Study in Australia

Attend orientation

SCU International's orientation week program is designed to enhance your student experience. The variety of interactive activities exposes you to the range of student support services and resources available to you and provides opportunities to engage with other students and the broader community.

Orientation week includes:

• activities to introduce student support services and university facilities
• overview of SCU's Blackboard site online classroom, resources and communication options, video clips of students sharing their challenges and experiences
• social events.

Visit the Orientation website and find the campus you will be attending for specific timetable information.

Access portals, email and wireless

Log in to your student portals (My Enrolment and MySCU), SCU email account, university computers, and the wireless Internet. To access these visit Technology Services. Follow the instructions below to log in to your student portals. 

How to log in to My Enrolment

1. Enter your Student ID (your eight-digit identification number) MyEnrolment.
2. Enter your Southern Cross University password.

How to log in to MySCU

1. MySCU- Enter your Username: this is your first name initial followed by up to five (5) letters of your family name, plus two numbers from your email address e.g. the username for Chun Lee (c.lee.72@student.scu.edu.au) is clee72 or username for John Outerbridge ( j.outerbridge.34@student.scu.edu.au) is jouter34.
2. Enter your SCU password.

How to log in to email/SCU computers/wireless internet

1. Use the same log in details as MySCU.

Contact TS Service Desk if you experience problems logging in.

Update contact details in My Enrolment

To ensure you receive important communication from Southern Cross University and can be contacted in an emergency, you must keep your contact details up to date in the Contact Details via My Enrolment.

It is also a visa condition to update your contact details within 7 days of arriving in Australia and/or within 7 days of changing your address (along with all other contact details, e.g. mobile phone numbers, next of kin) for the duration of your studies.

You should also access your Southern Cross University email account on a regular basis because email is the university's preferred form of written communication.

Enrol in units & register for classes

Enrolment sessions are conducted during Orientation Week and it is important that you attend your enrolment session so that there is no delay with your commencement of studies. Go to Enrolling at SCU to find out how to enrol and register into classes.

Be aware of the rules about withdrawing, adding or varying your enrolment

If you wish to withdraw, add or change a unit, you must do so via My Enrolment. You have until the end of Week 2 of the study session to vary your enrolment. After Week 2, you will incur a financial penalty and require special approval from your head of school. Please read ALL the information on the International Fee Information page carefully to ensure you understand the academic and financial consequences if you change your enrolment after Week 2.

* Note to Study Abroad/Exchange students: it is your responsibility to ensure your home university approves of all the units you enrol in at Southern Cross University.

Maintain full-time enrolment

You must maintain a full-time enrolment load to ensure you complete your course within the duration specified on your CoE. International students can undertake distance or online study, providing it is no more than 25 percent of the total units undertaken in Australia, and is subject to approval by your school and SCU International. At least one unit must be taken internally in each compulsory study period.

Normal course duration cannot be extended unless an intervention strategy has been issued by the University and you have fully complied with the intervention, or if you have compassionate or compelling circumstances, e.g. illness. Supporting documentation will be required (intervention strategy, approved leave of absence and/or medical documentation).

* Please contact the International Student Advisor immediately if you feel you are unable to complete your course by the end CoE date.

Pay your tuition fees

If you are a continuing student who pays your own fees, you will receive an invoice for each study period in MyFinances via My Enrolment. Your invoice will appear after you enrol in units and you are responsible for paying those fees by the due date on the invoice. Non-payment of tuition fees by the due date will result in Student Sanctions being placed on your academic record and there will be implications to your visa. Invoices for sponsored or scholarship students are sent directly to the sponsoring body. Enquiries about tuition fees may be addressed to SCU International.

Aim to complete your studies on time

International onshore students must complete their studies within the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) date. Time extensions require a new CoE and are only permitted in compassionate or compelling circumstances or for students who have complied with an intervention strategy. International onshore students must enrol in a full time load (8 units per year) as indicated in their study plan.

For further information please visit: Course Progression and Completion Policy

Log into MySCU and learning sites

It is critical you learn to navigate your way around MySCU and, in particular, your Learning Sites for each of your enrolled units. Your Learning Sites contain important learning resources for your units, including UIGs and Study Guides as well as Discussion Boards and Announcements where students and staff communicate important information and contact details for key staff.

Join Academic Skills workshops at the Student Learning Zone 

Student Learning Zone Workshops are recorded with arranged appointments also available to assist new students with academic writing skills, study techniques and understanding the study culture at SCU. 

Academic skills also has a range of other services, including individual and group appointments, academic skills information guides, spelling, grammar, wiki and assignment navigator to help you with your studies. University students in Australia are expected to be independent and self-reliant. New challenges may be faced in the form of writing essays, giving class presentations, managing your time and preparing for exams.

If you are having difficulty adjusting to the different learning situation at university you should make contact the Academic skills team for guidance.

Know the Key Dates

For a list of key dates, including principal teaching dates, exam periods and study breaks, go to the Teaching Calendar.

Know academic policy and procedures

Monitoring course progress

You are required to maintain a satisfactory academic progression in the course as part of your Student Visa conditions. SCU International monitors the course progress of each international student. Students identified as not making satisfactory course progress or at risk of not completing their course within the expected duration of their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) must be notified, and if required, placed on an intervention strategy.

Refer to the Course Progress and Completion Within Expected Duration of Study Policy and Procedure for information on assessment, progression intervention strategies and exclusion.

Student query of grade

You have the right to query any assessment result, a final grade, or even appeal against a final grade. Please refer to student administration for further information or contact an international student adviser for assistance. Please note, there is a very limited time to query or appeal grades so questions need to be followed up with the lecturer immediately.

Special consideration

The student assessment and examination rules may allow you to be granted a special examination or special consideration in appropriate circumstances. You may also apply for special consideration to vary the deadline for an assessment task, other than an examination. See Special Consideration Policy.

An application form for special consideration is available from SCU International or from the school or college.

Know your student visa conditions

Whilst we are not immigration agents, we are obliged to report potential breaches. Please consider each of the following key points to maintaining your visa.

Ensure your current address details are up to date on MySCU at all times

You must ensure your current residential address is updated on MySCU. This is a mandatory government requirement throughout your studies. You cannot use the SCU International address as your "preferred mailing address" on MySCU. You must use your current residential address in Australia for that purposes. Your address must be updated within seven days of arriving in Australia by completing the contact details in MyEnrolment. If you move, SCU must be notified of the new address.

Attend orientation week

You must attend orientation week as there are compulsory sessions for International Students. If you are unable to attend, please contact your International Student Advisor.

Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the length of your visa

When an offer of admission is accepted, it will usually include OSHC, for the duration of the Student Visa. A membership card is provided as proof of the health cover. Most students have medical cover until the end of their Student Visa. If this is not done, their visa may be cancelled and if a student has an accident or illness, they and their family will be liable to cover the medical bill. Medical expenses can be very high in Australia.

Abide by work limitations

You are able to work once you have commenced study (this does not include orientation week). A student can work up to 40 hours a fortnight during session time (calculated Monday to Sunday) and unlimited hours during holiday time.

Maintaining a satisfactory academic progress

You must maintain a full-time enrolment load and a satisfactory academic progress.

Remain at Southern Cross University for at least six months in your principal course

If you have come to study English or a foundation course as a package, you must complete this course and then study at SCU for six months. If you need to change to another university before this due to exceptional circumstances, you will need to see an International Student Adviser and request a release letter. You will also need to organise an appointment with Department of Home Affairs and provide them with details; such as the new offer of study and confirmation of enrolment and obtain permission from Department of Home Affairs before transfer. If you fail to inform Southern Cross University of a transfer to another education provider, you may be reported for non-attendance and your visa may be cancelled.

Respond promptly to all Southern Cross University communication

Make sure you respond promptly to any requests made to you by Southern Cross through your Southern Cross University email account.

Complaints framework

The university has a commitment to seeking feedback from students, and acknowledges the right of students, to complain if they are dissatisfied. The University has established a complaints framework to provide for the timely and fair resolution of complaints. The overview of will help you to decide how to proceed with your complaint or concern.

Important government department links

• Education services for overseas students (ESOS) Act
• CRICOS
• Department of Home Affairs

Know the refund policy

View the Refund and Remissions Procedures.

Know the Code of Conduct for international students

International student responsibilities

• Students are responsible for making themselves aware of all the University rules and regulations and student rights and responsibilities.
• University students are considered to be adults and are responsible for their own actions.
• Students are expected to collect access unit information through MySCU, which is usually available once unit enrolment is completed and contains the name and reference number of the unit, the syllabus outline, assessment criteria and the recommended or essential reading material such as textbooks. Students are expected to raise any questions or concerns with the appropriate academic staff member in a timely manner.
• Students have a responsibility to participate in the teaching and learning environment positively and actively by engaging in online activities, asking questions, joining study groups, using the library and other facilities effectively, and taking effective notes in class.
• Students are required to attend at least 80 percent of lectures and to make satisfactory academic progress.
• Students are required to keep their contact details including current residential address and mobile phone number updated within seven days of any changes using MyEnrolment.
• Students must satisfy their visa conditions during the whole period of study at Southern Cross University.
• Students are required to maintain OSHC for the entire duration of their course(s).
• Students are responsible for meeting the terms of the written agreement including payment of fees while admitted at Southern Cross University.

University responsibilities

• Students making satisfactory progress in an enrolled course can normally expect to complete the course in the format described in the official Southern Cross University publications. Any changes made to the course should not disadvantage students.
• Course information will not be changed except in exceptional circumstances. In this case students will receive adequate warning and will be consulted.
• Written information about each unit will be made available to students, usually in the first week of classes. Information includes outlines and/or objectives of the unit, workload expectations, assessment procedures and reading requirements.
• Course information will contain clear statements on academic dishonesty. Cheating, plagiarism and the fabrication or falsification of data is unacceptable.
• The University will endeavour to provide a suitable environment for teaching and learning, and research supervision.
• The University will provide opportunities for students to participate in the functioning of the University, through student committees and councils, and by providing feedback on teaching quality and provision.
• The teaching and learning environment will strive to be positive and cooperative.
• Students will have reasonable access to staff to discuss issues and can expect fair, critical and helpful assessment and feedback in a timely manner.
• The University will disseminate final assessment and results in a reasonable time after completion of units or subjects. An appeal mechanism will be provided to address concerns and complaints and to review and question results.
• The University will endeavour to address the reasonable needs of all its students regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, disability or background.

Who, when, where and how to get support

SCU has many support services to assist you during your studies. We encourage you to get support early so you can enjoy your studies and find solutions to any issues you may be experiencing in a timely manner. If you are not sure which support service can assist you, remember you can ask your International Student Adviser or an International Student Support Officer.

Check out the following support services available to students:

• SCU International
• Student Learning Zone
• Accommodation
• Counselling
• Disability and Equity Services
• Library
• Multifaith and Pastoral Care
• Student Loans
• Student Advocacy Service
• Student Representation and Student Associations
• Technology Services (Technical Support)

Attend a Returning Home Session

Before you graduate, you are required to attend a Returning Home Session. These sessions are designed to help you understand the graduation process and what you need to do to receive all important graduation documents. The session provides you with useful tips on moving out, packing and sending things home and closing accounts. When you are potentially complete, you will be notified of the next available session via your SCU email account.

You can also find important 'Returning Home' information on MySCU in the International Student Support Site.

Make your graduation choice

Make your graduation choice in My Enrolment AFTER your grades are finalised and your degree is showing as 'Passed'. You can choose to attend a graduation ceremony to receive your testamur, or collect the testamur or have it mailed to you.

You MUST choose how to receive your testamur in My Enrolment: Go to 'My Graduation' & click on the 'Make my graduation choice' link and choose one of the options from the drop down box:

• Mail: testamur is mailed to your 'preferred' address approximately 5 weeks after the grades are released - you CANNOT attend a graduation ceremony.
• Hold: default option - SCU will hold your testamur until you make a choice.
• Ceremony: attend a graduation ceremony to receive your testamur.
• Postpone: if you wish to receive your testamur at a later graduation ceremony.
• Collect: if you wish to collect your testamur from the university (at the Lismore campus) - you CANNOT attend a graduation ceremony.

Receive your graduation documents

Academic Transcript

One academic transcript will automatically be sent to your preferred address in My Enrolment about 4 weeks after your degree is shown as 'Passed'. Make an enquiry about your transcript.

AHEGS

This is an academic statement issued along with your academic transcript. Its purpose is to provide greater detail about the higher education qualification, including descriptions of the nature, level, context and status of the studies undertaken and information about the specific education system.

Testamur

To receive this, go to 'My Graduation' in My Enrolment and choose the graduation you wish to attend. If you choose to have the testamur mailed to you, please check the address details are correct in My Enrolment and make sure it is NOT a post office box number. Please also check the phone number is correct in My Enrolment so the graduation team can contact you if they have any problems or questions. If you have any enquiries about your testamur, email: studentgradinfo@scu.edu.au directly.

Completion Letter

You can request SCU International to issue a completion letter by email: studentvisa@scu.edu.au. It is important you check My Enrolment and ensure your degree is shown as 'Passed' before you request a letter. The letter can be collected or emailed.

Join the SCU Alumni

Join the Southern Cross University Alumni community. Our Alumni network has more than 50,000 members in many different fields of work, throughout Australia and the world.

Visit the CareerHub

Southern Cross University CareerHub is a web-based information and management portal that provides an electronic communication hub between you (students and recent graduates) and the Career Service.