Southern Cross University offers flexible, industry-focused courses to help launch your career. We offer a range of courses from our Preparing for Success program, designed to develop the necessary skills for future study, through to undergraduate, honours and postgraduate course options. Study at our Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Tweed Gold Coast campuses or by distance education. Click here for courses on offer in 2009.

How to apply

To study at our Lismore, Coffs Harbour or Tweed Gold Coast campus, students are invited to apply via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC)* or via the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).*

UAC applications for Semester 2, 2009 closed on June 12. UAC applications for Semester 1, 2010 open in August. QTAC applications for Semester 2, 2009 closed on June 19. QTAC applications for Semester 1, 2010 will open in July.

Applicants for postgraduate courses, whether studying on or off campus, and for all Indigenous and applied computing courses apply direct to Southern Cross University using the SCU Direct Application form (see below).

If you are an international student, contact the SCU International Office* on +61 2 6620 3876.

Study by Distance Education

To study by distance education, apply direct to Southern Cross University using the Direct Application form. You can lodge your application with the university at any time.

Download the SCU Direct Application form* [pdf: 131k] or phone 1800 626 481 and ask for a copy to be mailed to you.

Applications for distance education courses (undergraduate and postgraduate) commencing semester 2, 2009 closed on June 26. Applications for Semester 1, 2010 are now open.

Click here for the Key Dates for postgraduate courses through the Graduate College of Management, which includes trimester start dates.

Students from other institutions

Cross-institutional applicants must submit with their application a letter from their home institution that states which Southern Cross University unit(s) they are permitted to undertake, and that upon successful completion of those units advanced standing will be granted towards their award at their home institution. The institutional approval letter must also state whether they are enrolled as a HECS-HELP or a domestic fee paying student at their home institution.
Download the SCU Direct Application form* [pdf: 131k] or phone 1800 626 481 and ask for a copy to be mailed to you.

Advanced Standing

Southern Cross University policy allows for the granting of advanced standing for previous post-secondary study (normally completed within the last ten years), relevant professional experience or demonstrable expertise. If you wish to apply for advanced standing towards your course, you should complete and return the Advanced Standing Application Form.
It is important to apply for advanced standing as early as possible in your studies as the amount of advanced standing you are granted may affect which units you need enrol in. To prevent delays in processing your graduation you are strongly advised to have submitted all requests for Advanced Standing before commencing your final study period.

Alternative pathways for admission

SCU has a number of alternative pathways for admission. Some of these may allow NSW and ACT Year 12 applicants to receive an offer to a course even though they have an ATAR below the published cut-off. They include:

• Southern Cross University's Special Admission Schemes are designed to assist applicants who have been disadvantaged during Years 11 and/or 12 or equivalent but have good academic potential
• The Regional Year 12 School Bonus Scheme automatically adds five bonus ATAR points or two OP levels for students undertaking Year 12 studies in schools and TAFE colleges within our feeder region
• Southern Cross University's STAR Entry Scheme allows students in our feeder region the opportunity to present information additional to NSW HSC or Queensland Senior Certificate results to support application for admission.
• Southern Cross University's Gnibi College provides a Testing and Assessment Program for Indigenous students*
• Special consideration for elite athletes or performers
• Consideration of other specified criteria for some courses; for example, strong performance in Year 12 subjects relevant to the course of study, and/or personal interview and/or submission of supporting documentation.

Postgraduate Students

The Direct Application form should be used for all postgraduate courses, whether on or off campus.
Download the SCU Direct Application form* [pdf: 131k] or phone 1800 626 481 and ask for a copy to be mailed to you.

Non Year 12 Students

Southern Cross University welcomes new students from many different backgrounds. If you are not a current Year 12 student, your application will be given an equivalent selection rank – a score out of 100 – to determine eligibility for a place at Southern Cross University. Click here for further information.

Careers Advice

Choosing the right course and planning where your studies may lead, can be a daunting prospect. If you would like assistance in planning your studies or to discuss career outcomes, please make an appointment with our Careers Advisor on 02 6620 3220. To assist those applicants who are unable to attend an interview in person, phone appointments are also available. If you are an International student, that is, not an Australian/New Zealand citizen or a Permanent Resident, you will need to contact the Southern Cross University International Office on +61 2 6620 3876.

Updated: 29 June 2009