Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Applications to study on campus and some distance education degrees are made online through the University Admissions Centre (UAC), or the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). You can apply for a number of courses in this application - we recommend you include a pathway course in your list of preferences in case we are unable to make you an offer for your first choice of degree.

Most applications to study via distance education are submitted online directly to Southern Cross University. For details see the how to apply page.

The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) and the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) are admission centres for most on-campus undergraduate university applications.

You can apply through either UAC or QTAC regardless of your location.

For undergraduate courses that are applied for via UAC or QTAC, offers are released on various dates and these dates are called 'offer rounds'. Normally, the earlier that you apply the more offer rounds you can be considered for.

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.

You will receive your offer via email. All the information you need to accept/decline/defer, arrange payment of your course and enrol in units will be in this email.

Once you've accepted your offer you are considered an SCU student so if you have questions contact the Student Advice Team on 1800 SC HELP / 1800 72 4357 or enquiry@scu.edu.au.

Contact the Future Students Team so we can discuss an appropriate Alternative Pathway.

As a non-school leaver you will be assessed on your highest level of education or relevant work experience. Find out more on our Alternative Pathways website. If you haven't completed AQF recognised study or relevant work experience, you may gain entry via our fee-free enabling course, the Preparing for Success Program.

A: Non-school leavers who have relevant work experience may gain admission to an SCU course through various alternative pathways to university.

Find out more on our Alternative Pathways website.

SCU offers a broad range of services to assist you throughout your studies. Some of these services include:

• Academic skills development (Student Learning Zone)
• Accommodation
• Careers and Employability
• Counselling
• Equity and Inclusion
• Medical
• SCU Mates peer mentoring program
• Student loans
• Student representation

Information about all services is available at the Services for SCU students page.

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

Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Some units may require attendance at university or workshops for a set period of time, such as a week or weekend during the session. To find out more, contact the Future Students Team.

Applications to study by distance education are made directly to SCU. From a course sheet check that the course is offered by Online Education (this is shown under Locations in the domestic course summary) To apply, go to the How to Apply tab and click the Apply Online button.

For details see the how to apply page.

Course availability varies between campuses. To check course availability, search all courses. The course summary tab will show which teaching sessions and at which locations the course is available.

We offer residential colleges at Lismore and Coffs Harbour campus.

In partnership with Southern Cross University UniLodge helps students to make the most of their university experience.

For off-campus accommodation visit the UniStays website.

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

• Lismore campus
• Coffs Harbour campus
• Gold Coast campus

Our three new branch campuses in Sydney,  Melbourne and Perth give international students the opportunity to study undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in three of the world's most liveable cities.

We also offer the award-winning Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management and for international students, business courses at The Hotel School Sydney, The Hotel School Brisbane and The Hotel School Melbourne.

Yes, we invite you to book a at any of our campuses. Please call 1800 626 481 or email campustours@scu.edu.au.

Open Days are held at each campus and sessions are also available online. These events provide an opportunity to discover more about SCU campuses, courses, university life and the support and services on offer.

You can also book a to learn more about life on campus from other students during campus tours. Visit the campus tours page to book a tour. If you have any questions, you can contact us toll free on 1800 626 481 or email campustours@scu.edu.au.

Unit costs are different depending on what category of student you are. For more details see tuition fees and charges.

HECS-HELP is a loan program where eligible Commonwealth supported students receive a financial subsidy from the Australian Government.

For eligible students, the Australian Government contributes an amount to the cost of study in the form of a loan.

The loan is repaid when income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold. For more information, see the see the Australian Government's Study Assist website.

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that the students only pay the student contribution amounts for their units of study. Commonwealth supported places are available at all public universities, including Southern Cross University.

For more information, see the Australian Government's Commonwealth supported places 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.

Austudy and Abstudy are forms of financial assistance for full-time students from the Australian Government. You will need to contact Centrelink to determine your eligibility.

See the Australian Government's Department of Human Services students and trainees page for eligibility information.

• Austudy
• Abstudy

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

You can also look up and order your textbooks from The School Locker.

Note: Textbook requirements will be confirmed in the Unit Outline on the Unit Learning Site. This is normally available 2 weeks prior to the commencement of each study session. Purchasing textbooks too early may result in disappointment as details may change prior to the week before session starts.

The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is an annual fee charged for student and non-academic services.

Your previous study may help reduce the number of units you need to study to complete your degree. You will need to apply by following the Applying for Advanced Standing process.

We recommend you submit your application for advanced standing at the same time as you apply for admission to your preferred course. See the applying for advanced standing website for application details.

Application opening and closing dates vary depending on the course, study period and application method.

See the key dates page for detailed information.

The teaching Session dates vary from year to year. See the teaching calendar for more information.