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International student support at Southern Cross best in Australia* according to new ranking

two students walking outside Gold Coast campus

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Cloe Jager
Published
22 February 2024

International students studying at Southern Cross University can expect outstanding support throughout their study experience, according to new rankings on international student satisfaction.

The 2023 International Student Barometer (ISB) rankings placed Southern Cross University’s international office at number one in Australia* for international student satisfaction.

Southern Cross Global assists international students from application to acceptance and throughout their studies. The office provides a range of services including pre-arrival information, assistance with settling into life and study in Australia, international orientation and induction, student visa and health insurance advice, general welfare and more.

Master of Information Technology student from Nepal, Mrisha Upadhyay, said she has felt strongly supported while studying at Southern Cross.

“The support from Southern Cross University definitely has been outstanding. I have used support services such as the international advisor to figure out my course and counselling when I felt homesick and overwhelmed in understanding the Australian setting,” she said.

While the COVID-19 pandemic and associated border closures created many barriers for international students, Southern Cross University’s response to COVID-19 was highly rated. The University ranked number one in Australia* for COVID-19 communication satisfaction and COVID-19 online learning satisfaction.

“At Southern Cross, our international student support is not just a service; it's a testament to our dedication to each student's success and wellbeing.”

Face-to-face learning was revolutionised by Southern Cross University’s innovative academic model – the Southern Cross Model – which launched across all disciplines in 2023. The Model provides a more immersive learning experience built upon a six-week term structure. Under the Model, there is a shift away from lectures and towards interactive, discussion-based learning and on-demand content.

A focus on learning with real-world application was evidenced by the University’s graduate outcomes. The University was rated number one in Australia* for international student satisfaction in employment as well as the network with alumni.

Conducted by i-graduate, the ISB is the benchmark that gauges student experience by tracking international students from application to graduation. The Australian benchmark included the responses of over 24,000 international students studying at 28 universities.

Southern Cross Global Manager of International Student Support Services, Jacky Zhang, said he is incredibly proud of the excellence of the University’s support services.

“Our success lies in the power of personalised care, where every international student's unique journey is acknowledged and supported,” Mr Zhang said.

“We anticipate and address challenges through proactive measures, ensuring a seamless experience for our international students. The heart of our service is a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging, creating a community that extends beyond borders.

“We continuously listen to our students, valuing their feedback to refine and enhance our services. At Southern Cross, our international student support is not just a service; it's a testament to our dedication to each student's success and wellbeing.”

 

*The Australian benchmark included the responses of over 24,000 international students studying at 28 universities.

Media contact

content@scu.edu.au