All Levels
Merit-based
Southern Cross University
Lismore, Australia
"A young, world-ranked university on the east coast"
At a Glance
Accept Rate
—
Avg Salary/Yr
—
Ranking
#634 (QS)
PSW VISA
2-3 years (subclass 485)
About Southern Cross University
Southern Cross University (SCU) is a public university founded in 1994. It has campuses at Lismore and Coffs Harbour in northern New South Wales and at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast, plus metro campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. It teaches business, education, health, nursing, science and engineering, and IT. SCU is ranked #=634 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and is in the THE 401-500 band (2026). About 22% of its students are international.
Rankings & Recognition
#634
Ranked #=634 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 (#638 in QS 2026) and in the 401-500 band of THE 2026.
Accreditations & Memberships
Top 100 Young Universities (THE)
Public university in New South Wales
QS 2026 Performance Breakdown
Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with Southern Cross University's global standing for that metric.
Academic Reputation
#
Employer Reputation
#
Faculty Student Ratio
#
Citations per Faculty
#
#
Key Facts
1994
Established
22%
International Students
Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast
Campuses
Sydney, Melbourne, Perth
Metro Campuses
#=634
QS World Rank 2027
Popular Programs
Business
Nursing
Information Technology
Education
Environmental Science
Engineering
Application Details
Application Route
Online or via agent
IELTS (UG)
6.5 overall
TOEFL iBT (UG)
79 overall
PTE Academic (UG)
58 overall
Intakes
March, July, November
Standardized Test Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
IELTS Academic
|
6.5 overall (UG) |
|
TOEFL iBT
|
79 overall (UG) |
|
PTE Academic
|
58 overall (UG) |
|
Duolingo English Test
|
No published minimum |
Study Abroad & Visa Details
Visa Approval Rate
82%
I-20 Processing
Student visa (subclass 500)
Post-Study Work
2-3 years (subclass 485)
Green Card Pathway
Skilled migration (points test)
Financials
Application Fee
N/A
Avg Scholarship
Full CSC scholarship
Career Outcomes
90%
Placement Ratio
2-3 years (subclass 485)
Post-Study Work
24 hrs/week
Work While Study
Where Graduates Land
Faculty & Alumni
Academic Staff — N/A
—
Notable Alumni
Campus & Location
SCU's main campuses are at Lismore (Northern Rivers, NSW), Coffs Harbour and Coolangatta on the Gold Coast. Its metro campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth teach business, IT and related courses.
Campus Details
3
main + 3 metro campuses
Campus Forecast
No forecast data added yet. Click "Edit Details" to add.
Student Life & Housing
Housing
On-campus and private rental housing
Dining
Campus cafes and food courts
Health & Wellness
OSHC required; campus health and counselling services
Activities & Clubs
Student clubs
Sports teams
Cultural festivals
Diversity & Demographics
International Students
22%
Cost Deep-Dive
Annual Tuition
15,000 – 35,000 / year
Intakes & Deadlines
SCU runs several intakes a year; the common starts are March, July and November. Check scu.edu.au for exact dates for your course and campus.
Scholarships at Southern Cross University
1 scholarship available
These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate
Year 12 or equivalent. English: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79 or PTE 58. Some courses ask for more.
Postgraduate
Recognised bachelor's degree. English: IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 79 or PTE 58. Some courses ask for more.
English Proficiency
IELTS Academic
6.5 overall (UG)TOEFL iBT
79 overall (UG)PTE Academic
58 overall (UG)Duolingo English Test
No published minimumRequired Documents
Passport copy
Academic transcripts
Highest degree certificate
English test result (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE)
Statement of purpose
Updated CV
Reference letters
Work experience letters (if any)
Genuine Student statement
Financial documents
OSHC health cover proof
Application Process
1
Choose course
Check courses, entry rules and intakes on scu.edu.au.
2
Apply online
Apply on scu.edu.au or through an authorised agent and upload your documents.
3
Get offer
Receive your offer letter; some courses ask for an interview or portfolio.
4
Accept & pay
Accept the offer, pay the deposit and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE).
5
Student visa
Apply for a Student visa (subclass 500) with eCoE, OSHC and the Genuine Student statement.
6
Arrive & enrol
Arrive in Australia, attend orientation and enrol in your units.
Campus & Location
SCU's main campuses are at Lismore (Northern Rivers, NSW), Coffs Harbour and Coolangatta on the Gold Coast. Its metro campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth teach business, IT and related courses.
Bachelor's
3
Southern Cross University
📍 Lismore
Bachelor's
Bachelor of Business
Southern Cross University
📍 Lismore
Bachelor's
Bachelor of Information Technology
Southern Cross University
📍 Lismore
Bachelor's
Bachelor of Nursing
Master's
3
Southern Cross University
📍 Lismore
Master's
Master of Information Technology
Southern Cross University
📍 Lismore
Master's
Master of Business Administration
Southern Cross University
📍 Lismore
Master's
Master of Professional Accounting
Enquire Now
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