Southern Cross University
Lismore, Australia • Founded 1971 • World Rank #1838
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1994, the Southern Cross University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the small city of Lismore (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), New South Wales.
This institution also has a branch campus in Coffs Harbour and Tweed Heads. Officially recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Australia, Southern Cross University (SCU) is a large-sized coeducational Australian higher education institution.
Southern Cross University (SCU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 30-year-old Australian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this Australian higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. SCU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Looking to reach Southern Cross University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
Below are the institutional metrics for Southern Cross University: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.
Academic Structures
Southern Cross University's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.
Unit 3 items
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences
- Faculty of Business and Law
- Graduate Research College
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Department of Education and Training of Australia.
Indigenous Australian Peoples (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Indigenous Studies
Arts and Social Sciences (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Education
- Music
- Secondary Education
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Visual Arts
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Secondary Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Environment, Science and Engineering (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Environmental Studies
- Forestry
- Marine Science and Oceanography
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health and Human Sciences (School) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Occupational Therapy
- Osteopathy
- Podiatry
- Psychology
- Speech Therapy and Audiology
- Sports
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law and Justice (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Tourism and Hospitality Management (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Hotel Management
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Southern Cross University's current programme offering broken down by degree level. Curriculum revisions happen periodically; check the version year on each programme page if accreditation portability matters.
99 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Australia
Bachelor's Degree 49 programmes
Showing 10 of 49.
Honours Degree 8 programmes
Master's Degree 19 programmes
Showing 10 of 19.
Doctorate 2 programmes
Associate's Degree 4 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 9 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 8 programmes
How to apply to Southern Cross University
Application guidance for Southern Cross University, structured as five practical steps with attention to documents and admissions communication.
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1
Research programmes at Southern Cross University
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Southern Cross University runs 99 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Before applying to Southern Cross University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Australia.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Southern Cross University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
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4
Lodge your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.scu.edu.au). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. Reach the institution by phone at +61 (0)2 6620 3000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Southern Cross University
The questions below summarise Southern Cross University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
When did Southern Cross University open?
Southern Cross University traces its founding to 1971 (approximately 55 years ago).
Where can I find Southern Cross University?
The institution is located in Lismore, Australia.
Is Southern Cross University a public or private institution?
Southern Cross University is a public institution.
How many students does Southern Cross University have?
The institution has a student body of 10,000-14,999.
How is Southern Cross University ranked?
It ranks #1838 globally and #36 in Australia.
What qualification levels does Southern Cross University offer?
Southern Cross University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How many faculties does Southern Cross University have?
Southern Cross University is organised into 3 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Southern Cross University officially recognised?
The institution holds recognition from Department of Education and Training of Australia.
How do I find Southern Cross University online?
Southern Cross University's official website is www.scu.edu.au.
Top-Ranked Universities in Australia
When shortlisting in Australia, students often start with the top-ranked institutions. Below are the national leaders worth comparing against Southern Cross University, helpful for calibrating where Southern Cross University sits in the broader landscape.
Members of Universities Australia
Member institutions of Universities Australia often have reciprocity arrangements on accreditation — degrees from one member institution typically face fewer credential-recognition issues at others.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near Southern Cross University. Worth knowing during shortlisting.
Where Else to Study Business Administration
Industry partnership exclusives on Business Administration programmes vary — some Australia institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.
Universities Compared with Southern Cross University
Comparable institutions to Southern Cross University — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.
Studying in Australia: guides and resources
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