Southern Cross University

PROFILE SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY

locationAustralia

Ranked #1 in Australia

Learner engagement and student support in tourism, hospitality management and leisure with 5 star ratings for student experience in the 2025 Good Universities Guide

Ranked in the top 500 gGlobally

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025

Ranked #100 in the world

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024

Southern Cross University is a young Australian public university established in 1994 with main campuses in Lismore, Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour, plus metropolitan campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth that welcome international students. It offers pathway and English language programs, diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across business, IT, engineering, health and nursing, allied health, education, law and justice, social sciences, tourism and hospitality, hotel management, science and environmental disciplines. International students benefit from a relatively affordable flat international tuition structure for most 2026 coursework degrees, strong learner engagement and student support, a top 100 young university ranking and study locations in regional coastal centres and major Australian cities.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Southern Cross University has been recognised as a rapidly improving institution, joining the world top 500 in Times Higher Education rankings, reaching number 100 in the Young University Rankings, gaining a strong global sustainability position and earning multiple 5 star ratings for student support, teaching quality and student experience in the Good Universities Guide and QS Stars. Its science and environment disciplines are ranked in the global top 450, and the university is noted for regional impact through facilities such as the National Marine Science Centre and strong graduate employment outcomes.

  1. Recognised as one of the top 100 young universities worldwide and as a highly improved institution in global rankings.
  2. Achieved strong student experience outcomes, including 5 star ratings for student support, teaching quality and learner engagement in multiple study areas.
  3. Achieved world standard or above research performance across numerous fields, including environmental sciences in the global top 450.

FACILITIES

Southern Cross University facilities support practical, career focused learning, with modern libraries, innovative teaching spaces, laboratories, health clinics and specialist centres across regional and metropolitan campuses. The Gold Coast campus offers ocean view library spaces, computer labs and student lounges, while Lismore and Coffs Harbour provide science and engineering labs, creative spaces, sports facilities and on campus accommodation, complemented by the National Marine Science Centre in Coffs Harbour. Campuses are supported by student services hubs, online learning platforms and dedicated international student support.

  1. Library and learning commons, Gold Coast campus
  2. Library and learning commons, Lismore campus
  3. Library and learning commons, Coffs Harbour campus
  4. Student services hubs and international student support centres, all main campuses
  5. Innovative learning spaces and lecture theatres with live video, Gold Coast campus
  6. Computer labs and IT facilities, Gold Coast and metro campuses
  7. Science and engineering laboratories, Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses
  8. Health clinics and clinical simulation labs, Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour
  9. National Marine Science Centre, Coffs Harbour
  10. On campus student accommodation managed with UniLodge, Lismore and Coffs Harbour
  11. Student lounges and social spaces, all main campuses
  12. Sports and recreational facilities, Lismore and Coffs Harbour

LOCATION

Lismore Campus

Military Road, East Lismore NSW 2480, Australia

Gold Coast Campus

Southern Cross Drive, Bilinga QLD 4225, Australia, adjacent to Gold Coast Airport via Terminal Drive

Coffs Harbour Campus

Hogbin Drive, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia

National Marine Science Centre

Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450, Australia

Sydney Branch Campus

Level 2, 84 to 86 Mary Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

Melbourne Branch Campus

Central Business District, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia, metropolitan campus location

Perth Branch Campus

Hay Street, East Perth WA 6004, Australia, Central Business District campus

The Hotel School Sydney

Central Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

The Hotel School Melbourne

Central Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

The Hotel School Brisbane

Central Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia

INTAKE & PROGRAMMED OFFERED

Intake

PRE UNIVERSITY

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 6.5

UNDERGRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 7.0

POST GRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 7.5

Programmes

  • Undergraduate Qualifying Program in Business

  • Undergraduate Qualifying Program in Information Technology

  • Diploma of Business

  • Diploma of Education

  • Diploma of Engineering

  • Diploma of Health

  • Diploma of Hotel Management

  • Diploma of Information Technology

  • Diploma of Legal Studies

  • Diploma of Science

  • Bachelor of Business and Enterprise

  • Bachelor of Business

  • Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management

  • Bachelor of Information Technology

  • Bachelor of Engineering Systems (Honours)

  • Bachelor of Environmental Science

  • Bachelor of Marine Science and Management

  • Bachelor of Nursing

  • Bachelor of Midwifery

  • Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

  • Bachelor of Speech Pathology

  • Bachelor of Health Science

  • Bachelor of Psychological Science

  • Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours

  • Bachelor of Social Work

  • Bachelor of Community Welfare

  • Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies)

  • Bachelor of Laws

  • Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies

  • Bachelor of Arts

  • Bachelor of Contemporary Music

  • Bachelor of Education and other Bachelor of Teaching degrees

  • Double degrees combining business, arts, law, environmental science and marine science

  • Master of Business Administration

  • Master of Business in Global Hotel Leadership

  • Master of Professional Accounting

  • Master of Information Technology

  • Master of Engineering

  • Master of Nursing

  • Master of Naturopathic Medicine

  • Master of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Master of Social Work, Professional Qualifying

  • Master of Teaching

  • Master of Education

  • Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate programs in Education

  • Graduate Certificate in Social Sciences for Social Work

  • Other Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma programs in business, project management, education and law

 

TUITION FEE & LIVING COST

TUITION FEE

APPLICATION FEE

FREE

PRE UNIVERSITY

UNDER GRADUATE

POSTGRADUATE

AUD 21,840 - 23,920

AUD 26,000

AUD 26,000 - 36,000

Living Cost

Approximately 1,500 to 2,200 AUD per month including accommodation, food, transport and basic personal expenses, depending on lifestyle and whether students live in regional campuses or metropolitan cities.

ACCOMODATION

on-campus
Student Apartments, UniLodge Lismore

On the Lismore campus, UniLodge provides self catered student apartments within walking distance of teaching buildings and campus facilities, offering a residential community for both domestic and international students. Rooms are generally furnished with shared kitchens and common areas, and weekly rents are published with utilities often included.

  • Benefit: Close to classes and university services in a regional campus environment

  • Room: Single rooms within shared apartments and some studio style options

  • Facilities: Communal kitchens, lounge spaces, internet access and on site support

  • Price range: From around 230 AUD per week upwards depending on room type, excluding bond and setup costs

on-campus
Student Apartments, UniLodge Coffs Harbour

At the Coffs Harbour campus, UniLodge style student accommodation offers apartment living next to teaching and research facilities, including access to the coastal environment and the National Marine Science Centre. Accommodation is designed for students who prefer to live in a managed residential community with easy access to campus and local transport.

  • Benefit: Coastal campus lifestyle with short walk to classes and laboratories

  • Room: Shared apartments with private bedrooms and shared living areas

  • Facilities: Laundry, common rooms, internet access and on site residential support

  • Price range: Similar to Lismore on campus options, typically from about 230 AUD per week

off-campus
Shared Housing Network, UniStays

UniStays is an online accommodation service linked from Southern Cross University that lists off campus rooms, share houses and units near Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Gold Coast campuses. It connects students with private landlords and households, giving flexibility in price and lifestyle compared to on campus living.

  • Benefit: More choice of location and potential to share with non students or friends

  • Room: Private rooms in shared houses, self contained units or granny flats

  • Facilities: Vary by property, typically furnished bedrooms, shared kitchen and bathroom

  • Price range: Around 170 to 300 AUD per week for rent, plus utilities in many cases

off-campus
Australian Homestay Network and local providers

Southern Cross University information recommends homestay for many English language students, placing students with local families in the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales regions. Homestay usually includes a furnished room and some meals, offering cultural immersion and additional support for new international students.

  • Benefit: Live with an Australian family and practise English in daily life

  • Room: Private bedroom in a family home, shared living spaces

  • Facilities: Furnished room, shared bathroom, laundry access, internet access in many homes

  • Price range: Commonly around 300 to 345 AUD per week including some meals, varying by location and provider

SUCCESS STORIES