Institutes / Universities
Southern Cross University
Ranking
31Established in
1994Famous For
Engineering, Health, Humanities
- Overview
- Services
- Rankings
- Accommodation
- Location
- Courses
- Scholarships
Overview
Established in 1994, Southern Cross University provides an ideal environment for students to develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global job market. Its future-focused courses, including nursing, osteopathy, naturopathy, occupational therapy, reef restoration, regenerative agriculture, education, and responsible business leadership, reflect a strong commitment to creating a brighter future.
The university is home to over 18,000 students, including approximately 6,000 international students, across three main campuses and three metro campuses located along Australia’s east coast. International students can pursue undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications in nine key study areas:
- Business
- Education
- Engineering
- Health
- IT
- Law
- Science and environment
- Social work and community welfare
- Tourism and hotel management
Southern Cross University delivers its courses through a distinctive shorter unit structure, allowing students to build momentum and stay motivated by achieving milestones more frequently. Programmes are designed to be highly interactive, combining engaging face-to-face teaching with active learning approaches that emphasise real-world application. This practical focus has led to strong graduate outcomes, with Southern Cross ranked among the top 10 public universities in Australia for graduate income.
Industry-Connected Hospitality Education with The Hotel School
Students interested in tourism and hospitality benefit from Southern Cross University’s close collaboration with a leading industry partner, The Hotel School. Delivering specialised programmes in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, this approach combines academic rigour with hands-on industry experience, giving students direct exposure to real-world hotel and tourism operations. By learning in professional environments and engaging with industry practitioners, graduates are well prepared for careers in the global hospitality sector.
CRICOS code: 01241G
Services
Southern Cross University is committed to providing students with a sense of community and belonging from day one. The Southern Cross Global team helps international students from the point of starting their university application, throughout their studies, and all the way to graduation.
Additionally, the university’s international student ambassadors provide a point of contact for new students, offering valuable support for international students coming into an unfamiliar environment and a new culture without the support of their families. Having experienced the same challenges of living and studying in a new country, international student ambassadors also aim to mentor students and organise social events to help new students find community.
The SCU Mates programme connects students with an experienced student mentor who can advise on a range of student issues, from the best way to navigate an online study environment to where to buy textbooks. Southern Cross University also has a counselling service to help students navigate any mental health challenges they may face during the course of their studies.
Rankings
- 31st in Australia in the QS World University Rankings 2026
- Among the world’s Top 100 Young Universities, according to the Times Higher Education Young Universities Rankings 2024
- Top 10 for graduate income (Public Universities, Graduate Outcome Survey 2023)
- Top 10 for graduate employment (Public Universities, Graduate Outcome Survey 2023)
Accommodation
Southern Cross University offers a variety of accommodation options to suit the needs and preferences of international students. On the Lismore campus, SCU Village provides modern, fully furnished apartments with options ranging from single rooms in shared apartments to studio units. On the Coffs Harbour campus, the Coffs Harbour Accommodation offers similar amenities, with easy access to campus facilities and the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
UniCentral Griffith provides comfortable, apartment-style living with private bedrooms and shared living spaces for students studying at the Gold Coast campus. Each accommodation facility is equipped with high-speed internet, laundry facilities, and 24/7 security, ensuring a safe and convenient living environment.
Location
Southern Cross University boasts stunning campuses in Australia's most beautiful and vibrant regions.
The Lismore campus is nestled in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, surrounded by lush rainforests and close to world-renowned beaches. This campus offers a serene and inspiring environment with a mix of modern and heritage buildings, extensive gardens, and outdoor recreational areas. The Coffs Harbour campus, situated on the beautiful mid-north coast of New South Wales, features state-of-the-art facilities and is known for its strong community feel and scenic surroundings. The Gold Coast campus is in one of Australia's fastest-growing regions, offering students the perfect blend of city and beach life.
The nearest major airport to the Gold Coast campus is Gold Coast Airport (OOL), approximately 30 minutes away.
Courses offered at Southern Cross University
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