Southern Cross University : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details

About Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University is world-ranked and one of Australia’s most innovative universities. Our identity—the Southern Cross constellation—symbolises a guiding light for the curious and a beacon for independent thinking. Departing from tradition, we’ve forged our own path of excellence, grounded in academic rigour with a drive to shape the future.

With more than 80,000 graduates and world-leading research, we develop new, sometimes unconventional solutions to local and global challenges alike. Our programs expose students to cutting-edge practice, whether investigating better ways to grow high-value crops like black rice to feed a growing population, developing educational platforms to help children connect their ideas to climate action, or bringing innovative concepts to life such as cloud brightening technology over the Great Barrier Reef.

We are strongly committed to advancing research that has real-world applications. We are developing models for true circular economies in manufacturing, agriculture and food production. We have significantly contributed to global understanding of the carbon cycle. We are integrating Indigenous knowledge into our health, education and environmental science courses.

Through the Southern Cross Model, our students enjoy a deeper, immersive learning experience through six terms of six weeks each. More than 90% of our graduates find employment within four months of graduation, and they earn more than the national median graduate salary (QILT 2019-2022). Join us as we transform tomorrow.

About Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University is world-ranked and one of Australia’s most innovative universities. Our identity—the Southern Cross constellation—symbolises a guiding light for the curious and a beacon for independent thinking. Departing from tradition, we’ve forged our own path of excellence, grounded in academic rigour with a drive to shape the future.

With more than 80,000 graduates and world-leading research, we develop new, sometimes unconventional solutions to local and global challenges alike. Our programs expose students to cutting-edge practice, whether investigating better ways to grow high-value crops like black rice to feed a growing population, developing educational platforms to help children connect their ideas to climate action, or bringing innovative concepts to life such as cloud brightening technology over the Great Barrier Reef.

We are strongly committed to advancing research that has real-world applications. We are developing models for true circular economies in manufacturing, agriculture and food production. We have significantly contributed to global understanding of the carbon cycle. We are integrating Indigenous knowledge into our health, education and environmental science courses.

Through the Southern Cross Model, our students enjoy a deeper, immersive learning experience through six terms of six weeks each. More than 90% of our graduates find employment within four months of graduation, and they earn more than the national median graduate salary (QILT 2019-2022). Join us as we transform tomorrow.

Available programmes

Arts and Humanities (6)

Bachelor of Art and Design (BAD)

Bachelor of Arts (Gold Coast Campus)

Bachelor of Contemporary Music (Session 1)

Business and Management (6)

Bachelor of Business (Domestic Students)

Bachelor of Business Administration

Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management (BBusHotelMgt) (Domestic Students)

Engineering and Technology (6)

Bachelor of Information Technology (BInfTech) (China)

Life Sciences and Medicine (6)

Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBioMedSc) (Domestic students)

Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) (BClinSc(OstSt)) (Domestic Students)

Bachelor of Midwifery

Bachelor of Nursing (BN) (Domestic Students)

Bachelor of Nursing - Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse pathway (BN) (Domestic Students)

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOccThy) (Domestic Students)

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Natural Sciences (6)

Bachelor of Science (Domestic Students)

Social Sciences and Management (6)

Bachelor of Digital Media and Communications (BDigMedCom) (Domestic Students)

Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Full Time)

Bachelor of Exercise Science and Psychological Science (BExScPsychSc)

Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge (BIndigK)

Bachelor of Laws - Undergraduate entry (Domestic Students)

Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies

View All

Business and Management (4)

Master of Business Law (MBL)

Master of Professional Accounting

Engineering and Technology (4)

Master of Engineering Management (MEM)

Master of Information Technology (MIT)

Master of Information Technology Management - (MITM)

Life Sciences and Medicine (4)

Master of Healthcare Leadership (MHlthLdr)

Master of Mental Health

Master of Mental Health Nursing (MMHN)

Master of Osteopathic Medicine (MOstMed)

Social Sciences and Management (4)

Master of Education (MEd)

Master of Laws (Business Law) (LLM (BusLaw))

Master of Project Management

Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)

Others (1)

Master of Business Administration

Master of Business Administration - (MBA) online

Social Sciences and Management (1)

Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies (DIndigPh)

University information

Southern Cross University offers admission options and pathways to provide access to students with a broad range of educational backgrounds and experience. Direct application is simple and free.

International applicants can apply directly through the University's international application portal or through an approved education agent. Admission requirements typically include proof of academic qualifications, visa information, proof of English language proficiency if English isn’t your first language, and any specific prerequisites for certain programs. The University provides dedicated support for international students, including guidance on visa applications, housing options, and orientation programs to help them acclimate to life in Australia.

Domestic applicants can apply for undergraduate and postgraduate programs through the UAC (Universities Admissions Centre), QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) or directly via the University’s application portal. Undergraduate programs typically assess the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) along with any subject prerequisites for specific courses. Alternative pathways are available for mature-age students and those from non-traditional backgrounds, as the University values diverse educational experiences.

Credit for recognition of prior learning is assessed upon request during the application process. The University also offers various scholarships and financial aid options to ensure that all students have the resources and support needed to succeed in their academic journey.

Southern Cross University is committed to providing students with state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on learning experiences. The University has three main campuses: Lismore, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast.

Our Lismore campus—set on 75 hectares of lush, sub-tropical rainforest—has recreational facilities including an indoor gym and heated pool, two indoor sports courts, two sports fields and four tennis courts. The campus includes eateries, the library, student services, study spaces, recreation hall and fitness centre. For practical learning, specialised labs for disciplines in health, science and engineering provide immersive experience. On-campus accommodation is available in the form of modern, fully furnished four-bedroom apartments.

Our Coffs Harbour campus on the mid north coast of NSW sits among rolling hills and bushland at the heart of an innovation and education hub. In addition to many of the same facilities as at Lismore, the campus hosts a Health Sciences building with labs for physiological assessment, teaching and simulated hospital wards. On the north side of the city is the University’s renowned National Marine Science Centre, bringing together the Solitary Islands Aquarium, an aquaculture farm, a hatchery, and extensive labs.

Our Gold Coast campus, conveniently located next to Gold Coast Airport in southeast Queensland, houses anatomy, physiology and advanced health sciences labs along with a Digital Enterprise Lab that functions as an incubator for digital technologies.

We also have metro campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth; and The Hotel School Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Total students

8,292

UG students

82%

PG students

18%

International students

1,423

UG students

61%

PG students

39%

Total faculty staff

317

Domestic staff

67%

Int'l staff

33%

Student life

Student life at Southern Cross University is vibrant and diverse, offering a rich blend of academic and social experiences. Campuses located in stunning coastal areas like the Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour, or rainforest regions like Lismore, provide a backdrop for both study and leisure.

The beautiful surroundings provide many opportunities for outdoor activities, including surfing, hiking, and exploring national parks. We host numerous clubs and societies catering to a wide range of interests, from sports and culture to environmental advocacy. On-campus events such as orientation week and cultural festivals create a lively atmosphere where students can connect and make lasting friendships.

We provide a supportive environment that encourages interaction between students and academics, with opportunities to participate in key research projects. Many courses in health, education and agriculture are co-designed with industry partners, ensuring our students are job-ready once they graduate. We prioritise student well-being with various support services, including mental health resources, academic assistance and career counselling.

Studying at Southern Cross University opens up a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. With a strong focus on practical learning, the University’s courses are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields.

Graduates benefit from a comprehensive education that emphasises critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application. Many programs include work placements, internships, research opportunities, or industry projects, allowing students to gain valuable experience and build their networks with potential employers.

The University also places a strong emphasis on employability, offering career services that provide guidance on job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation. Networking events, workshops and industry guest speakers further enhance students’ exposure to the professional world.

The University’s diverse range of programs ensures that graduates are well-prepared for various roles, whether in business, law, health, education, engineering or science. With a commitment to innovation and community engagement, graduates are not only skilled professionals but also responsible leaders ready to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Tuition fees

Southern Cross University maintains a range of scholarships to support your academic journey. These scholarships are designed to recognise academic excellence, promote cultural diversity, and encourage both domestic and international students to explore the opportunities at our campuses. The University receives funding from various sources, including government grants, industry partnerships and private donations, which collectively enhance its educational and research programs.

Scholarships are typically offered for academic merit, financial need, specific fields of study, specific sports, contribution to student experience, and diverse cultural backgrounds. The funding landscape at the University is structured to ensure a supportive environment for students and researchers, promoting excellence in education and discovery.