Southern Cross University (SCU) is a researh-intensive public university. Its main and largest campus is located in Lismore, New South Wales, which is home to most of its academic and research buildings – including the Law Moot Court, Nursing and Massage and Osteopathy Room, and biomechanics laboratory – as well as the majority of its student facilities. It also has branch campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth for international students to study undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
The initial predecessor institution to Southern Cross University was the Lismore Teachers’ College, which commenced operation on 23 February 1970, at what is now the Northern Rivers Conservatorium site. On 1st September 1971 Lismore Teachers College became a College of Advanced Education under the Higher Education Act 1969. As student numbers increased and demand for a wider range of courses grew, the college was renamed Northern Rivers College of Advanced Education in 1973 becoming a multi-discipline college within the Ministry of Education. Even at this early stage of development their courses and successful placement of graduates were building them a highly regarded reputation of quality standards.
In 29th June 1993, the Commonwealth Minister for Employment, Education and Training and the State Minister for Education and Youth Affairs’ announcement included the statement that a new university would be established on the North Coast of New South Wales, which would consist of campuses at Lismore (formerly UNE-Northern Rivers) and Coffs Harbour (formally UNE-Coffs Harbour Centre). It was subsequently announced that the new institution would be called Southern Cross University, which was established 1st January 1994.
Lismore Campus
Military Road
East Lismore NSW 2480
Gold Coast Campus
Southern Cross Drive
Bilinga QLD 4225
Coffs Harbour Campus
Hogbin Drive
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
National Marine Science Centre
2 Bay Dr
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
International students only:
Sydney Campus
Level 2/84-86 Mary St
Surry Hills NSW 2010
Melbourne Campus
108 Lonsdale St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Perth Campus
2 Bay Dr
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
- SCU is officially accredited and recognized by the Department of Education and Training, Australia.
- Its other Specialized or Programmatic Accreditation are CPA Australia, Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA), Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), Australian Computer Society (ACS), and National ELT Accreditation Scheme Limited (NEAS)
- SCU is one of the Asia-Pacific’s Top 100 Universities and one of the world’s Top 50 Generation Y Universities.
- Their contemporary campuses have purpose-built state-of-the-art facilities.
- SCU’s research in nine key areas has been given the highest possible classification of ‘well above world standard’ in the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2015 National Report.
- SCU offers research candidates the opportunity to enrol in a multi-badged degree with Collaborating Institutions in Australia and internationally.
- Its Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth branch campuses are conveniently located in the central business districts.
- SCU offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in numerous study areas that suit students’ interests and professional goals.
