student standing in front of health clinic

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March, July

  • Duration

    3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
    3.5 years for students commencing Term 3

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Lismore

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    BClinSc(OstSt)

  • Course code

    3007162

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    February

  • Duration

    3 years full-time

  • Location

    Gold Coast, Lismore

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

The Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) is a pathway towards a career in osteopathy.

Providing a comprehensive grounding in anatomy and physiology, you’ll develop deep knowledge of the connections between the structure and function of your bones, joints, muscles and nerves.

With experience drawn from a clinical setting, and complemented by teaching around biomedical science and health, you’ll gather essential knowledge into how our bodies function and why, and what to do when those functions falter. The course includes the study of advanced levels of anatomy and physiology, particularly the structure and function of the muscular and nervous systems.

To become a registered osteopath, successful completion of the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) and the Southern Cross University Master of Osteopathic Medicine is required. Total time for both courses is 4.5 years.

Beau Halligan

“I really enjoyed transitioning from the academic aspects in class to the hands-on clinical practice both on placements in the community and at Southern Cross University Health Clinic on campus.”

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Exercise analytical thinking, critical thinking as it relates to osteopathic clinical reasoning

GA2: Creativity

Demonstrate integrated knowledge of safety and quality standards as they relate to osteopathy practice in Australian primary healthcare services.

GA3: Ethical practice

Apply knowledge of social responsibility, ethics and human rights in health-related setting.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Integrate a broad body of knowledge on human health and disease with osteopathic philosophy.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the physical, social, political, ecological or cultural influences that impact health and health-related settings

GA5: Lifelong learning

Develop self-directed and reflective skills for lifelong learning.

Apply information and academic literacy skills in scholarly and professional practice.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Demonstrate effective oral and written communication in academic, professional and team-based settings.

Integrate osteopathic principles, biomedical science and research evidence to inform osteopathic diagnosis and management.

GA7: Cultural competence

Develop an understanding of social, and cultural responsivity as it relates to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and respect for the identity of all persons.

Professional placements provide students with about 320 hours of experience at the Bachelors level (and 480 hours at the Masters level) in the practice of safe and effective manual therapy and the application of a wide range of treatment and management plans. Students have opportunities to work with a diverse range of patients in areas including injury and illness prevention and management, rehabilitation and health promotion. Clinical practice-based learning is also undertaken at the Southern Cross University Health Clinic, located at the Lismore and Gold Coast campuses

Professional experience placements require students to fulfil certain pre-requisites prior to attending any placements. Before applying for this course, please consider the important information regarding these requirements.

Students are introduced to the philosophical and biological underpinnings of the osteopathic concept of health. They develop foundational skills in diagnosis and technique that are utilised in osteopathic clinical practice. The course includes the study of advanced levels of anatomy and physiology, particularly the structure and function of the muscular and nervous systems.

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
LismoreTerm  1
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)091528C
LismoreTerm  1$30,832 ($3,854 per unit)091528C

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Career Outcomes

This course provides a pathway into graduate entry osteopathy.

To become a registered osteopath, you need to successfully complete both the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) and the Southern Cross University Master of Osteopathic Medicine. Total time for both courses is 4.5 years.

In Australia, entry level training in osteopathic medicine is accredited by the Osteopathy Board of Australia. This course is fully accredited with the Board for the purposes of registration. Registration in Australia gives mobility across all states and territories and New Zealand.

[Please note: In order to register to practice, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)’s standards for English language must be met. See the AHPRA web site for further information.]

To become a registered osteopath, you need to successfully complete both the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) and the Southern Cross University Master of Osteopathic Medicine.

As an osteopathy student it is important to be aware of the registration standards required by the Osteopathy Board of Australia (OBA). See the details on the OBA website.  

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) will be registered by Southern Cross University with the Osteopathy Board of Australia as an enrolled student and will remain registered for the duration of study. 

AHPRA is responsible for the registration and accreditation of various health professions in Australia. If you are enrolled in a course to enter one of these professions, we will provide AHPRA with your details for student registration. 
 
You do not need to apply or pay for your student registration. We will provide all the required information to AHPRA directly. You can find more information about AHPRA student registration and what we are required to report to AHPRA on their website.
 
Please be aware that as part of the registration process, AHPRA will collect your personal information (including your USI). AHPRA’s Privacy Policy explains how you may access and seek correction of your personal information held by AHPRA; complain to AHPRA about a breach of your privacy; and how a complaint will be dealt with. AHPRA’s Privacy Policy can be accessed on AHPRA’s Privacy webpage.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have achieved:

  1. satisfactory completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in one of the Recognised Countries (see below), including at least two years between years 7 and 12; or
  2. completed at least two years (full time equivalent combined secondary and/or tertiary and/or vocational education taught and assessed solely in English, in one of the Recognised Countries; or
  3. the IELTS (academic module) with a minimum overall score of 7 and a minimum score of 7 in each of the four components: or
  4. the OET with a minimum score of B in each of the four components; or
  5. the PTE Academic with a minimum overall score of 65 and a minimum score of 65 in each of the four communicative skills; or
  6. the TOEFL iBT with a minimum total score of 94 and the following minimum score in each section of the test: 24 listening, 24 reading, 27 writing, and 23 speaking; or
  7. successful completion of the English for Academic Purposes 3 program at SCU College. Applicants who enrol via this pathway will need to separately meet the English language requirements of registration to practice.

Recognised Countries means the following countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, UK and USA.

Please note, Rule 2 Schedule B test scores equivalencies do not apply to this course.

In order to register to practice, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency [AHPRA]’s  standards for English language must be met. See  https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx for further information

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score7.0
Reading7.0
Writing7.0
Listening7.0
Speaking7.0

CountryScore
Austria AMC3.4
Bangladesh HSC3.6
Brazil SSLC8.2
Canada High School OSSD50
Chile PSU6.4, overall 600-649
China Gao Kao449
Colombia CB (NAT)81, overall 300-349
Denmark USSLE6.2
France FB11
German Abitur3
Hong Kong HKDSE14
India CBSE (best 4)8.5 in external exam
India CISCE71
India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4)78 in academic
Indonesia SMA8.2
International Baccalaureate24
Japan USSLC4
Korea, Republic of, CSAT298
Malaysia ICSSUEC71
Malaysia STPM5 (best 3 A levels)
Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate73
Nepal Proficiency Certificate82
Norway GPA1.5
Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams77
Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams31
Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5)2.5, pass Eng & Math
Peru OCSE17
Phillipines NSAT89
Russia FCCSE4.3
Saudi Arabia MESSLC83
Singapore SCGCE15.5
Spain SSSD8.2
Spain STBPU7.5
Sri Lanka GCE4.5
Sweden SSLC13
Taiwan GSAT54
Taiwan Senior High School Certificate87
Thailand CSE 1.9
Turkey HSD4
UK Board GCE A Levels13 (4 subjects)
USA SAT & ACTSAT1410, ACT 20
Vietnam (in 4 subjects)7.5

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies), students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

  • 24 core units (288 credit points).

Professional Experience Learning

This course includes professional experience learning. Pre-requisites to meet national and state-based regulatory requirements, as detailed on Faculty of Health Professional Experience page must be met prior to attending professional experience placement. All professional experience learning hours must be completed and professional behaviour and conduct must be demonstrated.

Progression

Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of any two (2) units with professional experience learning.

Students are not permitted to have an extended period of more than 12 months between study of a theory unit that relates specifically to a particular unit with professional experience learning.

Students who have an interrupted study sequence of more than 12 months will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be required to undertake a specified supported professional experience placement to ensure professional experience currency prior to continuation of the course.

Inherent Requirements

Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity & Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity & Inclusion website for further information and contact details.

Other things to consider

As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.

There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.

Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.

SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.

Learn more

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the award

First Year

HLTH1004The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
Term1,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3
Term1,3
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
Term1,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,5
Term1,5
Gold Coast
Term1,5
Term1,5
Lismore
Term1,5
Term1,5
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Term2,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Gold Coast
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Lismore
Term2,3,5
Term2,3,5
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7. Details will be provided closer to the time.
OSTP1001Osteopathic Manual Therapy 1
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesMust have completed or be currently enrolled in HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
Summer Term
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Gold Coast
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Lismore
Summer Term
Term3
Summer Term
Term3
Pre-requisitesHBIO1001 - Human Anatomy AND HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I; OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
OSTP2004Osteopathic Manual Therapy 2
Dual Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Lismore
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Pre-requisitesOSTP1001 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 1; AND HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy; AND have completed or currently enrolled in HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
BIOL2007Biochemistry
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesHBIO1008 - Human Physiology II OR HBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
OSTP2001Osteopathic Science I
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesHBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy; AND OSTP1001 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 1
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.

Second Year

OSTP2002Osteopathic Science II
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesOSTP2001 - Osteopathic Science I
OSTP2005Osteopathic Manual Therapy 3
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Lismore
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesOSTP2004 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 2
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
HBIO2005Human Pathophysiology
Summer Term
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Summer Term
Term2
Summer Term
Term2
Pre-requisitesHBIO1010 - Integrated Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1008 - Human Physiology II AND; either HBIO1003 - Systemic Anatomy OR HBIO1001 - Human Anatomy
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Lismore
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
OSTP2009Clinical Neuroscience and Pain Studies
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesOSTP2002 - Osteopathic Science II
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
OSTP2010Osteopathic Assessment and Diagnosis
Dual Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Lismore
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Pre-requisitesHBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology
Enrolment informationThis unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
Term3,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3,4
Term3,4
Gold Coast
Term3,4
Term3,4
Lismore
Term3,4
Term3,4
Online
Term3,4
Term3,4
Enrolment informationThis unit contains content on mental health and psychological trauma which may be triggering for some students. Please consider this when enrolling in the unit.
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
Term1,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,4
Term1,4
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
Lismore
Term1,4
Term1,4
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites36 credit points

Third Year

PBHL2002Health Promotion
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites288 credit points in 3007224 - Bachelor of Occupational Therapy OR 3007306 - Bachelor of Speech Pathology; OR 192 credit points in any other course
Enrolment informationIt is recommended that students who need to complete both PBHL2002 Health Promotion and PBHL3001 Health Promotion Project as part of their course, enrol in both units in the same year.
PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Pre-requisitesBe admitted to 3007303 - Bachelor of Nursing OR 1209320 - Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry); OR HBIO1009 - Introductory Anatomy and Physiology OR HBIO1007 - Human Physiology I
OSTP3002Osteopathic Manual Therapy 4
Dual Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Dual Term2
Dual Term2
Lismore
Dual Term2
Dual Term2
Pre-requisitesOSTP2009 - Clinical Neuroscience and Pain Studies OR BIOL2003 - Neuroscience; AND OSTP2010 - Osteopathic Assessment and Diagnosis OR; OSTP2003 - Osteopathic Diagnosis I AND OSTP2008 - Osteopathic Diagnosis II; AND OSTP2005 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 3
Enrolment informationThis unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
OSTP3003Clinical Reasoning in Osteopathic Medicine
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Lismore
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesHBIO2005 - Human Pathophysiology AND OSTP2010 - Osteopathic Assessment and Diagnosis
NUTR1001Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
Term2,3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Lismore
Term3
Term3
Online
Term2,3
Term2
OSTP3004Osteopathic Practice in Musculoskeletal and Occupational Rehabilitation
Dual Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Lismore
Dual Term3
Dual Term3
Pre-requisitesOSTP3003 - Clinical Reasoning in Osteopathic Medicine; AND HLTH1005 - Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health OR PSYC1003 - Psychology and Sociology for Health Sciences
Enrolment informationThis unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.
OSTP3005Osteopathic Manual Therapy 5
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Lismore
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesOSTP3002 - Osteopathic Manual Therapy 4 OR OSTP2006 - Osteopathic Studies IV AND; OSTP2009 - Clinical Neuroscience and Pain Studies OR BIOL2003 - Neuroscience
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time.
PBHL3001Health Promotion Project
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesPBHL2002 - Health Promotion OR PBHL1002 - Health Promotion and Wellness
Enrolment informationPlease note this unit has assessments scheduled in Week 7 which will require attendance on-campus. Details will be provided closer to the time. This unit contains Work Integrated Learning (WIL) activities that require students to meet mandatory fit to practice obligations prior to attending. Failure to comply by the fit to practice deadline will result in the cancellation of your WIL activity. Full details are available at www.scu.edu.au/healthplacements.


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
HLTH1004The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
OSTP1001Osteopathic Manual Therapy 1
HBIO1009Introductory Anatomy and Physiology
HLTH1006Foundations of Interprofessional Health Practice
HBIO1010Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
OSTP2004Osteopathic Manual Therapy 2
BIOL2007Biochemistry
OSTP2001Osteopathic Science I
OSTP2002Osteopathic Science II
OSTP2005Osteopathic Manual Therapy 3
HBIO2005Human Pathophysiology
OSTP2009Clinical Neuroscience and Pain Studies
HLTH1005Understanding Wellbeing and Mental Health
OSTP2010Osteopathic Assessment and Diagnosis
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
STAT2001Foundations of Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
PHAR2001Introductory Pharmacology
PBHL2002Health Promotion
OSTP3002Osteopathic Manual Therapy 4
OSTP3003Clinical Reasoning in Osteopathic Medicine
NUTR1001Nutrition for Health and Physical Activity
OSTP3004Osteopathic Practice in Musculoskeletal and Occupational Rehabilitation
PBHL3001Health Promotion Project
OSTP3005Osteopathic Manual Therapy 5

Why Health at SCU

One of the best clinical lab facilities in Australia

Health Clinics on-campus provide safe and supervised environments for practicums

5-star health ratings

We are 5-star rated in psychology, nursing and health services and support

(GUG 2023)

Graduates in very high demand

Health graduates in very high demand as Health Care and Social Assistance is Australia's largest and fastest growing industry

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

Preparing to apply

  1. Check requirements
  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Choose where you want to study

Gold Coast

Lismore

Choose where you want to study

International students studying in Australia

Gold Coast

  • Term 1 February 2024
    Apply

Lismore

  • Term 1 February 2024
    Apply

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway