Southern Cross University
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Southern Cross University is a leading Australian university in Gold Coast, known for its high-quality education and strong industry links. Popular with Indian students for Computer Science, Business, and Engineering programs. The 485 Post-Study Work Visa allows 2–4 years of work experience in Australia after graduation.
$18K
Annual Tuition
₹15.3 L
~78%
Visa Success (Est.)
~60%
Acceptance Rate (Est.)
#601
QS Ranking
~85%
Employment Rate (Est.)
~$47K
Avg Grad Salary (Est.)
February, July
Intake
(Est.) figures are indicative estimates, not published institutional statistics — confirm current figures with the university or your Jaivik Overseas counsellor.
About Southern Cross University
Southern Cross University (SCU) is one of the premier universities in Australia and a country that welcomes over 700,000 international students annually and offers a 2–4 year post-study work visa. Founded in 1994 — over 32 years ago — SCU has established itself as a world-class institution with a QS World University Ranking of #601 in 2026.
Southern Cross University is a leading Australian university in Gold Coast, known for its high-quality education and strong industry links. Popular with Indian students for Computer Science, Business, and Engineering programs. The 485 Post-Study Work Visa allows 2–4 years of work experience in Australia after graduation. With a student community of over 22,000 students, of whom approximately 20% come from abroad, SCU offers a genuinely international learning environment. Indian students make up a significant and growing part of this international community, drawn by the university's strong academic reputation, career outcomes, and its location in Australia.
Located in the heart of Gold Coast, the campus benefits from excellent public transport links and proximity to industry, cultural venues, and internship opportunities. The campus is equipped with research libraries, modern computer labs, on-campus accommodation, sports and recreation facilities, an international student office, and a dedicated career and placement centre.
Graduates of SCU can expect an estimated (not officially published) employment rate of around 85% within six months of graduation, with an indicative starting salary in the region of $47K (approximately ₹39L per annum) — confirm current outcomes with the university. Top employers recruiting from SCU include Deloitte Australia, PwC Australia, KPMG Australia, ANZ Bank, reflecting the institution's strong industry connections.
The university offers competitive scholarships for international students, including the SCU International Excellence Scholarship (AUD 5,000–10,000). The university accepts applications for February and July intake, with an estimated overall acceptance rate around 60% (not officially published). Students from India typically require a minimum IELTS score of 6 and a GPA of 7/10 for postgraduate admission.
Why Indian Students Choose SCU
Australia is a top study destination for Indian students, and SCU consistently ranks among the most popular choices. Here is why:
Strong Career Outcomes
With an estimated (not officially published) average graduate salary of $47K/year and an estimated employment rate around 85%, SCU alumni are generally well-regarded by employers. Top recruiters include Deloitte Australia, PwC Australia, KPMG Australia.
Most Popular Courses for Indians
MSc Computer Science, MSc Data Science, MBA are the most commonly chosen programmes by Indian students at SCU. These courses align well with India's growing demand for internationally qualified professionals.
Post-Study Work Rights
After graduating, students can apply for Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) for 2–4 years, giving them the opportunity to gain international work experience and potentially transition to permanent residency.
Scholarships Available
SCU International Excellence Scholarship offers AUD 5,000–10,000 to eligible international students. The Australia Awards Scholarship (Full Funding) is also available for Developing country nationals, competitive.
Visa Success Rate
The exact student visa approval rate for Australia isn't published per university; an indicative estimate is around 78%. Jaivik Overseas Consultants has helped hundreds of students successfully obtain their Australia student visas.
Complete Cost Breakdown for Indian Students
Annual cost of studying at SCU (2026–27)
$18,200
₹15.3 L
$11,050
₹9.3 L
$0
₹0
$29,250
₹24.6 L
Admission Requirements
Minimum eligibility for Indian students at SCU
6+
IELTS Score
79+
TOEFL Score
300+
GRE Score
Not required
GMAT Score
7/10
Min GPA (10pt)
Up to 3
Backlogs Allowed
Campus & Location
📍 Main Campus Location
Gold Coast
Queensland, Australia
🏛️ Campus Type
Urban
City-centre location, great transport links
👥 Total Students
22,000+
20% international students
🌍 International Community
4,400+
international students on campus
Campus Facilities
Courses Offered at SCU
View All Courses →Scholarships for Indian Students
SCU International Excellence Scholarship
Merit-based for international students
Australia Awards Scholarship
Developing country nationals, competitive
Top Employers of SCU Graduates
Alumni Network & Career Impact
Southern Cross University has produced numerous leaders across industry, academia, and government. Graduates of SCU hold prominent positions at companies including Deloitte Australia, PwC Australia, KPMG Australia, and many have gone on to found their own ventures. The SCU alumni network spans over 180 countries, and the university's Indian alumni community is particularly active, with dedicated chapters in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. Many Indian graduates have returned home to build successful careers or start companies, leveraging the Science skills and global networks gained during their time at SCU.
~$47K/yr
Graduate Salary (Est.)
~85%
Employment Rate (Est.)
Deloitte Australia
Top Employer
How to Apply to SCU from India
Step-by-step application guide for Indian students
Check Eligibility
Minimum GPA 7/10, IELTS 6+, GRE 300+. Maximum 3 backlogs allowed.
Prepare Documents
Gather transcripts, IELTS/TOEFL scores, SOP (Statement of Purpose), LORs (Letters of Recommendation), CV/Resume, and passport copy.
Submit Application
Apply through the official Southern Cross University portal. Application fee: $0. Deadline is typically 4–6 months before the February and July intakes.
Receive Offer Letter
SCU typically issues conditional or unconditional offer letters within 4–8 weeks. An unconditional offer requires meeting all entry requirements.
Apply for Student Visa
With an offer letter and CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance), apply for your Australia student visa. Indicative approval rate for Indian students: ~78% (estimate, not an official published figure).
Pre-Departure Preparation
Book accommodation (on-campus or off-campus), book flights, arrange forex/education loan, and attend Jaivik Overseas pre-departure briefing.
💡 Jaivik Overseas Consultants provides end-to-end support — from shortlisting to visa — with a dedicated counsellor assigned to your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the tuition fee at Southern Cross University?
Annual tuition at Southern Cross University is $18,200 (approximately ₹15.3 L) for international students in 2026–26. This does not include living expenses of approximately $11,050/year.
Q: What is the acceptance rate at SCU?
Southern Cross University's acceptance rate is not officially published — an indicative estimate is around 60% for international students. Indian students with strong GRE/GMAT scores and GPA above 7/10 have a higher chance of admission. Confirm current admission statistics with the university or your Jaivik Overseas counsellor.
Q: What are the IELTS requirements for SCU?
Southern Cross University requires a minimum IELTS score of 6 overall. TOEFL iBT minimum is 79.
Q: When is the application deadline for SCU?
Southern Cross University has intake in February and July. Application deadlines are typically 3–6 months before the intake. Contact Jaivik Overseas Consultants for exact deadlines and application support.
Quick Facts
Estimated Average Graduate Salary After SCU
~$47K/year
Indicative graduate salary range for Australia, not a published SCU figure
Estimated employment rate: ~85%