Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University (SCU) is an Australian Government university of international standing, proud of the quality of its graduates, awards and research achievements. It is a full member of the 480-institution global Association of Commonwealth Universities. The University is named after the constellation of stars that appears in the night sky of the Southern Hemisphere and that also appears on the Australian flag. It is a proud and significant symbol in Australia’s history associated with this country’s move to establishing its national identity and is a fitting symbol for this independent and progressive University. The University has a 30-year history of excellence in teaching and has a well–developed and successful research profile with more than 25 research centres and programs on campus. The University has a strong commitment to maintaining high academic standards, quality services, and enhancing more than the prospects for successful outcomes of its graduates.

More than 14 000 students are currently enrolled, with over 10 000 at undergraduate degree level and 2 500 postgraduates including more than 400 studying in doctoral research programs. Southern Cross University intellectual property is globally relevant and underpins the delivery of its courses through partner institutions in many other countries with programs offered in China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Thailand and the USA. Our programs combine a strong practical emphasis with a rigorous appreciation of theory. Links with industry are an important feature of our courses and many include internship placements.

Just as importantly, the University prides itself on the quality of support that it provides to its international students. Student surveys indicate that SCU’s most consistent attraction is its small class sizes, which facilitate a high quality learning experience and greater personal contact with lecturers and tutors. There is not a more supportive university in Australia – that is the University’s commitment.

Southern Cross University has three regional campuses, located in Lismore, Coffs Harbour and the Tweed Gold Coast on the east coast of Australia in northern New South Wales. These modern, sophisticated regional cities have the key facilities found in Australia’s larger cities while offering a safe, secure and quiet study environment.

Lismore hosts the University’s main campus – a 60ha complex of modern facilities, 3km from the Lismore central business district. Around 6 000 students, including 400 international students, are based at the Lismore campus. Lismore is the hub of the rapidly developing north coast of New South Wales. It is a rural industry centre with a population of 45 000, a thriving arts community and has a dynamic live music scene.

The Coffs Harbour campus is located on the mid-north coast of New South Wales 3km from the Coffs Harbour central business district. It is a modern facility located in an educational precinct shared with other education providers. Coffs Harbour is a beachside city of 65 000 people with close proximity to a stunning diversity of environments, from rainforest to coastal heath, farmland and pristine beaches and Sydney is just one hour by air. Around 3 000 multi-sectoral students, including 850 university students and 130 international students, are based at the Coffs Harbour campus. The University’s Marine Science students and researchers also use the National Marine Science Research Centre, located 3km north of Coffs Harbour and the Solitary Islands Marine Park. This facility is jointly owned by Southern Cross University and the University of New England.

The Tweed Gold Coast campus focuses primarily on postgraduate business, and tourism and hotel management programs. Undergraduate programs in business, education, tourism and sport management (surfing studies) are also available. The Gold Coast is a multicultural city of 500 000 people, famous as a tourist destination with its extensive shopping plazas, sporting and cultural facilities and events, wildlife sanctuaries, sun-drenched beaches, and theme parks such as Sea World, Movieworld, Wet ‘n’ Wild and Dreamworld. The campus is located 10 minutes from Coolangatta International Airport, a gateway to all capital cities in Australia and to some overseas destinations. Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, is a little over one hour away by road. There are currently around 550 students on campus, 25 per cent of these are international.

Contact details

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Open Days, exhibitions and interview sessions

In Australia
Southern Cross University runs personalised campus tours at Lismore, Coffs Harbour, and Tweed Gold Coast throughout the year tailored to meet the individual needs of prospective students. For a personalised tour of any campus and/or an appointment to discuss courses, call the International Office in Lismore on +61 2 6620 3876.

Overseas
SCU participates in a range of exhibitions and interview sessions overseas. For details of SCU’s overseas agents/representatives visit www.scu.edu.au/intoff/agent_rep.html.

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Important dates for 2009

The academic year at SCU is divided into two main sessions:
• Semester 1 (between February and June)
• Semester 2 (between July and November).

There is also an optional summer session (between December and February) when a limited range of subjects is offered.

It is possible to start all courses in Semester 1. There is a more limited offering in Semester 2. Refer to the course search or check our International Undergraduate Prospectus at www.scu.edu.au/intoff/dds for commencement dates of each course.

Semester 1 2009 (February)
Local Airport/Transit Centre Reception Program: 9–15 February 2009
International Student Orientation: 16–20 February 2009
Semester start: 23 February 2009

Semester 2 2009 (July)
Local Airport/Transit Centre Reception Program: 15–21 June 2009
International Student Orientation: 22–26 June 2009
Semester start: 29 June 2009

Academic calendar
For important dates concerning teaching periods, study breaks and vacation periods check the main University Calendar at www.scu.edu.au.

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Admission requirements

Read Admission and selection for general information.

Admission requirements are the minimum qualifications you need before you can be selected for admission to a course of study. As an international student attempting one of the following qualifications, you will apply for admission through UAC International and will generally be selected on the basis of your performance in these studies (that is, your UAI or equivalent):
• an Australian Year 12 qualification (either offshore or in Australia)
• an International Baccalaureate in Australia
• a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3.

When assessing your application SCU may take any or all of your qualifications or attempts at study into account.

Limited UAI
The University accepts the NSW Limited UAI for admission purposes – read UAI.

Additional selection criteria
In addition to achieving the standard of performance required for admission, for certain courses you must also satisfy additional selection criteria. These criteria include portfolio, interview, audition, questionnaire or test and are taken into account either instead of, or in conjunction with, your UAI or equivalent.

Details of additional selection criteria and how applicants can meet these requirements are outlined in the course descriptions. For course descriptions, visit the course search.

If you are undertaking your Year 12 studies offshore and are applying to a course that has additional selection criteria that you will find difficult to meet, contact the International Office at SCU.

Offers made to applicants who have a UAI (or equivalent) below the published cut-off

SCU has a number of alternative pathways for admission, which may allow applicants to receive an offer to a course even though they have a UAI or equivalent below the published cut-off. They are:
• STAR Entry Scheme
• Regional Year 12 School Bonus Scheme
• consideration of other specified criteria for some courses; for example, strong performance in Year 12 subjects relevant to the course of study, and/or personal interview and/or submission of supporting documentation.

STAR Entry Scheme
The University's STAR Entry Scheme is available to Year 12 students at a high school or TAFE institute within the University's feeder region, bordered in the south by the NSW Central Coast, west to the NSW/SA border, north to the Darling Downs, Queensland and east to include the Greater Gold Coast.

If you have been recommended by your principal and have satisfied specific University entry criteria you will be considered by the University under this scheme. Applications are sent to the schools and TAFE institutes involved and must be completed in addition to the UAC application. Contact the University for details on freecall 1800 626 481 (within Australia).

Regional Year 12 School Bonus Scheme
As further evidence of its commitment to this region, SCU will add five bonus points to the admission rank of Year 12 students within the feeder region. Eligible applicants do not have to apply for this bonus.

International applicants applying for admission on the basis of qualifications other than those listed above must apply directly to the University, not through UAC International. For details visit www.scu.edu.au.

Students under 18 years of age

Before you are granted a student visa, the Australian Government must be satisfied that you have appropriate accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements in place for the period that you will be under 18 years of age while in Australia.

SCU accepts responsibility for welfare arrangements for international students who are under 18 years of age. For more information on accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements or any restrictions that may apply, visit www.scu.edu.au/international.

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Areas of study

Southern Cross University offers innovative course options in:
• Arts and Social Science
• Contemporary Music
• Education
• Business and Information Technology
• Tourism Management
• Environmental Science and Forestry Management
• Complementary Medicine
• Nursing and Health Care
• Media
• Law and Justice programs.

Additional course options include Visual Arts, Media, Exercise Science, Sport Management and Psychology. Double and combined degree options are also popular such as the B Contemporary Music/B Education or the B Environmental Science/B Laws.

For course descriptions, visit the course search. For information on course structures, visit www.scu.edu.au.

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Tuition fees

For information about tuition fees visit the course search.

At Southern Cross University international student fees are calculated on a per-unit-of-study. In most cases, in order to meet the requirements of the CoE and student visa, students need to enrol in four units per semester. A typical year is made up of eight units. The annual fees quoted in the course search are for eight units (or two semesters).

In order to accept any offer from Southern Cross University students should complete the appropriate acceptance form and pay the first semester fees in full. Upon receipt of this money, Southern Cross University will issue a CoE for the selected program. Fees for international students are published at www.scu.edu.au/international.

Fees policy
The refund policy for overseas students can be downloaded from www.scu.edu.au/intoff/dds.

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Living expenses

Read Money matters for general information.

One of the great advantages of living in Lismore, Coffs Harbour or the Tweed Gold Coast is the cheaper cost of living compared with that in Australia’s major capital cities. In particular, accommodation costs are much lower than in the major cities. This can lead to major savings. In general, a budget of A$205 – A$255 per week should cover all non-tuition costs associated with studying at the University, including rent, food, public transport, overseas student health cover, textbooks and course materials.

This does not include purchasing or running a car or bringing family members to Australia. Students with school-age children should also be aware that school fees in local schools are between A$4 500 and A$5 500 per child per year. A sample budget can be found in SCU’s International Undergraduate Prospectus 2009.

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Scholarships

Read Money matters for general information.

The University offers a limited number of competitively awarded scholarships to international students. However there are a large number of scholarships offered by the Australian Government to students from a range of countries through programs such as the Australian Development Scholarship (ADS) program, Australian Leadership Awards, and the various Endeavour scholarship programs. Information about these can be viewed at www.australianscholarships.gov.au.

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Sponsored students

Read Money matters for general information.

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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Read Government requirements for general information.

Medibank Private is the preferred provider of OSHC for all newly commencing international students. For more information visit www.medibank.com.au. It is a requirement of all student visas that students obtain and maintain private health cover.

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Health services on campus

In Lismore a full range of general practitioner services is provided during semester from Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm by appointment. The consultation fee will be fully refunded by OSHC. A limited service is available during Semester breaks. Services include: general and preventative medicine, family planning, immunisations, vaccinations, accidents and emergencies. All campuses are in towns with modern well run hospitals as well as a range of private medical practices.

SCU also provides a dental service to students at the Lismore campus. This service is by appointment. Consultation fees apply. Standard OSHC will not cover these fees. It is possible to purchase additional extra health cover to meet dental costs.

All campuses offer access to free confidential and professional counselling services in person, by telephone and email. A group program is offered at the Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses.

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Working while studying

Read Government requirements for general information.

Students are permitted to work for 20 hours a week during semester times and up to 40 hours per week during the semester breaks. In order to gain employment in Australia while studying, students need to apply for an Australian Tax File Number, which can be done by calling the Australian Taxation Office. While there is a limited range of part time jobs in the local community and on campus in Lismore and Coffs Harbour, casual employment opportunities are abundant on the Gold Coast.

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Preparing for student life

As part of our Pre-Departure Information Service, SCU has prepared student guides for each campus. These are called Living and Learning. A copy can be downloaded at www.scu.edu.au/international.

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Acceptance, orientation, enrolment and deferment

Read Acceptance, orientation, enrolment and deferment for general information.

Acceptance

Acceptance instructions for each campus can be downloaded from www.scu.edu.au/intoff/dds. The acceptance form should be completed and sent to the International Office together with the first payment.

Orientation and enrolment

A compulsory orientation program is organised by the International Office at each campus. It is designed to familiarise and assist new students with settling in and adjusting to the Australian way of life. Enrolment choices are finalised in this week, student ID cards issued, and information sessions provided about the study, support and leisure facilities and services available to students. Most importantly new students can expect to start making new friends.

If your student visa is not issued in time to start classes, the International Office will defer the CoE and offer to the next available study period for any chosen course.

Deferment

It may be possible to defer your enrolment at SCU for up to 12 months. For more information contact the International Office at SCU.

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Student support

The University prides itself on providing international students with a high level of support. The staff–student ratio in the International Office is among the best at any university in Australia.

International students on all three regional campuses are provided with a range of specialist services, which include:
• pre-departure information
• airport reception
• accommodation assistance
• comprehensive orientation
• student advisers
• English language and learning assistance
• organisation of social activities and excursions
• visa and health insurance advice and
• a farewell ceremony for completing students.

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Accommodation

The University places a high priority on ensuring that international students have access to appropriate accommodation on or close to its campuses. All students are assisted in finding suitable accommodation. College accommodation is available at both the Lismore and Coffs Harbour campuses. Students live in self-catering units, which comprise two to six bedrooms and shared living, bathroom and cooking facilities. Students are responsible for buying food and for cooking and cleaning. Students at the Tweed Gold Coast live off-campus, which is also an option in Lismore and Coffs Harbour. The most popular type of off-campus accommodation is a house or unit shared with other students, where students do their own cooking and share the cost of household expenses. Both furnished and unfurnished off-campus rental accommodation is available.

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Campus services and facilities

Careers advice

The University Careers Adviser assists prospective and enrolled students with course and career decision-making. For more details call +61 2 6622 3220.

Chaplaincy

The Chaplaincy provides practical support, pastoral care and personal assistance to help with individual goal setting and decision-making. The Chaplaincy is ecumenical and multi-faith in nature and maintains strong links with the major denominational churches and other major faiths in the area.

A Muslim prayer room is available on each campus for worship from Monday to Friday.

Learning assistance

The Learning Assistance Unit can help you develop your writing and study skills. To find out more call +61 2 6620 3386.

Library/computing services

The library provides a full range of library services: books, journals, databases and full-text electronic journals, interlibrary loans and document supply, and professional staff to assist students to become independent learners.

Computing services include internet access, email, MySCU (personalised online learning and support), and computer labs supported by the IT call centre, lab support/helpdesks and the computing website.

Students with disabilities

SCU encourages enrolment from people with disabilities and provides facilities for students with special needs. If you would like to discuss your special requirements in confidence, write to or call the Equity and Disabilities Officer on +61 2 6620 3943.

Transport

Private bus companies provide regular links from the city centres of both Lismore and Coffs Harbour to the campuses. Regular services are also provided between the Tweed Gold Coast campus and nearby commercial and residential areas.

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FAQs and further information

For more information visit www.scu.edu.au or contact the International Office on +61 2 6620 3876 or email intoff@scu.edu.au.

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