Southern Cross University

Overview

English Name: Southern Cross University

Acronyms: SCU

Founded: 1971

Control Type: Public

Entity Type: Non-profit

World Rank: #1838

Rank in Australia: #36

Motto: A New Way to Think

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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.

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Department of Education and Training of Australia.

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.

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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.

The University of Melbourne

Melbourne · Public · Rank #30

The University of Sydney

Sydney · Public · Rank #39

Monash University

Melbourne · Public · Rank #40

University of New South Wales

Sydney · Public · Rank #45

The University of Queensland

Brisbane · Public · Rank #54

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.

University of Technology Sydney

Sydney · Public · Rank #181

Australian National University

Canberra · Public · Rank #228

Deakin University

Geelong · Public · Rank #230

The University of Western Australia

Crawley · Public · Rank #248

The University of Adelaide

Adelaide · Public · Rank #250

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.

Macquarie University

Sydney · Public · Rank #393

University of Wollongong

Wollongong · Public · Rank #462

The University of Newcastle

Callaghan · Public · Rank #508

Western Sydney University

Penrith · Public · Rank #669

Charles Sturt University

Bathurst · Public · Rank #1257

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.

Queensland University of Technology

Brisbane · Public · Rank #299

Griffith University

Brisbane · Public · Rank #327

Curtin University

Perth · Public · Rank #384

La Trobe University

Melbourne · Public · Rank #474

Swinburne University of Technology

Hawthorn · Public · Rank #495

Universities Often 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.

University of Canberra

Canberra · Public · Rank #1786

University of the Sunshine Coast

Sippy Downs · Public · Rank #1727

Bond University

Gold Coast · Private · Rank #2109

University of New England, Australia

Armidale · Public · Rank #2235

Central Queensland University

Norman Gardens · Public · Rank #1423