Why SCU - Southern Cross University

Transform your future

At Southern Cross University, we believe in your possibilities, your potential, and we offer a vibrant teaching, learning, research and cultural environment to help you achieve your goals.

Relevance and resonance underpin everything we do. Our degree and research courses arise from today, but have their sights firmly on the future. We strive to create change that has a positive impact, from local to global.

“I'm very proud of my university. I love that SCU stands for its community and openly supports and encourages diversity and inclusion. It's very forward-thinking.”

Learn about the Southern Cross Model Experience what it's like at Southern Cross

Supporting you at Southern Cross University

Scholarships

Our range of scholarships support a variety of students and can really make a difference.

Discover a wide range of scholarships

Study resources

Get all the help you need with quick access to study resources.

Visit the learning zone

Student life

Join a club, spots team or take part in national competitions. Whatever your interest, we have something for you.

Discover student life and support

Research students

Become part of our vibrant and widely recognised research community.

Visit the Graduate School

A student at Southern Cross University Gold Coast campus

A better way to learn

The Southern Cross Model is what sets Southern Cross University apart from the rest.

This new academic model allows students to focus on just one or two subjects at once, over a six-week teaching term, before moving on. This enables deeper learning as well as more control over when you study allowing you to create the ideal life balance.

It’s the future of study, with flexibility built-in.

As a multi-campus university, the regions we call home have unique characteristics as study locations.

Gold Coast campus

Coffs Harbour campus

Lismore campus

Coomera Creative campus

Girl smiling in recording booth at Coomera campus

Online study

Metro locations

Group of student posing for selfie outside Flinders Street Station in Melbourne

Hotel School

Female student portrait inside hotel lobby

National Marine Science Centre

Marine Science Student Olly Pitt with small turtle

Research, rankings and reputation

Southern Cross University has achieved world-class results in research, rankings, student satisfaction and overall reputation. Our success in these endeavours, combined with our fantastic locations, staff and support systems, is what makes us the perfect place to study.

5-star Student Support *
5-star Graduate Salary ^
5-star Overall Experience ^

Top 100 Young Universities ††
Top 400 Life Sciences and Psychology †
Top 250 Physical Sciences †

World Standard or Above in 23 Key Research Areas. **

Top 4% of universities worldwide in Forestry and Agriculture. ∆

* The Good Universities Guide 2022 – Undergraduate and Postgraduate
^ The Good Universities Guide 2022 – Postgraduate
†† Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
† Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021
** Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2018
∆ Top 350 universities (global) in Agriculture and Forestry (QS Rankings 2021)

Equity and Diversity

Diversity makes us bold, aware, compassionate and better. It pushes us to challenge the status quo. Southern Cross University is committed to being an inclusive and culturally safe work and study environment that values, supports, embraces and benefits from the diversity of its people and communities.

More about diversity

Pathways for every student

Going straight from school to a degree is one way to start uni, but it’s not the only way. If your child doesn’t achieve the required ATAR to get into their course, the University may recommend they complete a pathway program first.

Southern Cross University has two excellent pathway programs suitable for school leavers. Both are fee-free and develop the skills that students will need at university to be successful. Undertaking a Diploma through SCU College is also an excellent way to commence university.

Find out more