Frequently Asked Questions

The Southern Cross Model is our approach to course delivery, based on six six-week study terms per year instead of traditional semesters.

Each term is followed by a two-week break. Most full-time students study two units per term across four terms a year, totalling eight units annually, though this can vary depending on your course and study load.

This shorter, more focused unit structure is designed to give students a greater sense of momentum and closer connection to real-world applications, and has been associated with improved student success rates, grades, and teacher satisfaction. Depending on your course, you may also have flexibility to take a term off when needed, or study more intensively when you can.

Learn more about the Southern Cross Model.

You are considered a domestic student if you are:

• an Australian citizen
• an Australian permanent resident, or
• a New Zealand citizen.

You are considered an international student if you:

• hold an Australian temporary visa (including student visas)
• are a permanent resident of New Zealand, or
• are a citizen of any other country and you do not have an Australian visa.

Yes, you can visit campus by registering for one of our upcoming campus tours or open day. These give you the chance to explore our facilities, speak with course and study advisors, and learn more about courses, the application process, student life, and support services. 

Yes, Southern Cross University holds Open Days on each campus every year. Open Days let you explore our campuses and courses, take a guided tour with current students, and learn about student life and support services. 

We also encourage you to register for one of our regular campus tours. You'll have the chance to explore our world-class facilities, meet with study experts, and learn more about courses, the application process, student life, and the support services available.

Online study allows you to complete your course remotely using digital learning tools and resources. Depending on your course and units, your studies may include recorded lectures, videos, online learning materials, discussion forums, virtual classes and interactive workshops.

Teaching methods may vary between units. Some units may also require you to attend on-campus classes, workshops or residential sessions for a set period, such as a weekend or a week during the study period.

To learn more about online study, visit our flexible online study page or contact our Future Students team.

Use our comprehensive services and support to maximise your student experience and achieve your goals. We've got you covered from the moment you accept your offer through to graduation:

• First Year Support
• Learning and academic skills support
• Wellbeing support
• Personal support
• Ways to get involved
• Campus facilities

Our commitment to ensuring you succeed in your study with us is detailed in the Support for Students Policy. 

Our campuses are located in northern NSW, Sydney and south-eastern QLD.

• Lismore campus
• Coffs Harbour campus
• Gold Coast campus

Our branch campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth give international students the opportunity to study undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in some of the world's most liveable cities. These campuses are also home to our award-winning Hotel School courses, which are also available at our Gold Coast campus.

The courses on offer vary between campuses. Our course search can be used to see which locations are available for each course. You can also use the Location search filter to display all courses available at your desired campus or campuses.

Southern Cross University offers services to help you find accommodation at one of our on-campus residential colleges (UniLodge Lismore and Coffs Harbour) or private rental off-campus (UniStays).

The teaching term dates vary from year to year, you find the relevant dates in our teaching calendar.

Application and study dates are listed on two separate pages, depending on what you need.

For dates related to your application, offer, and enrolment, visit the Domestic Key Application Dates and International Key Application Dates.

For dates related to your studies, such as intake start and end dates, enrolment cut-offs, census dates, and grade publication, visit the Key Dates/Teaching Calendar page.

We recommend downloading these two apps for your studies:

• Blackboard Mobile – Access your learning materials, announcements, grades, discussions, and tasks.
• Outlook – We use your student email for all official university communications, so it's important to stay on top of your inbox and not miss important reminders or deadlines. 

Both apps can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play and accessed using your student login details.

If you're a new student without an existing SCU student ID, you can apply directly from your course page. Here's how:

1. Search our courses to find your course page.
2. Click the yellow "Apply for this course" button, then select "Apply Now."
3. Follow the application steps, attaching your resume and all relevant qualifications.

Please reach out to our Future Students team if you'd like help with the process.

If you already have an SCU student ID (because you've received a previous offer or are a current student) apply using that existing ID rather than creating a new one.

Here's how:

1. Search our courses to find your course page.
2. Click "Apply for this course," then select the yellow "MyEnrolment" button.
3. Once logged in open the 'My Applications and Offers' tile and select 'Apply now', attaching your resume and any relevant qualifications.
4. If your existing qualifications are already on file, you won't need to re-upload them. Only attach new documents you'd like considered.

Please contact our Future Students team if you'd like help with the process.

You can apply directly through our online application portal.

As a non-school leaver, include a detailed resume and any prior education qualifications with your application, as these are used to assess your entry. Our Admissions Team will review your application and may contact you to discuss Pathway programs if these could help you meet entry requirements.

Visit our How to apply page for more information.

Yes, you'll need to attach supporting documents to your application. What you need to include depends on your situation, but generally covers:

• All qualifications, transcripts, and certificates
• A detailed resume
• Visa or relevant paperwork, if you're a permanent resident or under humanitarian protection
• A birth certificate or passport, if you're a New Zealand citizen
• English language test results, if you've completed one

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Future Students team.

You can still submit your application without attachments, then email your documents separately to admissions@scu.edu.au.

In your email, include your name, course, student ID (if you have one), and a note explaining what the documents are for, so they can be processed correctly.

Contact the Future Students team if you have any questions.

Entry ranks and pre-requisites may be different for each course. To find this information, search or browse for a course. Once you have retrieved results click on the course name to view the course information.

The entry rank is listed under 'Domestic' or 'International' tab and will be displayed as ATAR /OP equivalent, which is based on your year 12 results or or your highest level of education.

Go here to calculate your rank

Once you receive your email offer, follow the instructions in your offer letter to accept your place and complete any required next steps. Depending on your offer, you may need to meet outstanding conditions, pay your tuition deposit and complete your enrolment.

For help with getting started as a Southern Cross University student, visit our New students page for step-by-step instructions, or call us at 1800 SC HELP (1800 72 4357).

If you have gained knowledge, skills, and abilities through previous study or experience, you can apply to have your prior learning recognised when you apply to become a Southern Cross University student. You can apply to have your previous studies, knowledge and skills recognised via the process of advanced standing.

This is requested at the time of application submission by selecting 'yes' to an advanced standing assessment and uploading supporting documentation. If you can demonstrate that you already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes required for Southern Cross University units, you may receive credit, which may shorten the length of your course and save you money.

For more information on the types of prior learning that can be considered, frequently asked questions, tools to estimate the credit you might receive, how to apply, and links to supporting documents, guides and articulation information for organisations wanting to partner with Southern Cross University to create university pathways, please refer to our credit for prior study or experience page.

To ensure a smooth process, we recommend submitting your application for credit for prior study or experience (advanced standing) alongside your application into your preferred course. For detailed information on how to apply, please visit our credit for recognition of prior learning website.

Alternatively, if you have already submitted your application you can apply through the MyEnrolment portal.

If your email is already in use, it means you already have an SCU ID number from a previous application or enrolment.

You'll need to apply through MyEnrolment using your existing student ID rather than creating a new application.

If you've forgotten your password, use the Forgot Password function on the login page. If you still have trouble logging in, contact our IT Help Desk on 02 6620 3698.

If you've accidentally created two SCU ID numbers, our Admissions Team will fix this for you automatically.

You may see a "duplicate ID" notice, and your application could take up to 7 working days to process while we consolidate your records into one ID.

You'll receive an email confirming once this is complete.

Most of our degrees don't require specific school subject prerequisites, but each course still has its own entry requirements, such as minimum ATAR, prior qualifications, or work experience. You can find the specific entry requirements for your course of interest on its individual course page. Search for your course here.

You'll typically hear back about your application within 5 to 10 working days. We'll contact you by email, so check your inbox regularly (including your junk/spam folder) for updates.

You must be 18 by March 1 of the year you plan to start or have completed Year 12 to apply. If you're under 18 and haven’t completed Year 12, you can submit an application with additional documentation, including a letter from your school and a personal statement. This will be assessed by the Admissions Team.

It depends on whether there's another offering of the same degree in the same year.

If there is, our Admissions Team may be able to reactivate your lapsed offer - contact them at admissions@scu.edu.au with the course name, specialisation, term, and location you're interested in.

If there's no new offering available, you'll need to submit a new application through MyEnrolment using your student ID.

How you change your course location depends on your application status. If you’ve already accepted your offer, you’ll need to fill out this form to change your location. 

If your application is still pending or you've only received an offer (not yet accepted), please email your request to the Admissions Team at admissions@scu.edu.au 

The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) and the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) make applying to university easy and accessible for students. These centers handle most on-campus undergraduate applications, providing a streamlined process for entry into university.

You can apply through either UAC or QTAC, no matter where you are located in Australia, giving you flexibility and choice in managing your application. Both platforms offer clear guidance and resources to support you every step of the way. Whether you're close by or applying from afar, UAC and QTAC are here to help make your university journey start smoothly.

An offer round is a scheduled date when offers are released to applicants for certain courses.

For undergraduate courses that are applied for via UAC or QTAC, offers are released on various dates and these dates are called 'offer rounds'. Applying early may allow you to be considered in more offer rounds. 

Most offers are made in the Main Round of a given intake. Check the UAC or QTAC websites for key dates for offer rounds, including last dates to apply and submit supporting documents.

Yes, you can apply using an old HSC rank or ATAR, even if you completed it several years ago. Attach any relevant documents to your application; if you no longer have your results, our Admissions Team can retrieve older records on your behalf. Also include any other qualifications and a resume to support your application.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to the Future Students team.

Yes, you can apply even if you didn't complete Year 12. Include a detailed resume and any other education or work qualifications with your application, as these are used to assess your entry.

Our Admissions Team will review your application and may contact you to discuss pathway options if these could help you meet entry requirements.

Apply now.

Yes, you can apply if you completed Year 12 at TAFE. We assess a range of Year 12 qualifications, including those completed through TAFE, and offer various study options and pathway programs to help you meet entry requirements.

The application and enrolment process involves applying for your course, accepting your offer, meeting any offer conditions, and enrolling in your units. The typical process is:

1. Submit your application through the StudyLink application portal.
2. Receive and review your offer.
3. Provide any outstanding documents required to meet your offer conditions.
4. Accept your offer and make any required payments. 
5. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), where applicable.
6. Enrol in your units with support from the Client Services Team.
7. Complete your Orientation Week module and attend Orientation Week activities.

For detailed information about each step, visit our New International Student Page.

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The documents required for your application will depend on the course you are applying for. In most cases, you should provide:

• English language test results (such as IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent).
• Certified copies of your academic transcripts, including the grading system.
• Academic or employer references, if required.
• A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).

We recommend submitting your application at least three months before your intended start date to allow enough time for assessment and visa processing, where applicable.

Providing all required documents with your application helps Southern Cross University assess your eligibility and supporting qualifications.

For detailed application requirements, visit our how to apply page.

Whether or not you need to apply through an Education Agent to study at Southern Cross University depends on your personal circumstances. Some students may be eligible to apply directly to the University, while others are required to apply through an authorised Education Agent.

Education Agents can help by: 

• Explaining Southern Cross University courses, entry requirements and study options.
• Assisting with your application and supporting documents.
• Providing guidance on student visa applications.
• Helping you prepare for study in Australia, including travel and accommodation information.

If you need to apply through an Education Agent, or would like assistance with your application, you can find an authorised Southern Cross University Education Agent in your country.

You can find the contact details for the Southern Cross University recruitment and agent management team member for your region on our Global Contacts page.

The page includes contact information for staff supporting different countries and regions.

Access26 is a Southern Cross University initiative designed to make studying at Southern Cross University more accessible for international students.

In 2026 and 2027, International tuition fees for most courses* at Southern Cross University are set at an accessible fee per year, allowing our students to receive the best return on investment while pursuing genuine, high-quality education.

Some courses are excluded from Access26, including:

• Master of Nursing (2026)
• Bachelor of Veterinary Technology (2026)
• Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (2026)
• Study Abroad programs
• English Language Programs
• Higher Degree Research courses
• Non-award programs

For more information about Access26 and eligible courses, visit our Access page.

The initial deposit amount will be listed in your Offer Letter, as it varies depending on your course.

Your initial deposit must be paid in full before you can be admitted to your course.

Once your initial deposit has been exhausted, you will receive invoices for you next study term’s tuition fees before the study term starts.

Accepted alternatives to IELTS, and the minimum scores required for each, are listed on our English Language entry requirements page. Some courses have additional or different English language requirements, so also check your specific course page to confirm what applies to you.

Yes, absolutely! If you have not already completed an English Language test, you can apply to study your preferred course and email the Admissions Team to advise them you would like to study the English Language Program as a package. Your Regional Manager will them arrange for you to complete a placement test so we can determine how many weeks of study in the English Language Program is required.

Southern Cross University cannot provide advice about your individual visa eligibility or visa application. For advice about your visa options and eligibility, please contact an Education Agent or visit the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.

For the most up-to-date information about Australian student visas, visit the Department of Home Affairs.

Yes, you can download the Southern Cross University International Student Guide. The guide provides information about studying at Southern Cross University, including our campuses, courses, student support services and application process.

Download our International Student Guide.

No, a conditional offer does not guarantee a position in the course. Your place at Southern Cross University is confirmed once you have accepted your offer, met any outstanding conditions, paid your tuition deposit, and been admitted and enrolled in your course.

You can apply for cross-institutional study at Southern Cross University if you're currently enrolled at another university and want to complete some units with us.

For step-by-step instructions on how to apply, visit our  cross-institutional study page.

Unit costs are different depending on what category of student you are.

Both Domestic and International students can find the indicative course fees for your course under the Fees and Scholarships heading on the course page (search courses to find your course page).

See our Domestic Fee Information page for information regarding domestic students on Commonwealth-Supported Places, HELP loan schemes, tuition fees and Student Contribution Amounts (SCA).

HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that helps eligible Commonwealth Supported students pay their Student Contribution Amount (SCA). Through HECS-HELP, the Australian Government pays your Student Contribution Amount on your behalf, and the loan is repaid through the Australian tax system once your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.

For more information about HECS-HELP eligibility and repayments, visit the Australian Government's StudyAssist website.

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government-subsidised place at university. The Australian Government contributes towards the cost of your education, and you pay the remaining amount, known as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

As a Commonwealth Supported student, you are charged a Student Contribution Amount for each unit in which you enrol. This fee is incurred on the relevant census date.

For more information, visit our domestic fee information page.

To be eligible for HECS-HELP you must be an Australian citizen or on a Humanitarian Visa with a valid tax file number. Other eligibility requirements apply; see the Australian Government's Study Assist website.

Eligibility for Austudy and Abstudy is decided by Services Australia (Centrelink), not by the university. Austudy is for full-time students aged 25 or over, while Abstudy supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking full-time study. Eligibility depends on factors such as your age, study load, and income, so you'll need to check your personal eligibility directly with Services Australia.

Visit the Services Australia Austudy page or Abstudy page for full eligibility criteria and to apply. 

Textbook requirements for each unit are confirmed in the Unit Outline, published on your Unit Learning Site in MySCU around two weeks before each study session begins. This is the official source for what you need to buy, so avoid purchasing textbooks earlier than this, as reading lists can change up until shortly before the session starts. Once confirmed, you can look up and order your textbooks through The School Locker.

You can find some information about study requirement and textbooks using SCU's Unit Search Tool.

The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) provides Australian universities with a significant increase in funds available to maintain and improve essential services and amenities of a non-academic nature for students without reducing funding for teaching.

These funds can be used by universities to focus on student services that will support and enrich the student experience. SSAF is a Commonwealth Government legislated compulsory fee with restrictions on how much can be charged and how the funds are to be used. Some students are exempt from paying the SSAF, see SSAF fee schedules for details.

Students who are eligible to defer the SSAF should do so, by completing a SA-HELP form. If you choose to pay your SSAF upfront, payment must be made by the due date. Any remaining balance after the census date will be deferred to your SA-HELP loan. Students who are not eligible to defer payments will pay this fee directly to Southern Cross University.

More information can be found on our Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) page and SSAF Frequently Asked Questions.

No, most students won't need to be on campus every day.

How often you're on campus depends on how many units you're enrolled in and the specific classes you register for, so your schedule may vary.

Many units also offer online or flexible class options, which can further reduce how often you need to attend in person.

For a full-time study load, plan to spend 20–25 hours per unit each week, including 2–3 hours of scheduled class time. This time covers reading, assignments, and independent study alongside your classes. Actual time needed can vary depending on the unit and your own study habits.

Before enrolling, you'll need to accept your offer and complete a few setup steps, which differ depending on whether you're a domestic or international student.

If you are a domestic student (Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen) follow along on our Domestic New Students page.

If you're an international student (holding an Australian temporary visa including a student visa, a New Zealand permanent resident, or a citizen of any other country without an Australian visa), follow our step-by-step guide on the International New Students page.

To find out which units to enrol in for each teaching period, use the course search to check your course structure.

1. Visit the course search.
2. Type in your degree name and click Search.
3. From the list of results, choose the course you're studying.
4. Scroll down to the course structure section.
5. You'll see the recommended units for each teaching period, which you can use to plan your enrolment and stay on track.

If you've received RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning), you may have been given a personalised study plan from Client Services. If so, follow that plan instead when enrolling.

For more information, please see our helpful how-to guides and videos on enrolling. 

To enrol, watch the "How to enrol in units at Southern Cross University" videos and follow these steps:

1. Log in to MyEnrolment using your student ID and password.
2. Navigate to the "Study Plans" tab and click "Select" on the course with an "Admitted" status. This means you’ve accepted your offer and been admitted to the course.
3. On the Study Plan page, you’ll see a list of core units and elective or major options. Use the search bar to find available units by year, session, and campus location. The units available for enrolment will be highlighted in blue.

Professional experience is an essential requirement to an education degree. Professional experience is often referred to as 'placement' and is at the core of all initial teacher education programs.

A variety of professional experiences assists students gain vital experience applying their university learning in schools and/or early childhood education and care centres. Students studying an education degree will complete several professional experiences in a range of different settings.

More information can be found on our Professional Experience page.

Many of the health courses here at Southern Cross University involve work-integrated learning (WIL). This term is used to describe a range of approaches that integrate theory with practice in supervised real-world environments, including practicum, professional practice, field education, simulation, labs and placement.

In order for you to attend WIL, there are various requirements you must adhere to, which vary depending on your course. For information regarding your course requirements, including fit to practice obligations, further details about WIL (hours and dates) and what to expect in terms of the types of the various settings you may experience throughout your studies, refer to your specific course information on the Work Integrated Learning page.