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Study in October
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Your next chapter starts here
There’s still time to start something new this year. Term 5 begins in October and offers an ideal time to take the next step without waiting for the new year.
Whether you're returning to study, changing direction, or simply ready to begin something new, Southern Cross University offers a supportive and flexible environment to help you succeed. With selected degrees and pathway programs available to start in October across areas including Business, Education, Engineering, Information Technology, Law, Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, you can take your first step sooner rather than later.
Our Southern Cross Model is designed for real life – with six-week teaching blocks and a focus on one or two units at a time, it helps you manage your studies alongside work and other commitments.
It’s not too late to make this your year. Start now and take control of your next chapter.
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“Studying under the Southern Cross Model means I can balance study with work and being present for my young family. The six-week terms make you stay on top of the weekly learning because it goes so fast you just dive straight in with two subjects at a time.”
Why study at Southern Cross University?
A better way to learn
Six-week terms designed to balance study, work and life
Full-time employment
90% of graduates get a job (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025)
Personalised support
Access academic, career, and wellbeing support
Real-world skills
Practical experience and knowledge shaped by industry
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Business
At Southern Cross University, we prepare the business professionals of tomorrow with more than just core knowledge - we equip them with the adaptability, curiosity and ethical mindset needed to thrive in a changing world. With a strong focus on entrepreneurship, applied learning and global opportunities, our degrees are designed to transform your future.
Diploma of Business Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Business Graduate Certificate in Business Graduate Diploma of Business Master of Business Administration/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/landing-pages/images/JANE-BRENNAN-Master-of-Educational-Leadership-11092024-00036-233A1616.jpg)
Education
Southern Cross University is committed to ongoing professional development for teachers. We believe contemporary education requires more than just traditional skills - it demands imagination, courage and passion. That’s why we’re committed to nurturing these qualities and equipping educators with the tools needed for modern practice.
Graduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood) Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary, Secondary) Master of Teaching (Early Childhood, Primary, Secondary)/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/news/images/2021/RS18787_Mechanical-Engineering.jpg)
Engineering
The Master of Engineering at Southern Cross University is designed for graduates with an engineering background who want to develop advanced civil engineering expertise and qualify for professional engineering practice.
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Information Technology
Our Computing and IT degrees offer a thorough grounding in the technology and communications of today, complemented by insight and perspective on what is coming tomorrow. In a sector based on transformation, we help put you at the forefront.
Learn more about Information Technology
Bachelor of Information Technology (Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence) Graduate Diploma of Information Technology Master of Information Technology (Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence)/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/news/images/2022/Tom-Kershaw-_Alumni-Law-Student_23032022_DSC_4556.jpg)
Law
Stand up for what’s important to you and personalise your degree with elective units in areas such as human rights, race and the law, animal law, climate law and policy, psychology and the law, and ecological jurisprudence.
Diploma of Conveyancing (Law and Practice) Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies) Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Laws/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/news/images/2022/OT.png)
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy (OT) is a healthcare profession focused on helping individuals of all ages develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Our program will equip you to help people on their journey toward independence and well-being.
Learn more about Occupational Therapy
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Social Work
Social work offers a variety of careers in client service, service management, research, strategy and policy development.
Our graduates are highly sought after in areas such as child protection, health, mental health, disability services, housing, youth work, aged care, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, community development and domestic violence services.
Graduate Certificate in Social Science for Social Work Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)/prod01/channel_8/media/scu-dep/study/health/images/speech-path-86kb.jpg)
Speech Pathology
The inspiring work done by speech pathologists is truly transformative. In treating adults and children who are exhibiting acquired or congenital disorders of speech, fluency, voice, language and swallowing, they are a crucial part of the healthcare sector.
Learn more about Speech Pathology
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Pathway Programs
Not sure you're ready for university? The fee-free Preparing for Success Program helps you build confidence and develop the academic skills needed to start an undergraduate degree at Southern Cross University. Successful completion can provide a pathway into a range of undergraduate degrees.
Learn more about Pathway Programs
Preparing for Success ProgramReturning to study?
Discover six practical strategies designed to help you succeed, balancing online study, work and life.
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Prior study or professional experience
Recognition of prior learning lets your past study or work count as credit towards your degree.
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A better way to learn
The six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation.
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Find a course
Browse all coursesStudy in October FAQs
Southern Cross University delivers flexible six-week terms with personalised support. Our courses are industry relevant with practical learning and strong employment outcomes. (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023)
The Southern Cross University October intake begins on 26 October 2026. Starting in October allows you to complete one or two units before the end of the year and begin progressing towards your qualification sooner.
Yes, the October intake is a full study period at Southern Cross University. Courses commence in Term 5 and follow the same six-week teaching structure used throughout the academic year.
No, it is not too late to start university this year. The October intake provides an additional entry point for students who want to begin their studies sooner rather than wait until the following year.
The Southern Cross Model is Southern Cross University's flexible study model with six-week terms where you focus on one or two units at a time, making it easier to balance study, work and life.
Yes, many students work while studying at Southern Cross University. The Southern Cross Model allows students to concentrate on fewer units at a time, helping them manage study alongside work and personal responsibilities.
Southern Cross University provides academic, career and wellbeing support to students throughout their studies. Support services are available to help students succeed academically, plan their careers and maintain their wellbeing while studying.
Southern Cross University graduates have strong outcomes above the national average, with the overall employment rate at 93.5% (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025).
The skills you gain will depend on the course you choose, but Southern Cross University courses are designed to develop real‑world skills through practical learning. We work closely with industry, so our courses are designed so our graduates are job-ready.
Southern Cross University offers selected courses for the October intake across a range of study areas, including:
Business: Bachelor of Business; Graduate Certificate in Business; Graduate Diploma of Business; Master of Business Administration
Education: Graduate Diploma of Education (Early Childhood); Graduate Diploma of Teaching; Master of Teachin
Engineering: Master of Engineering
Information Technology: Bachelor of Information Technology; Graduate Diploma of Information Technology; Master of Information Technology
Law: Diploma of Conveyancing (Law and Practice); Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies); Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies; Bachelor of Laws Double degrees: Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Business; Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Laws
Occupational Therapy: Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
Social Work: Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work; Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)
Speech Pathology: Bachelor of Speech Pathology
If you do not meet the entry requirements for your chosen course, you may be eligible for Southern Cross University's Preparing for Success program. This free program helps students build the skills and confidence needed for university study.
Yes, you can return to university after a break from study. The October intake provides a flexible opportunity for students who are resuming their education, changing careers or pursuing new qualifications.
You can apply for the October intake by submitting an online application through the Southern Cross University course page. The application process guides you through each step and support is available if you need assistance.
The process is quick to start, and support is available if you need help along the way.