Challenging convention from day one

From our very beginning, we have been a University to challenge convention. Emerging from the richly-diverse regions of the Northern Rivers, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast we have grown to now connect with more than 75,000 alumni around the globe. We are proud of our regions, of the opportunities we give to students who might be the first in generations to attend university and to the growing number of Indigenous students who choose Southern Cross.

We pay tribute to the high achievers, several of whom have received the prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarships, and those who have gone on to lead their businesses and organisations. You will be inspired and supported by people who share your ambitions to achieve personal success while having a positive impact on the world. We hold true to the values of excellence, boldness, trust and accountability. Threading through the entire Southern Cross experience is a deep sense of caring – for each other, for our communities, for our planet and for our futures.

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Your future is our purpose

Together, with a shared ambition for positive change, we will create a better tomorrow.

Modern life can feel like a compromise between the desire for progress and the need for change. At Southern Cross University, we aim to set you on a path where your personal success and the ability to contribute positively to the world, are aligned ambitions.

Find out more about our purpose and values

Working closely with communities, locally and abroad, we create a positive cycle of learning and innovation. The more we collaborate, the greater value we deliver to our staff, students, industry and the broader community.

From our response to the local flood crisis to the role of our alumni across the globe, we see problems as possibilities. By embracing challenges we’re invested in solving real-world problems with innovative and sustainable solutions.

Explore our partnerships

Since 1994, we’ve created a world-ranked university and one of Australia’s most-applauded university experiences, and that’s just the beginning of our story.

Our drive for transformation is fuelled by the challenges our communities face. As the world around us evolves we are dedicated to remaining on the cusp of change, always – with a relatively short history that reflects that dedication.

Discover more

Creating a brighter future requires a fresh approach. At Southern Cross, we challenged ourselves to rethink traditional learning and create something fit for a rapidly changing world. The result, the Southern Cross Model.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, course and teacher satisfaction. By joining Southern Cross, you are part of a better way to learn.

Learn more
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Transforming Tomorrow

By harnessing the combined forces of ground-breaking research, dynamic educators and our extraordinary communities, we deliver an exceptional university experience so you can make a positive impact on the world.

Transforming Tomorrow stories

Today's students are Tomorrow's frontline. We are discovering better ways to care for and save lives. Today's research will discover Tomorrow's solutions We're driving new Science that's protecting the Future of our environment. Today's Visionaries are Tomorrow's leaders. We're inspiring businesses and communities with Passion and Purpose. And today's insights are Tomorrow's lessons. And we're learning new and Transformative ways. To teach our kids. Together we're Transforming Tomorrow. For ourselves for others and for our world. Southern Cross University Transforming Tomorrow.

Female researcher in a lab

Research with real impact

At Southern Cross University, our research focuses on protecting and enhancing the future. From ocean and marine health to support for our young people to the next generation of agriculture, serving our local regions is at the core of our research agenda that at the same time delivers a global impact.​

Our researchers excel in a multitude of settings, but it’s how that work translates into better teaching that ensures we can all play a part in transforming tomorrow. Tackling the world’s wicked problems requires collaboration and dedication, an approach embraced by Southern Cross University’s Research Impact Clusters that bring together the best in their fields to share and strive for solutions.

Our Research Impact

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Helping you thrive

Locations

Our three campuses are located at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and Lismore, with branch campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Governance

Our university leadership and governance are driven by community, curiosity and collegiality to create positive change.

Faculties and Colleges

Discover more about our academic faculties, SCU College and Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples.

Partnerships

The more we collaborate, the greater value we deliver to a wider group of stakeholders, from our students to local industry and the broader community.

Acknowledgement of Country image

We acknowledge Widjabal Country as the Country where Southern Cross University originated and grew, and from where it continues to grow. It seeded the growth of our Gumbaynggirr Campus in Coffs Harbour, our Yugambeh Campus in Coolangatta and it planted the seeds to transform the Countries we are on.

Understanding our origins will make each step into the future a more purposeful one, leading all to transform tomorrow.

Elders Council Acknowledging Traditional Custodians