Cross Institutional Exchange 12 Month Program (CRICOS course code 064046A) is a Non AQF Award delivered by Southern Cross University (SCU) over 1 year. This program is designed for international students who want to experience studying at a different Australian institution while maintaining enrolment at their home university. It falls under the field of Education (079999) and provides a flexible pathway for students to broaden their academic horizons. Southern Cross University, a government-owned university with CRICOS provider code 01241G, offers this course at its Coffs Harbour and Lismore campuses in NSW. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource covering 26,433 courses across 1,556 CRICOS-registered providers, helping you find the right study option in Australia.
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The Cross Institutional Exchange 12 Month Program (064046A) is a Non AQF Award that allows international students to undertake study at Southern Cross University for up to one year while remaining enrolled at their home institution. This program is ideal for students seeking to diversify their educational experience, gain exposure to a different academic environment, and explore the unique regions of Coffs Harbour or Lismore in New South Wales. As a Non AQF Award, it does not lead to a formal qualification but can be used for credit transfer or personal enrichment. The course is delivered in English over 52 weeks, with no work component or dual qualification options. Southern Cross University is a CRICOS-registered provider (01241G) and is subject to the ESOS Act, ensuring international student protections.
This program falls under the broad field of Education (07), specifically Other Education (0799) and Education, n.e.c. (079999). While the exact syllabus is determined by your home institution and Southern Cross University, exchange students typically engage in a selection of undergraduate or postgraduate units relevant to their degree. The program emphasises cross-cultural learning, academic flexibility, and personal development. Graduates of exchange programs often gain improved intercultural competence, adaptability, and a global perspective—skills highly valued by employers. As a Non AQF Award, there is no prescribed set of learning outcomes, but students are expected to complete a study plan agreed upon by both institutions.
The Cross Institutional Exchange 12 Month Program is registered on CRICOS as a 1-year (52-week) course. The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification program (no dual qualification). Students study full-time on campus at one of the two delivery locations. There is no online or part-time option for this course. The duration is fixed, but students may be able to extend their exchange with approval from their home institution and Southern Cross University.
Tuition fees for this program are indicative and set by Southern Cross University. According to the CRICOS register, the indicative tuition fee is A$26,000 per year. Non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities) are approximately A$2,000, bringing the estimated total to A$28,000. These fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. OSHC is mandatory for international students and costs around A$600–A$700 per year for single cover. Living costs vary by location: in Coffs Harbour, weekly rent is approximately A$250–A$350, while in Lismore it is A$200–A$300. Always confirm current fees with Southern Cross University before applying.
Entry requirements for the Cross Institutional Exchange 12 Month Program are set by Southern Cross University. Generally, students must be enrolled in a degree program at their home institution and have a strong academic record. English language proficiency is required—typically a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall (with no band below 5.5) or equivalent. Some institutions may require higher scores for certain fields. Prior qualifications expected are at least completion of secondary education (Year 12) or equivalent. Foundation or pathway programs may be available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements—check with Southern Cross University for options.
This course has no work component. The Cross Institutional Exchange 12 Month Program does not include a mandatory internship, placement, or work experience. However, as a student visa holder, you may be eligible to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.
Southern Cross University delivers this course at two campuses in New South Wales: Coffs Harbour (Coffs Harbour, NSW) and Lismore (East Lismore, NSW). Coffs Harbour is a coastal city of approximately 70,000 people, known for its beaches and subtropical climate. It has a vibrant student community with several CRICOS-registered providers. Lismore is a regional city in the Northern Rivers region with a population around 30,000, offering a quieter lifestyle and lower cost of living. Both campuses are accessible by public transport and provide modern facilities for international students.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. After completing the course, you may be eligible for a Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) if you meet the requirements. All student visa conditions are subject to change—check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest information.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Cross Institutional Exchange 12 Month Program at Southern Cross University: 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that Southern Cross University (CRICOS 01241G) offers the program and meets your needs. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Southern Cross University accepts applications through its online portal. You'll need to provide academic transcripts, English test results (e.g., IELTS), and a study plan approved by your home institution. Check application deadlines for the relevant intake. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once accepted, you'll receive a CoE. Use it to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Don't forget to arrange OSHC.
Coffs Harbour and Lismore offer a distinct lifestyle compared to major cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Regional living often means lower rent and a closer-knit community. Coffs Harbour has a student population of around 5,000, with good bus services connecting the campus to the city centre. Lismore is smaller but has a strong arts and culture scene. Both locations provide access to natural attractions like beaches and national parks. International students in regional areas may also benefit from longer post-study work rights under the Temporary Graduate visa. Consider your preference for urban versus regional living when choosing your study destination.
Explore more courses at Southern Cross University or search for other CRICOS-registered programs on HeadStart Academy.
Cross Institutional Exchange 12 Month Program is a CRICOS-registered programme at Southern Cross University (SCU). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.