

Research Masters and PhD Scholarships

All students choosing to undertake a research program should refer to the Graduate School’s Scholarships page or the Southern Cross Plant Science’s Scholarship page for full details of available financial support.

Featured scholarships

Campuses

Gold Coast

The Southern Cross University Gold Coast campus is located at Coolangatta, just 400 meters from North Kirra Beach, and adjacent to the Gold Coast Airport. Many vantage points offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. 

The campus is spread across three contemporary buildings that house innovative learning spaces, health sciences laboratories, computer labs, student lounges, the University’s Digital Enterprise Lab and an on-campus Health Clinic.

Lismore

Lismore was the first Southern Cross campus, located in the heart of the Northern Rivers. Set on acres of lush rainforest, Lismore campus is a creative hub within easy reach of both national parks and the ocean.

It is also home to state-of-the-art engineering and environmental science facilities, specialist health labs and simulated hospital wards, a Learning Centre and library complex, heated pool and gym, and an on-campus Health Clinic. Koalas and native wildlife are a common sight on campus. 

Coffs Harbour

The University is part of an education precinct in Coffs Harbour, co-located with TAFE NSW and the Coffs Harbour Innovation Hub.

A multi-million dollar Health Sciences Building opened on campus in 2019, with state-of-the-art teaching facilities for our health science students. The campus includes a fitness centre, extensive landscaped grounds and close proximity to beaches and the growing regional centre of Coffs Harbour.

The University’s National Marine Science Centre is located in nearby Charlesworth Bay.

Explore the Southern Cross campuses.

Application process  

Postgraduate application process

If you are an international applicant or applying for postgraduate degrees by coursework, please apply directly to Southern Cross University online. Contact the Graduate School to apply for postgraduate degrees by research.

If you have any questions about your study options or the application process please contact our Future Students team at studentrecruitment@scu.edu.au or call 1800 626 481. 

1.     Find a course
Search for the postgraduate course you want to study. Refine your search by session or location, or use the keyword search bar e.g. Business.

2.     Apply

To start your application, click the yellow Apply Now button on the course page and select your campus preference. Make sure you have all your previous study and work experience documents ready to upload.

3.     Accept and enrol

Southern Cross University will send you a formal offer by email – congratulations! Your next step is to accept the offer and enrol in the course units.

For details on each application step, please visit our website. 

Southern Cross also has a range of scholarship opportunities which all students are welcome to apply for.

Campuses

Brisbane

Coffs Harbour

Brisbane

Coffs Harbour

Courses

Featured Courses

Graduate Certificate

If you're interested in engineering and you want to work in a dynamic industry with diverse career prospects, the Undergraduate Certificate in Engineering is an excellent way to start your journey.

Graduate Certificate

Are you interested in a career where you can make a difference every day? The Undergraduate Certificate in Community Welfare is an excellent place to start. This is a pathway to further study at Southern Cross University in Community Welfare or Social Work.

Graduate Certificate

If you are interested in a career in health or as a registered nurse, the Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing is a fantastic place to start your journey.

Performance Indicators

87.6%
Overall satisfacation
85.6%
Skill scale
75.7%
Teaching scale
87.2%
Employed full-time
$103k
Average salary

Featured Scholarships


The Father Paul Pidcock Scholarship supports school leavers of St John's Woodlawn College with their university studies at Southern Cross University.
The Louise Morgan Head-Start Scholarship is offered to students commencing undergraduate study at SCU in 2021 who have achieved outstanding results in the SCU Head-Start program.

Student Stories


  • Student Stories
The academic support in completing this research thesis is quite amazing, my supervisors are really switched on and really helpful.

Steffen Westmann

  • Student Stories
The academic support in completing this research thesis is quite amazing, my supervisors are really switched on and really helpful.

Steffen Westmann

  • Student Stories
I chose Southern Cross University because I was attracted to the flexibility of the program.

Zohra Ali

  • Student Stories
I chose Southern Cross University because I was attracted to the flexibility of the program.

Zohra Ali

  • Student Stories
It's an amazing feeling when you get onto that stage to receive your qualifications, you really do feel like anything is possible, it's a truly fulfilling moment.

Katarzyna Loubet

  • Student Stories
It's an amazing feeling when you get onto that stage to receive your qualifications, you really do feel like anything is possible, it's a truly fulfilling moment.

Katarzyna Loubet

  • Student Stories
The academic support in completing this research thesis is quite amazing, my supervisors are really switched on and really helpful.

Steffen Westmann

  • Student Stories
The academic support in completing this research thesis is quite amazing, my supervisors are really switched on and really helpful.

Steffen Westmann

  • Student Stories
I chose Southern Cross University because I was attracted to the flexibility of the program.

Zohra Ali

  • Student Stories
I chose Southern Cross University because I was attracted to the flexibility of the program.

Zohra Ali

  • Student Stories
It's an amazing feeling when you get onto that stage to receive your qualifications, you really do feel like anything is possible, it's a truly fulfilling moment.

Katarzyna Loubet

  • Student Stories
It's an amazing feeling when you get onto that stage to receive your qualifications, you really do feel like anything is possible, it's a truly fulfilling moment.

Katarzyna Loubet


Videos


Getting to know Southern Cross University

Two of our current students, Georgia and Isaac, tell you everything you need to know about studying at Southern Cross University.

Master of Education & Postgraduate Education Courses

As an educator, we know you’re busy, which is why our Master of Education, Graduate Certificate in Educational Wellbeing, and Graduate Certificate in Educational Inclusion and Diversity all have 6 intakes per year.

Where could you go?

Studying at Southern Cross University allowed Nathan to pursue a football career while getting his teaching degree. Nathan Portelli student stories.

Getting to know Southern Cross University

Two of our current students, Georgia and Isaac, tell you everything you need to know about studying at Southern Cross University.

Master of Education & Postgraduate Education Courses

As an educator, we know you’re busy, which is why our Master of Education, Graduate Certificate in Educational Wellbeing, and Graduate Certificate in Educational Inclusion and Diversity all have 6 intakes per year.

Where could you go?

Studying at Southern Cross University allowed Nathan to pursue a football career while getting his teaching degree. Nathan Portelli student stories.