Early Offer

The Southern Cross University Early Offer program allows eligible Year 12 students to secure their place at university before final Year 12 results are released.

From the moment you apply, you'll receive personalised support throughout your transition to university, including access to scholarship information, exclusive events, and guidance from our Future Students team to help you prepare for your studies.

After you submit your Early Offer application, Southern Cross University contacts your school to request a recommendation based on your predicted ATAR and academic performance.

Your application is assessed using your school's recommendation and any course-specific requirements. Depending on the course you've applied for, you'll receive an offer for your preferred degree, a pathway program, or an alternative course.

Australian citizens, permanent residents and humanitarian visa holders who are currently completing Year 12 at an Australian high school can apply for the Southern Cross University Early Offer program.

International students are not eligible for Early Offer but can apply directly to Southern Cross University through the standard application process.

No. The Southern Cross University Early Offer program is only available to eligible domestic Year 12 students studying at Australian high schools.

International students should submit a direct application to Southern Cross University.

If you do not achieve the ATAR required for your preferred course, there may still be other pathways available to help you reach your study goals at Southern Cross University.

If you are not eligible for direct entry into your chosen course, we will let you know about alternative pathway options in your offer email. Depending on your study area, these may include a diploma pathway that can lead into the second year of a bachelor's degree, or a university preparation program such as Transition to Uni or Preparing for Success.

These pathway options are designed to help you build the skills and qualifications needed to progress into your preferred degree.

Applications for the 2026 Early Offer program open on 13 April and close on 30 September.

Early Offer outcomes will be released from 9 November. We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible and ensure all required information is provided before the closing date.

Key dates for 2026:

• Applications open: 13 April
• Applications close: 30 September
• Offers released: From 9 November

Please check the Southern Cross University website for any updates to these dates.

After you submit your Early Offer application, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging that your application has been received.

The confirmation email will include your Southern Cross University student ID number and the course you applied for. Once your application has been assessed, we will contact you with the outcome and provide information about your next steps.

If you receive an offer, you can choose to accept your place and begin your studies, or defer your offer for up to one year if you are not ready to start straight away.

If you need help at any stage of the application process, contact the Future Students team on 1800 626 481.

Yes. You can change your course preference or study location any time before Early Offer applications close on the 30th of September.

You can update your preferences through via MyEnrolment using the login details provided in your confirmation email.

If you need assistance, email earlyadmissions@scu.edu.au with your student ID and new course preference or call 1800 626 481.

Students can apply for the majority of Southern Cross University undergraduate degrees and diplomas through the Early Offer program.

The only course not available through Early Offer is the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine. Students interested in animal and veterinary sciences can instead apply for the Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, which is available through the program.

To explore the full range of eligible courses and check any course-specific admission requirements, browse the Southern Cross University course list.

Browse our courses.

Yes, eligible students can defer their Early Offer and start their course at a later date.

If you wish to delay the commencement of your course and you are eligible, you can defer your offer until the next academic year. Check your offer to see what study period and year your course is due to start. If you are able to start your studies in any study period of your commencing year, you do not have to defer your offer. Simply accept your offer now and enrol in that future study period.

The following courses cannot be deferred:

• Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours)
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy
• Bachelor of Midwifery
• Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours)

What happens if I defer my offer?

If your deferral is approved, Southern Cross University will issue a new offer showing your updated commencement details.

You will receive this new offer by email approximately three months before your new start date. It is important to keep your contact details up to date so you do not miss any communication about your deferred offer.

If your email address changes, please contact the University at defer@scu.edu.au.

Your offer is conditional because there is one or more requirements you must meet before your place can be confirmed.

The specific conditions that apply to you are listed in your offer letter. Common reasons for receiving a conditional offer are outlined below.

Competitive Entry Courses 

Conditional offers for these courses are issued pending the release of final ATAR results in December 2026.

Southern Cross University will automatically verify your ATAR—you do not need to submit it. Your condition will be lifted if you meet the required ATAR and there are places available in the program.

Example: Bachelor of Midwifery

This offer is subject to the availability of places in the course and is conditional on achieving an ATAR of 80 or higher. Southern Cross University will review your course offer after your final ATAR is released in December. The University reserves the right to withdraw offers or waitlist applicants at its discretion due to limited places.

Completion of a Pathway Program

If you’ve received a pathway offer (e.g. Transition to Uni, Preparing for Success, or a Diploma), your Bachelor’s degree offer will be conditional on successfully completing the pathway program.

Non-Academic Requirements

Some programs require additional documentation or steps before admission:

• ANMAC Declaration – Applicants for Nursing and Midwifery courses must complete an ANMAC declaration before their admission can be finalised.
  This requirement applies to:
  • Bachelor of Nursing
  • Bachelor of Midwifery
• Interview – Some courses require an interview before admission can be finalised.
  This requirement applies to:
  • Associate Degree of International Hotel and Tourism Management
  • Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management

  If an interview is required for your course, this will be explained in your offer letter.