Schools Engagement Program

Connect your students with Southern Cross University. Information for career advisors, guidance officers, high school teachers, student advisors and school leadership.

Supporting high school students and educators to take the next step

At Southern Cross University, transforming tomorrow is a shared philosophy between the university, staff, students and community. By inspiring and supporting the development of young people in our regions we help secure a better future for everyone.

The Schools Engagement Program allows high school students to explore their future career and study options, advance their leadership skills and make connections. It also provides opportunities for direct entry, early offers and scholarships.

We understand the value of building strong connections with high schools to help students unlock their full potential. We offer a variety of opportunities for you, your students, and their families to engage with us and discover the study options and support programs available at Southern Cross University.

Featured Programs

Year 9 Campus Connect

Are your students wondering what your local Southern Cross campus looks like and has to offer? Come on campus with your year 9 students and learn all about our university. Participate in a tour, panel session and activities all lead by our current students and Future Students Team. We look forward to welcoming you on campus!

Find out more

3 students walking out the front of Health Science Building Coffs Harbour

Year 10 Taster Day

Have your year 10 students live like a University student for the day and participate in 6 interactive workshops across different and exciting areas of study. They will meet our inspiring students and academics, experience our campus facilities and learn more about University life on this fun day.

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SCU Student on laptop in Lismore Campus Library

Year 11 & 12 Masterclass

Bring your Year 11 and 12 students onto campus for an action-packed day filled with two interactive workshops and a chance to explore our campus facilities. It’s a day designed to inspire, ignite curiosity, and give students a taste of university life through interactive sessions! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity for your senior students!

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Mock Trial

Join us for an evening immersed in the world of law with interactive mock trial workshops. Your students can step into the shoes of real lawyers and experience the thrill of the courtroom! This is a unique opportunity to connect with our talented students and faculty, explore a live courtroom setting, and get a sneak peek into university life. But hurry—spaces are limited, so register your legal studies class now for this incredible, hands-on experience!

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Future Leaders

Led by Lachie Smart, the 2016 World Record Youngest Pilot to Fly Solo Around the World, this workshop helps emerging leaders establish well-founded goals, strategies to achieve them, and methods to navigate through adversity. More information on dates coming soon!

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Early offer

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure their future the easy way with Southern Cross University. It provides an opportunity to gain entry into a degree before final Year 12 results are released. Designed to ease the pressure of the final school year, this pathway lets students focus on excelling in their studies rather than waiting for results. Entry is based on a predicted ATAR and school recommendation, offering direct entry into a chosen course or a suitable pathway

Early Offer

Scholars Program

An experience-based school program, led by SCU College, to nurture academically strong high school students into university. The program also provides opportunities for students to apply for relevant scholarships

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Group of students at the Lismore learning centre

UniStart

UniStart builds confidence in Year 12 students by equipping them with the skills required for university study. It is delivered at school by school-based teachers over 15 weeks during terms 2 and 3. ATAR eligible Year 12 students who successfully complete UniStart and Year 12, are guaranteed entry into a Southern Cross University undergraduate course.

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Discover our Campuses

We’d love to give you a personal tour of our world-class facilities. While we offer regular campus tours, if you're interested in bringing your students to experience campus life, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to coordinate a date that works best for you. During the visit, you and your students will have the opportunity to explore our state-of-the-art facilities.

Campus Tours

Lismore campus library surrounded by trees and greenery

Schools Update Day!

Join us for Southern Cross University’s School Update Day, an exciting opportunity to connect with the university community and hear about key updates for 2025!

This event will cover key topics such as the 2025 academic calendar, Early Offer application dates, new courses, and our School Engagement Program, followed by a networking lunch with faculty.

Don’t miss the chance to gain insights, connect, and prepare for an exciting year with Southern Cross University!

Lets get you on your way

Our team can curate a bespoke ‘Engage’ program to suit your school, which might include immersive on-campus workshops and tours of the University, attending your school awards presentations, subject selection night’s and in-school expos. Explore our programs above or find your desired year below.

For more information about any of the options contact our Future Students Team on futurestudy@scu.edu.au

What year are you servicing? Check out just a few of the things we can do specific to your cohort!

Campus Connect
Campus visits
Bespoke engage activities

Taster Day
My Career Match
Subject selection expos – school-based
Open Day

Masterclass
Future Leaders
Mock Trial
School-based expos
Parent Information night (campus-based & online)
Open Day
Scholars
Presentations:
- Whole/part cohort school-based
- Subject-specific
- Assemblies – 5-10min

Individual mentoring sessions
Presentations:
- Whole/part cohort school-based
- Subject-specific
- Early Offer and Scholarship
- Assemblies – 5-10min
Parent Information night (campus-based & online)
School-based Parent Information Nights
Awards nights
Future Leaders
Mock Trial
Vice Chancellor’s High Achievers Event
School-based expos
Live Talks series – Open Day, Early Offer, Accept & Enrol
Open Day
Scholars

Early Offer information evening

Curious about our Early Offer pathway but unsure where to start? Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or future student, join us for an exclusive information session where we'll cover everything you need to know. From how to apply, to why the Early Offer is a total game-changer, plus important dates and scholarship opportunities – we will cover it all!

Register now to join us for an evening dedicated to all things Early Offer!

Northern Rivers - Tuesday, 13th May Coffs Harbour - Tuesday, 27th May

Helpful guides & resources

Here is a list of useful resources to help you.

Going to University Guide 2025 Southern Cross University Quick Course Guide 2025 Southern Cross University Quick Course Guide 2026 Scholarships at Southern Cross University

Group of students all looking at computer screen smiling

Our doors are open

The Future Students team provides a single point of contact for teachers, advisors, and students navigating the exciting journey toward higher education. We’re here to empower students to make informed, confident decisions about their educational path, helping them unlock a world of opportunities.

For more information about our programs or how we can support student development? please contact our Future Students team: futurestudy@scu.edu.au.