Southern Cross University (SCU) is a public Australian university. The university operates across six Australian campuses: Gold Coast, Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Southern Cross University admissions follow a multi-intake system with up to six terms each year, giving students flexible availability.
The annual tuition fees for most courses are AUD 26,000 (₹17.82 Lakhs) at SCU. The yearly living expenses range from AUD 14,040 to 30,680 (₹9.62–21.03 Lakhs), depending on the campus and lifestyle. The deadlines for applying to SCU are 21 August 2026 for Term 5 and 26 June 2026 for Term 4. Term 5 offers more courses than Term 4 (for both UG and PG).
English language requirements are IELTS 6.5 for PG and 6.0 for UG. SCU accepts 3-year Indian bachelor’s degrees for most postgraduate programs, with a score of 50-55%+. UG applicants generally require a minimum of 65%+ in Class 12
SCU ranked #638 globally in QS World University Rankings 2026 and entered the Top 500 band in Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings 2026.
Note: The article follows the currency conversion rate of AUD 1 = ₹ 68.55, as of 16 May 2026.
Check out the guide for Indian students to study in Australia
- Southern Cross University Deadlines 2026
- Southern Cross University Admission Requirements 2026
- Southern Cross University Popular Courses, Duration, and Intakes 2026
- Southern Cross University Cost of Living 2026
- What Scholarships are offered at Southern Cross University?
- Southern Cross University Campus
- Southern Cross University Accommodation 2026
- Southern Cross University Part-time Jobs 2026
- Southern Cross University Placements 2026
- What is the Ranking of Southern Cross University?
- FAQs
Southern Cross University Deadlines 2026
Southern Cross University offers 6 intakes every year, using the term structure. The most popular terms with the largest number of courses available are Term 1 (March), 3 (July), and 5 (October). For the currently available terms, below are the deadlines for international students, as per the university portal:
| Term | Application Submission Deadline | Acceptance and Payment Deadline | Last Day to Enrol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 4 | 26 June 2026 | 17 July 2026 | 2 September 2026 |
| Term 5 | 21 August 2026 | 11 September 2026 | 28 October 2026 |
Southern Cross University Admission Requirements 2026
At Southern Cross University, Indian students with recognised academic qualifications and valid English proficiency scores are eligible to apply for most programs:
- PG applicants usually need 50–55% in a bachelor’s degree | UG applicants generally require 65%+ in Class 12.
- IELTS 6.5 for PG courses | IELTS 6.0 is the minimum for UG courses.
- Health-related programs such as Nursing, Education, and Speech Pathology typically require higher English proficiency scores (IELTS 7.0+) and stronger academic performance.
| Requirement Type | Postgraduate Programs | Undergraduate Programs | Health & Related Courses (Nursing, Speech Pathology, Education, etc.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Qualification |
A 3-year Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Indian university (UGC/AICTE approved) |
Completion of Class 12 from CBSE / ISC / State Board | Same as UG/PG eligibility, depending on the course |
| Minimum Academic Requirement | Minimum 50–55% aggregate |
Minimum 65%+; Up to 75% for competitive programs |
Higher academic competitiveness applies |
| English Language Requirement |
IELTS 6.5 TOEFL iBT 79 PTE Academic 58 |
IELTS 6.0 TOEFL iBT 60 PTE Academic 50 |
IELTS 7.0 TOEFL iBT 94 PTE Academic 65 |
| Work Experience, CV/Resume | Optional | Not required | Optional |
Know more about the Australian student visa requirements for Indian students
Southern Cross University Popular Courses, Duration, and Intakes 2026
Southern Cross University offers career-focused undergraduate and postgraduate programs to its students. Most courses provide multiple intakes throughout the year, giving international students greater flexibility in planning their studies.
- Annual tuition fees at Southern Cross University are AUD 26,000.
- Popular programs among Indian students include MBA, Information Technology, Nursing, and Engineering due to strong employability outcomes in Australia.
| Course | Start Date | Duration | Tips for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | March, June, October | 2 years | Choose metro campuses (Sydney/Melbourne) for better internship & job opportunities. Many Indians get part-time jobs in retail/hospitality. |
| Master of Information Technology (MIT) | March, June, October | 2 years | Focus on Business Analytics / AI specialisation for better job prospects in Australia. |
| Master of Business- Global Hotel Leadership | March, June, October | 2 years | Many Indian students do paid industry placements. |
| Master of Social Work | March, October | 2 years | Strong English & communication skills needed. Field placements can be emotionally demanding. |
| Master of Science- Osteopathic Medicine | March | 1.5 years | Requires a strong science background. High employability but limited seats |
| Bachelor of Nursing | January, March, June | 3 years | Prepare for OSCE exams. High demand for nurses after graduation. |
| Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) | March, June, October | 3 years | Choose Gold Coast or Metro campuses for networking and exposure. Cost of living is high on the Gold Coast, so plan budget carefully. |
| Bachelor of Science- Speech Pathology | March | 4 years | Strong job prospects in Australia, but requires a good accent & communication skills. |
| Bachelor of Engineering Systems | March, June | 4 years | Indian students with 60%+ in Class 12 (Maths & Physics) usually get in. Regional campuses (Lismore/Coffs) are cheaper to live in. |
| Bachelor of Science- Marine Science and Management Specialisation | March | 3 years | Best studied at Coffs Harbour (National Marine Science Centre). Hands-on field work. Lower living costs in a regional area. |
Check out the Genuine Student Requirement for Australian universities
Southern Cross University Cost of Living 2026
As per the university portal, the cost of living at Southern Cross University is as follows:
- Weekly cost of living: AUD 270- 780 (₹18,509–53,469)/week
- Yearly cost of living: AUD 14,040-30,680 (₹9.62–21.03 Lakhs)/year
The cost of living widely differs across different campuses. The metropolitan campuses have a higher living cost than the regional campuses.
| Expenses (Per week) | Private Rental | SCU Village (Lismore, Coffs Harbour) | Homestay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation |
AUD 150–350 |
AUD 190–220 |
AUD 240–325 |
| Food |
AUD 140–280 |
AUD 140–280 |
Included |
| Public Transport |
AUD 30–70 |
AUD 30 |
|
| Electricity |
AUD 15 |
Included | |
| Water |
AUD 5 |
||
| Mobile/Internet |
AUD 30–60 |
AUD 30–60 |
AUD 30–60 |
| Estimated Weekly Total |
AUD 370–780/week |
AUD 390–590/week |
AUD 270–385/week |
Read about the cost of living for Indian students in Australia
What Scholarships are offered at Southern Cross University?
The university provides merit-based and regional scholarships, with several opportunities automatically assessed during admission:
- Access26 and Access27 offer reduced fixed annual tuition fees of AUD 26,000–27,000 (₹17.82–18.51 Lakhs) for most international students.
- Merit-based scholarships such as the Vice Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship provide up to AUD 8,000 (₹5.48 Lakhs) per year for high-performing students.
- Indian students are eligible for additional regional and diversification scholarships across the Southern Cross University regional campuses.
| Scholarship | Value | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Access26 | Fixed $26,000 (₹17.82 Lakhs) |
Major affordability initiative replacing many older scholarships. Applies to almost all new international students. |
| Access27 | Fixed $27,000 (₹18.51 Lakhs) |
Available for 2027 intakes. |
| Vice Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship | Up to $8,000 (₹5.48 Lakhs) per year (for duration of program) |
Merit-based for high academic performers. Automatically assessed. Requires exceeding standard entry requirements (e.g., strong percentage in 12th or Bachelor’s). |
| Southern Cross Global Regional Scholarship | For students studying at regional campuses (Lismore, Coffs Harbour, National Marine Science Centre). |
|
| Vice Chancellor’s International Diversification Scholarship | Promotes country diversity. Indian students are eligible. |
Check out the popular scholarships for Indian students in Australia
Southern Cross University Campus
Souther Cross University has 6 campuses:
- Gold Coast
- Lismore (Northern Rivers)
- Coffs Harbour
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Perth
Some of the campuses offer metropolitan city life, while others offer a regional Australian environment. The cost of living also varies with these campuses. Below are the details about SCU campuses:
| Campus | Specialities | Transportation System | Restaurants & Grocery Stores |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast(next to Gold Coast Airport) | Business, IT, Law, Tourism/Hospitality, Nursing, Biomedical Science, Education, etc. | Translink buses. Close to the airport & light rail. |
Walk to Kirra & Coolangatta beaches for cafes & restaurants. Woolworths, Coles, and Asian grocery stores are nearby. |
| Lismore (Northern Rivers) | Environmental Science, Engineering, Arts & Music, Health Sciences, Law, etc | Bus services (Buslines & Blanches). Limited trains. |
Smaller town vibe. Local cafes, restaurants, and markets. Weekly farmers' markets. Cheaper than the Gold Coast. |
| Coffs Harbour | Marine Science, Nursing & Midwifery, Health Sciences, Education, Psychology | Busways services. Regional airport and coach connections. |
Selection of cafes and restaurants near the beach. |
| Sydney | Business, IT, Hospitality | Trains, buses, ferries, and light rail (Opal card). | Very diverse food scene (strong Indian community). |
| Melbourne | Excellent tram, train & bus network (Myki card). | ||
| Perth | Bus & train network. | Restaurants and grocery options available (Coles, Woolworths). |
Southern Cross University Accommodation 2026
On-campus accommodation is only available at Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses. Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne & Perth have no on-campus accommodation. Students can apply directly to the UniLodge website to book housing on campus accommodation.
For campuses that don’t offer on-campus accommodation, SCU recommends UniStays, which is their official platform for verified student listings. The below-listed accommodation options are off-campus unless mentioned otherwise:
| Campus / Location | Weekly Rent (AUD) | Weekly Rent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast |
Shared: $280 – $450 |
Shared: ₹19,194 – ₹30,848 Private: ₹30,848 – ₹44,558 |
| Lismore |
Shared: $200 – $300 |
Shared: ₹13,710 – ₹20,565 Private: ₹23,993 – ₹34,275 |
| On-campus: $190 – $280 | ₹13,025 – ₹19,194 | |
| Coffs Harbour | Shared: $220 – $320 Private Studio/1-Bed: $380 – $550 |
Shared: ₹15,081 – ₹21,936 Private: ₹26,049 – ₹37,703 |
| On-campus: $200 – $290 | ₹13,710 – ₹19,880 | |
| Sydney | Shared: $350 – $550 Private Studio/1-Bed: $550 – $800+ |
Shared: ₹23,993 – ₹37,703 Private: ₹37,703 – ₹54,840+ |
| Melbourne | Shared: $300 – $500 Private Studio/1-Bed: $500 – $750 |
Shared: ₹20,565 – ₹34,275 Private: ₹34,275 – ₹51,413 |
Explore the accommodation options for Indian students in Australia
Southern Cross University Part-time Jobs 2026
Indian students are allowed to work while studying at Southern Cross University. However, because of Visa restrictions, Indian students need to follow the working limits:
- During study terms (while classes are running): 48 hours per fortnight
- During official university breaks: Unlimited hours.
On-campus jobs are easier to find, especially at regional campuses. Below are the popular job options at Southern Cross University:
| Job Sector | Common Roles | Hourly Pay | Best Campuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality | Waiter, Kitchen Hand, Barista, Cleaner | $25 – $30 (₹1,714 – ₹2,057) |
Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne |
| Delivery & Ride-Share | Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog | $20 – $35+ (₹1,371 – ₹2,399+) |
Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne |
| Supermarket / Convenience | Shelf Stacking, Cashier | $25 – $29 (₹1,714 – ₹1,988) |
All campuses |
| Campus or University Jobs | Student Ambassador, Tutor, Library Assistant, Event Staff | $28 – $35 (₹1,919 – ₹2,399) |
Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast |
| Tourism / Hotel | Reception, Housekeeping | $26 – $32 (₹1,782 – ₹2,194) |
Gold Coast, Sydney |
Check out the part-time jobs for international students in Australia
Southern Cross University Placements 2026
SCU regularly publishes employment outcomes based on the Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS 2024), which is a national Australian Government survey. As per the survey,
- Undergraduate full-time employment rate: 82.8%
- SCU consistently ranks in the top 10 public universities in Australia for graduate employment and salaries.
- Employer satisfaction: SCU graduates scored 83.5% employer satisfaction.
As per the survey reports, Undergraduate students' median starting salary is $72,500 (₹49.70 Lakhs), and that for Postgraduate students is $110,000 (₹75.41 Lakhs) for Southern Cross University.
What is the Ranking of Southern Cross University?
Southern Cross University has been ranked by QS Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE), and US News consistently. The university has also improved its rank in the previous years
- QS 2026: Ranked #638 globally. SCU was named Most Improved University in Oceania in 2024 after rising over 200 places in five years.
- THE 2026: Ranked in the 401–500 band globally
- The university ranked #1151 in 2026 by the US News
As per Collegdunia Study Abroad Rankings 2026, SCU ranked #553 out of 824 globally. The top subjects are Nursing, Marine Science / Oceanography, Environmental Science, and Business & Economics.
| Ranking Body | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #638 | #576 | #651–660 | Slight Decline after improvement in previous years. |
| Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings | #401–500 | #501–600 | #501–600 | Improving Entered the Top 500 in 2026. |
| US News Best Global Universities | #1151 | - | remains in 1100–1200 band | |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad Rankings | #553 out of 824 | - | ||
Check out the rankings for Southern Cross University
Southern Cross University offers a mix of metropolitan and regional study options, allowing students to choose between lower living costs at campuses or stronger networking and job opportunities. Its flexible intake structure, comparatively standardised tuition fee structure and availability of scholarships like Access26 make it a practical option for international students considering Australia.
Students planning to apply should compare campuses carefully based on course availability, accommodation costs, part-time job opportunities, and long-term career goals. Programs in Nursing, IT, Business, Engineering, and Marine Science are among the most sought-after due to Australia’s ongoing workforce demand.
FAQs
Ques. Which Southern Cross University campus is best for part-time jobs?
Ans. Sydney, Melbourne, and Gold Coast campuses generally offer better part-time job opportunities because of the larger hospitality, retail, tourism, and service industries. However, living costs are also higher at these campuses.
Ques. Which SCU campus is the cheapest for international students?
Ans. Lismore is usually the most affordable campus in terms of accommodation and living expenses. Regional campuses like Lismore and Coffs Harbour are cheaper than metropolitan campuses such as Sydney and Melbourne.
Ques. Is accommodation guaranteed for international students at SCU?
Ans. On-campus accommodation availability is limited and mainly offered at Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses. Students are advised to apply early, especially before major intakes like March and October.
Southern Cross University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
B.N 3 years | USD 18,720 /Yr AUD 26,000 /Yr | IELTS:- 7.0 | |
M.B.A 2 years | USD 18,720 /Yr AUD 26,000 /Yr | IELTS:- 6.5 | |
M.I.T 2 years | Application Deadline For 2027 Intake (15th Dec 2026) | USD 18,720 /Yr AUD 26,000 /Yr | IELTS:- 6.5 |
B.S Speech Pathology 4 years | USD 18,720 /Yr AUD 26,000 /Yr | IELTS:- 8.0 |
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Southern Cross University Reviews
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3 Reviews Found
Likes
- Faculties and their approachable attitude.
- Library where you can borrow books and they have cubicles where you can read and do assessments.
- I like the diversity in the classroom getting to interact with students from various parts of the world.
Dislikes
- Far from city making it tiresome to travel.
- Not many activities to participate in for everyone's interest.
- No placement after studies, you are on your own to get jobs
Campus Life
- Main campus in Lismore. There is a campus in Gold Coast. Overall, they have campuses in each major city in Australia, like Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, and Perth. There are libraries on each campus. There are sports teams if you want to participate. You can create your own as well. You do get medical facilities such as counselling sessions, etc.
Overview
Southern Cross University has campuses in Gold Coast, Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne providing the flexibility of location. Further, there are three sessions per year for additional choices of units for every session. The lectures are online recorded and two-hour tutorials take place on the local campus every week.
Fees
The current tuition fees are $3750 per unit of study for a Masters's degree. The total fee per session depends on how many units you are enrolled in. International students can get scholarships of up to 25% based on their previous studies and test scores. I was awarded a 10% scholarship on tuition fees based on my IELTS score.
Overview
I chose Southern Cross University because it was something different from what my other friends chose to do and also the location of the University is really nice, with the beach across the road and located right near the Gold Coast airport.
Fees
The fee structure seems reasonable as there are a lot of components that determine how much fees are charged.
Southern Cross University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored | |
| Business Administration Scholarships | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Postgraduate Scholarships 2020 | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Go Clean Scholarship | Scholarship per student$3,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based |
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Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 837 | - | - | - |
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Comments
Found 7 Comments
Southern Cross University generally accepts up to a 5-year gap after PCL nursing from Nepal, especially if supported by relevant work experience.
Is it possible to study there with an IELTS score of 5.5?
The minimum IELTS score requirement for most undergraduate and postgraduate programs at SCU is 6.0 overall, with no band score lower than 6.0 in any individual section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). However, you can explore the SCU courses to learn more about the curriculum, fees, and other details.