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.

Layla Buckley
Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Laws graduate

"I am very proud of my university! I recommend it to everyone. I love that Southern Cross stands for its community, and openly supports and encourages diversity and inclusion, whether it be internationals, people who identify as LGBTIQ+ or our Indigenous community... and the focus on the environment. It's a very forward-thinking university, and I love being a part of it!"

Sam Murphy
Bachelor of Business in International Tourism Management graduate

"My most memorable experience at Southern Cross University was getting the opportunity to learn and engage with incredibly passionate, knowledgeable and supportive lecturers and staff. These people nurtured and understood the areas I was passionate about and shared in this with me during my time at University."

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.

Find out more at scu.edu.au/short-courses

Scholarships

One application. 380+ scholarships. Valued up to $60,000.

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.

Scholarships range in value from $150, which could help you buy textbooks, to $60,000, which could help pay your living expenses.

Scholarships are available for:

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

For more details and how to apply, visit scu.edu.au/scholarships

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

• Vice Chancellor's Academic Excellence Scholarship
• International Advancement Scholarship
• SCU International Regional Scholarship
• SCU International Women in STEM Scholarship

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.