Southern Cross University (SCU) was established in 1994. It is a public university with multiple campuses along with study centers in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. In global rankings, the university is placed #=638 in QS World University Rankings 2026, 501–600th in Times Higher Education (2025), and #1151 in U.S. News Best Global Universities 2025. Popular programs among Indian students include MBA, Master of Information Technology (MIT), Master of Engineering Management, Bachelor of Nursing, and Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT).
Southern Cross University tuition fees for international students range between AUD 10,500 – 26,000 (INR 5.9 – 14.7 lakh) per year, depending on the program and study level. For admission, undergraduate applicants require a Year 12 qualification (or equivalent diploma), while postgraduate and MBA applicants need a 3-year bachelor’s degree. English language proficiency is mandatory, with IELTS requirements ranging from 6.0–8.0. Applications are free of cost, and decisions are reviewed within 28 days.
The Southern Cross University, Sydney acceptance rate is 67%, making it moderately selective while still accessible for qualified international students. The university also offers scholarships such as the Access25 and Access26 tuition fee initiatives, the International Women’s Day Scholarship, and faculty-specific awards, valued up to AUD 5,000 (INR 2.8 lakh).
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Southern Cross University (SCU) offers globally ranked programs in business, IT, engineering, nursing, and social sciences. The university combines academic quality with affordability, making it an attractive choice for international students. Southern Cross University fees range between AUD 10,500 – 26,000 per year (INR 5.9 – 14.7 lakh) depending on the program.
| Program | Tuition Fee (AUD) | Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | 25,000 | 14.1 Lakh |
| Master of Information Technology (MIT) (STEM) | 26,000 | 14.7 Lakh |
| Master of Engineering Management / MBA (Dual Degree) | 11,970 | 6.8 Lakh |
| Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying) | 11,025 | 6.2 Lakh |
| Master of Business (Global Hotel Leadership) | 10,506 | 5.9 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Nursing (BN) | 25,000 | 14.1 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) | 26,000 | 14.7 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) (STEM) | 11,562 | 6.5 Lakh |
| Bachelor of Science (General / Midwifery) | 11,562 | 6.5 Lakh |
Southern Cross University requires senior secondary qualifications for undergraduate entry and a bachelor’s degree for postgraduate and MBA programs. English proficiency is essential, with IELTS ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. No application fee is charged, and applications are reviewed within 28 days.
| Criteria | Undergraduate (UG) | Postgraduate (PG) | MBA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Requirement | Year 12 (Senior Secondary Certificate) OR recognized diploma | 3-year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). For Engineering: 4-year degree OR 3-year + 2 years’ work experience OR relevant prior learning | 3-year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). Work experience considered |
| Faculty/School | Faculty of Health / School of Health & Human Sciences | Faculty of Science & Engineering (varies by program) | Faculty of Business, Law & Arts |
| English Proficiency | IELTS: 6.0 – 8.0 TOEFL: 60/120 PTE: 58/90 | IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 79/120 PTE: 58/90 | IELTS: 6.5 |
| Application Fee | AUD 0 | AUD 0 | AUD 0 |
| Documents Required | Application form, transcripts, certificates, test scores, passport, CV, references, advanced standing (if any) | Same as UG requirements | Same as UG/PG requirements |
| Total Credits | 288 – 384 ECTS (program dependent) | 192 ECTS | 192 ECTS |
| GRE/GMAT | Not required | Not required | Not required |
| Review Process | Within 28 days | Within 28 days | Within 28 days |
Living costs at Southern Cross University vary by accommodation type: private rentals, on-campus SCU Village, or homestay. Below is the weekly breakdown for international students:
Weekly Living Expenses
| Expense | Private Rental | SCU Village (Lismore, Coffs Harbour) | Homestay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AUD 150–350 (₹8,400–19,600)House: AUD 400–800 (₹22,400–44,800) | AUD 190–220 (₹10,600–12,300)Premium: AUD 240–325 (₹13,400–18,100) | Included in fee |
| Food | AUD 140–280 (₹7,800–15,700) | AUD 140–280 (₹7,800–15,700) | Included |
| Public Transport | AUD 30–70 (₹1,700–3,900) | AUD 30 (₹1,700) | Included (to/from campus) |
| Electricity | AUD 15 (₹840) per roomAUD 40 (₹2,200) per house | Included | Included |
| Water | AUD 5 (₹280) | Included | Included |
| Mobile/Internet | AUD 30–60 (₹1,700–3,400) | AUD 30–60 (₹1,700–3,400) | AUD 30–60 (₹1,700–3,400) |
Estimated Annual Living Cost
Know More: Cost of Living in Australia
Southern Cross University (SCU) provides several scholarships and tuition fee initiatives for international students. These awards aim to reduce financial stress while recognizing academic talent and community contribution.
| Scholarship | Value | Availability | Location / Study Area | Eligibility & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access26 (2026 intake) | Annual tuition capped at AUD 26,000 (₹14.6 lakh) | Variable | Multiple campuses, All study areas | Flat-rate tuition for most international programs. |
| Access25 (2025 intake) | Annual tuition capped at AUD 25,000 (₹14 lakh) | Variable | Multiple campuses, All study areas | Flat-rate tuition model for all international students in 2025. |
| Education Honours Scholarship | AUD 5,000 (₹2.8 lakh) | 3 awards | Online, Faculty of Education | For outstanding students in the Bachelor of Education (Honours). |
| Ralph Barclay Braun Memorial Scholarship | AUD 5,000 (₹2.8 lakh) | 1 award | National Marine Science Centre | For research-focused students in Science & Environment. |
| International Women’s Day Scholarship | AUD 5,000 (₹2.8 lakh) | 3 awards | Multiple campuses, All study areas | Supports female students for one year, awarded as part of SCU’s International Women’s Day celebrations. |
Check Out: Popular Scholarships in Australia
Southern Cross University has campuses across New South Wales and Queensland, along with metropolitan study centers:
Student Facilities
All campuses provide access to libraries, computer labs, gyms, health clinics, and student lounges. Students benefit from career advice, counselling, mentoring, and international student support services. Recreational activities include sports clubs, cultural events, and community engagement opportunities.
Student Housing
Southern Cross University (SCU) continues to build its international reputation with steady improvements across major global rankings. Its focus on student experience, research impact, and industry collaboration is reflected in the following results:
These rankings position Southern Cross University among the top 2–3% of universities worldwide, showcasing its global competitiveness while maintaining an accessible, student-focused learning environment.
When deciding between Australian universities, international students often compare rankings, campus facilities, scholarships, and career support. Below is a side-by-side look at Southern Cross University (SCU), Griffith University (GU), and Victoria University (VU) to help you evaluate which fits best.
| Criteria | Southern Cross University (SCU) | Griffith University (GU) | Victoria University (VU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | • QS 2026: #=638• THE 2025: 501–600th• US News 2025: #1151 Global | • QS 2026: #=246• THE 2025: 251–300th• US News 2025: #203 Global | • QS 2026: #=701–710• THE 2025: 401–500th• US News 2025: #567 Global |
| Campus Facilities | • Campuses in Lismore, Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth• Modern labs, arts studios, gyms, libraries• Strong marine science & health facilities | • Six campuses across Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast• $320M+ Griffith Health Centre• Major research hubs & innovation labs | • Melbourne-based• $68M sports precinct• World-class engineering, health, and business labs |
| Scholarships | • Vice Chancellor’s Academic Excellence (up to 30% tuition)• Women’s Day Scholarship (AUD 5,000)• SCU International Regional Scholarship | • Griffith Remarkable Scholarship (50% tuition)• International Student Academic Merit (20%)• Griffith Research Scholarships (HDR) | • VU International Excellence Scholarship (up to 20% tuition)• VU Future Leaders Scholarship• External AusGov support (Australia Awards) |
| Placement Support | • CareerHub, mentoring & internships• Strong in health, education, marine & hospitality fields | • 80%+ graduate employment rate• Industry-linked placements• Strong research-to-industry pathways | • Career Development Centre• Focus on applied learning & TAFE pathways• Strong industry ties in Melb |
Southern Cross University is an affordable and globally recognized option for international students, especially those seeking strong programs in health, marine science, education, and business. With supportive scholarships, practical placements, and modern campuses across Australia, SCU offers a balance of quality education and student-friendly living costs.
Ques: What is the global ranking of Southern Cross University?
Ques: Does Southern Cross University provide scholarships for international students?
Ques: What is the average cost of living for SCU international students?
Ques: Which campuses of Southern Cross University are most popular with international students?
Ques: Does Southern Cross University offer good placement support?
