Study in Australia

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

New students normally receive an email before Orientation week with their proposed course progression and enrolment advice. 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

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 Wednesday of Week 1 to vary your enrolment. After that day, you will not be able to self enrol in any units. 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, provided it is no more than one-third of the total units undertaken in Australia, and is subject to approval by 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.

Student Learning Zone 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 situations at university, you should make contact with the Student Learning Zone 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 about 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 faculty 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 purpose. 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 your 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 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 must see an International Student Adviser and seek permission for release. You will also need to organise an appointment with the Department of Home Affairs and provide them with details, such as the new offer of study and confirmation of enrolment and obtain permission from the 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 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.

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.

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.