Important Alerts
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration [M.B.A] Application Deadline For 2026 Intake | Closing in 20 days |
Southern Cross University (SCU) was established in 1994. It is a public university with multiple campuses along with study centers in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. In global rankings, the university is placed #=638 in QS World University Rankings 2026, 501–600th in Times Higher Education (2025), and #1151 in U.S. News Best Global Universities 2025. Popular programs among Indian students include MBA, Master of Information Technology (MIT), Master of Engineering Management, Bachelor of Nursing, and Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT).
Southern Cross University tuition fees for international students range between AUD 10,500 – 26,000 (INR 5.9 – 14.7 lakh) per year, depending on the program and study level. For admission, undergraduate applicants require a Year 12 qualification (or equivalent diploma), while postgraduate and MBA applicants need a 3-year bachelor’s degree. English language proficiency is mandatory, with IELTS requirements ranging from 6.0–8.0. Applications are free of cost, and decisions are reviewed within 28 days.
The Southern Cross University, Sydney acceptance rate is 67%, making it moderately selective while still accessible for qualified international students. The university also offers scholarships such as the Access25 and Access26 tuition fee initiatives, the International Women’s Day Scholarship, and faculty-specific awards, valued up to AUD 5,000 (INR 2.8 lakh).
Read More: Study in Australia
Southern Cross University Top Courses & Fees
Southern Cross University (SCU) offers globally ranked programs in business, IT, engineering, nursing, and social sciences. The university combines academic quality with affordability, making it an attractive choice for international students. Southern Cross University fees range between AUD 10,500 – 26,000 per year (INR 5.9 – 14.7 lakh) depending on the program.
| Program | Tuition Fee (AUD) | Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 25,000 | 14.1 Lakh |
| Master of Information Technology (MIT) (STEM) | 26,000 | 14.7 Lakh |
| Master of Engineering Management / MBA (Dual Degree) | 11,970 | 6.8 Lakh |
| Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) | 11,025 | 6.2 Lakh |
| Master of Business (Global Hotel Leadership) | 10,506 | 5.9 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Nursing (BN) | 25,000 | 14.1 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) | 26,000 | 14.7 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) (STEM) | 11,562 | 6.5 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Science (General / Midwifery) | 11,562 | 6.5 Lakh |
Southern Cross University Admissions
Southern Cross University requires senior secondary qualifications for undergraduate entry and a bachelor’s degree for postgraduate and MBA programs. English proficiency is essential, with IELTS ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. No application fee is charged, and applications are reviewed within 28 days.
| Criteria | Undergraduate (UG) | Postgraduate (PG) | MBA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Requirement | Year 12 (Senior Secondary Certificate) OR recognized diploma | 3-year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). For Engineering: 4-year degree OR 3-year + 2 years’ work experience OR relevant prior learning | 3-year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). Work experience considered |
| Faculty/School | Faculty of Health / School of Health & Human Sciences | Faculty of Science & Engineering (varies by program) | Faculty of Business, Law & Arts |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.0 – 8.0 TOEFL: 60/120 PTE: 58/90 | IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 79/120 PTE: 58/90 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Application Fee | AUD 0 | AUD 0 | AUD 0 |
| Documents Required | Application form, transcripts, certificates, test scores, passport, CV, references, advanced standing (if any) | Same as UG requirements | Same as UG/PG requirements |
| Total Credits | 288 – 384 ECTS (program dependent) | 192 ECTS | 192 ECTS |
| GRE/GMAT | Not required | Not required | Not required |
| Review Process | Within 28 days | Within 28 days | Within 28 days |
Southern Cross University Cost of Attendance
Living costs at Southern Cross University vary by accommodation type: private rentals, on-campus SCU Village, or homestay. Below is the weekly breakdown for international students:
Weekly Living Expenses
| Expense | Private Rental | SCU Village (Lismore, Coffs Harbour) | Homestay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AUD 150–350 (₹8,400–19,600)House: AUD 400–800 (₹22,400–44,800) | AUD 190–220 (₹10,600–12,300)Premium: AUD 240–325 (₹13,400–18,100) | Included in fee |
| Food | AUD 140–280 (₹7,800–15,700) | AUD 140–280 (₹7,800–15,700) | Included |
| Public Transport | AUD 30–70 (₹1,700–3,900) | AUD 30 (₹1,700) | Included (to/from campus) |
| Electricity | AUD 15 (₹840) per roomAUD 40 (₹2,200) per house | Included | Included |
| Water | AUD 5 (₹280) | Included | Included |
| Mobile/Internet | AUD 30–60 (₹1,700–3,400) | AUD 30–60 (₹1,700–3,400) | AUD 30–60 (₹1,700–3,400) |
Estimated Annual Living Cost
- Private Rental: AUD 20,000 – 30,000 (₹11.2 – 16.8 lakh)
- SCU Village: AUD 15,000 – 20,000 (₹8.4 – 11.2 lakh)
- Homestay: AUD 14,000 – 18,000 (₹7.8 – 10.1 lakh)
Know More: Cost of Living in Australia
Southern Cross University Scholarships
Southern Cross University (SCU) provides several scholarships and tuition fee initiatives for international students. These awards aim to reduce financial stress while recognizing academic talent and community contribution.
| Scholarship | Value | Availability | Location / Study Area | Eligibility & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access26 (2026 intake) | Annual tuition capped at AUD 26,000 (₹14.6 lakh) | Variable | Multiple campuses, All study areas | Flat-rate tuition for most international programs. |
| Access25 (2025 intake) | Annual tuition capped at AUD 25,000 (₹14 lakh) | Variable | Multiple campuses, All study areas | Flat-rate tuition model for all international students in 2025. |
| Education Honours Scholarship | AUD 5,000 (₹2.8 lakh) | 3 awards | Online, Faculty of Education | For outstanding students in the Bachelor of Education (Honours). |
| Ralph Barclay Braun Memorial Scholarship | AUD 5,000 (₹2.8 lakh) | 1 award | National Marine Science Centre | For research-focused students in Science & Environment. |
| International Women’s Day Scholarship | AUD 5,000 (₹2.8 lakh) | 3 awards | Multiple campuses, All study areas | Supports female students for one year, awarded as part of SCU’s International Women’s Day celebrations. |
Check Out: Popular Scholarships in Australia
Southern Cross University Campuses
Southern Cross University has campuses across New South Wales and Queensland, along with metropolitan study centers:
- Lismore (NSW): The main campus, set in subtropical bushland, with modern labs, creative arts studios, health facilities, and plans for new student housing, sports precincts, and sustainability projects.
- Gold Coast (QLD): Located beside Gold Coast Airport and North Kirra Beach, featuring programs in law, business, health, education, and IT, supported by advanced labs and student hubs.
- Coffs Harbour (NSW): Specialises in health sciences and education, with modern teaching labs, sports fields, and the National Marine Science Centre.
- Metro Campuses: Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth CBD centres offering programs in business, IT, and accounting.
- The Hotel School: Operates in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, focusing on hospitality management.
Student Facilities
All campuses provide access to libraries, computer labs, gyms, health clinics, and student lounges. Students benefit from career advice, counselling, mentoring, and international student support services. Recreational activities include sports clubs, cultural events, and community engagement opportunities.
Student Housing
- On-Campus: Available at Lismore and Coffs Harbour, with options ranging from shared units to self-contained apartments, fully furnished and inclusive of internet and utilities.
- Gold Coast & Metro Campuses: Students typically stay in nearby private rentals or student apartments, with the university offering support and partnerships with local housing providers.
Southern Cross University Rankings
Southern Cross University (SCU) continues to build its international reputation with steady improvements across major global rankings. Its focus on student experience, research impact, and industry collaboration is reflected in the following results:
- QS World University Rankings 2026: Ranked #=638, highlighting SCU’s growing academic and research standing.
- Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025: Placed in the 501–600 band, reflecting strong performance in research influence and teaching environment.
- U.S. News Best Global Universities 2025: Ranked #1151 globally, with recognition for subject-specific areas such as environment, ecology, and clinical health.
These rankings position Southern Cross University among the top 2–3% of universities worldwide, showcasing its global competitiveness while maintaining an accessible, student-focused learning environment.
Southern Cross University Comparison
When deciding between Australian universities, international students often compare rankings, campus facilities, scholarships, and career support. Below is a side-by-side look at Southern Cross University (SCU), Griffith University (GU), and Victoria University (VU) to help you evaluate which fits best.
| Criteria | Southern Cross University (SCU) | Griffith University (GU) | Victoria University (VU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | • QS 2026: #=638• THE 2025: 501–600th• US News 2025: #1151 Global | • QS 2026: #=246• THE 2025: 251–300th• US News 2025: #203 Global | • QS 2026: #=701–710• THE 2025: 401–500th• US News 2025: #567 Global |
| Campus Facilities | • Campuses in Lismore, Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth• Modern labs, arts studios, gyms, libraries• Strong marine science & health facilities | • Six campuses across Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast• $320M+ Griffith Health Centre• Major research hubs & innovation labs | • Melbourne-based• $68M sports precinct• World-class engineering, health, and business labs |
| Scholarships | • Vice Chancellor’s Academic Excellence (up to 30% tuition)• Women’s Day Scholarship (AUD 5,000)• SCU International Regional Scholarship | • Griffith Remarkable Scholarship (50% tuition)• International Student Academic Merit (20%)• Griffith Research Scholarships (HDR) | • VU International Excellence Scholarship (up to 20% tuition)• VU Future Leaders Scholarship• External AusGov support (Australia Awards) |
| Placement Support | • CareerHub, mentoring & internships• Strong in health, education, marine & hospitality fields | • 80%+ graduate employment rate• Industry-linked placements• Strong research-to-industry pathways | • Career Development Centre• Focus on applied learning & TAFE pathways• Strong industry ties in Melb |
Southern Cross University is an affordable and globally recognized option for international students, especially those seeking strong programs in health, marine science, education, and business. With supportive scholarships, practical placements, and modern campuses across Australia, SCU offers a balance of quality education and student-friendly living costs.
FAQs
Ques: What is the global ranking of Southern Cross University?
Ans: SCU is ranked #=638 in QS 2026, 501–600th in THE 2025, and #1151 in US News 2025.
Ques: Does Southern Cross University provide scholarships for international students?
Ans: Yes, SCU offers several scholarships, including the Vice Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship (up to 30% tuition fee reduction) and the International Women’s Day Scholarship valued at AUD 5,000.
Ques: What is the average cost of living for SCU international students?
Ans: Weekly living costs range between AUD 400–800 (INR 22,000–44,000) depending on housing choice (private rental, SCU Village, or homestay).
Ques: Which campuses of Southern Cross University are most popular with international students?
Ans: The Gold Coast and Lismore campuses are particularly popular due to their modern facilities, lifestyle, and industry connections.
Ques: Does Southern Cross University offer good placement support?
Ans: Yes, through CareerHub, internships, and industry mentoring, SCU helps students connect with employers and gain work experience, especially in health, hospitality, and education sectors.
Southern Cross University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
B.N 3 years | Term 1 Application Deadline for 2026 intake (3rd Jan 2026) | USD 16,900 /Yr AUD 26,000 /Yr | IELTS:- 7.0 |
M.B.A 2 years | Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (15th Dec 2025) | USD 16,250 /Yr AUD 25,000 /Yr | IELTS:- 6.5 |
M.I.T 2 years | Application Deadline For 2026 Intake (15th Dec 2025) | USD 16,900 /Yr AUD 26,000 /Yr | IELTS:- 6.5 |
B.S Speech Pathology 4 years | Term 1 Application Deadline for 2026 intake (3rd Jan 2026) | USD 16,900 /Yr AUD 26,000 /Yr | IELTS:- 8.0 |
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Southern Cross University Student Profiles
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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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| FINCAD Women in Finance Scholarship | Scholarship per student$20,000 | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
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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 | - | - | - |
Southern Cross University Campus Location
Nearby This Campus
- Bus Station
- Book Store
- Restaurant
- Airport
- Super Market
- Shopping Mall
- Pharmacy
Bus Station
Restaurant
Super Market
Pharmacy
Book Store
Airport
Shopping Mall
● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary
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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.