Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management (CRICOS 086102E) at Southern Cross University (SCU)

Course Overview

Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management (CRICOS course code 086102E) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Southern Cross University (SCU) over 3 years (156 weeks). The program is classified under Field of Education 080319 - Hospitality Management, within the broader Management and Commerce field. Students study a blend of business core subjects (accounting, marketing, strategic management) and specialised hospitality topics (hotel operations, event management, food and beverage management). The degree is offered at three campus locations: The Hotel School Brisbane (Queensland), The Hotel School Melbourne (Victoria), and The Hotel School Sydney (New South Wales). All campuses are situated in major Australian cities with vibrant tourism and hospitality sectors. As a CRICOS-registered course (code 086102E), it enables international students to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Southern Cross University is a public university with a strong reputation in hospitality education, operating dedicated hotel school facilities that simulate real-world environments.

What You'll Study

This Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) provides comprehensive training in business management with a focus on the hospitality industry. Graduates develop skills in strategic planning, financial management, human resources, marketing, and customer service—all within the context of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and events. Typical subjects include: hospitality management principles, revenue management, sustainable tourism, cross-cultural communication, and business law. The curriculum is designed to produce graduates who can adapt to the fast-paced, service-oriented global hospitality sector. While the exact syllabus is set by Southern Cross University, students can expect a combination of lectures, tutorials, case studies, and practical projects. The program also emphasises digital literacy, leadership, and ethical decision-making.

Duration and Study Mode

The course duration is 3 years (156 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register). Full-time study is the standard mode for international students to meet visa requirements. All instruction is in English. This is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes at one of the three delivery locations: Brisbane, Melbourne, or Sydney. The Hotel School campuses are purpose-built facilities offering industry-standard training environments. Southern Cross University may offer flexible study options such as trimesters or accelerated pathways—check with the provider for current delivery schedules.

Fees (Indicative)

Indicative tuition fees for the entire program are A$78,000. Non-tuition fees (such as materials, student services, and amenities) add approximately A$6,000, bringing the estimated total to A$84,000. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change. Additional costs that are NOT included in this estimate: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (accommodation, food, transport), and the visa application charge. For the most current fee information, please visit Southern Cross University's official website at www.scu.edu.au. Living costs vary by city; for example, weekly rent for a shared apartment may range from A$200–A$350 in Brisbane, A$250–A$400 in Melbourne, and A$300–A$500 in Sydney. HeadStart Academy provides this as a guide only.

Entry Requirements (General Guidance)

International students must satisfy academic and English language requirements. Typically, applicants need a qualification equivalent to an Australian Year 12 certificate. For this Bachelor degree, a minimum IELTS overall band score of 6.0–6.5 with no band below 5.5–6.0 is expected (or equivalent English test). Some students may enter via pathway programs (e.g., Foundation Studies) if they do not meet direct entry criteria—please refer to Southern Cross University's entry requirements page. All academic documents must be certified and translated if not in English. Additionally, evidence of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC is required for the student visa application. HeadStart Academy recommends checking specific requirements directly with the provider or a registered education agent.

Work Component

This course includes a mandatory work component: 20 weeks of industry placement at 30 hours per week, totalling approximately 600 hours. This is a form of work-integrated learning (WIL) that allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real hospitality settings. Placements may be arranged by The Hotel School in hotels, resorts, restaurants, or event venues. This experience is invaluable for building professional networks, gaining references, and understanding Australian workplace culture. International students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may undertake this placement as part of their course; work rights also allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions.

Delivery Locations

The Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management is delivered at three campuses of The Hotel School, an affiliate of Southern Cross University:

• The Hotel School Brisbane (QLD): Located in the heart of Brisbane, Queensland's capital. Brisbane has over 50 CRICOS-registered providers and a growing student population. Living costs in Brisbane are generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$400–A$500. Public transport is accessible via bus, train, and ferry.

• The Hotel School Melbourne (VIC): Situated in Melbourne's CBD, a city renowned for its culture, food, and tourism. Melbourne is home to more than 100 CRICOS-registered providers and a large international student community. Living costs are moderate; weekly rent for a shared apartment is typically A$250–A$400. Public transport includes trams, trains, and buses.

• The Hotel School Sydney (NSW): In the Sydney CBD, Australia's largest city with over 150 CRICOS-registered providers. Sydney has a high cost of living; weekly rent for a studio apartment may range from A$400–A$600. The city offers extensive public transport (trains, buses, ferries). All campuses are well-connected and provide access to hospitality industry networks.

Student Visa (Subclass 500)

International students must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study this course. Key requirements include: - Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion: demonstrate genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily for study. - Financial capacity: evidence of sufficient funds for tuition, living costs (minimum A$21,041 per year), OSHC, and travel. - English proficiency: meet the provider's requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.0-6.5). - OSHC: Overseas Student Health Cover must be purchased for the duration of the visa. - Work rights: students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (check current conditions on homeaffairs.gov.au). - Maintain enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course and attend classes satisfactorily. All international students in Australia are protected by the ESOS (Education Services for Overseas Students) Act, ensuring tuition assurance and consumer rights. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised guidance.

How to Apply

Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management at Southern Cross University (SCU):

1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the official CRICOS register (cricos.teqsa.gov.au) or HeadStart Academy's provider directory to confirm the course and provider. You can filter by study level (Bachelor Degree) and field (Hospitality Management) to find options. SCU's CRICOS code is 01241G.

2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit SCU's website (www.scu.edu.au) or The Hotel School's application portal. Prepare required documents: academic transcripts, English test results, passport copy, and any other specified materials. Check application deadlines (typically semester intakes in February/March and July). Some applicants may need to complete a pathway program if they do not meet direct entry requirements.

3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once SCU issues your CoE, you can apply for the visa online via the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare financial evidence, OSHC policy, GTE statement, and health checks. Processing times vary; apply well in advance. HeadStart Academy recommends using the Department's visa finder tool and consulting a registered migration agent if needed.

Is a Hotel Management Degree Right for You?

Hospitality management is ideal for individuals who are passionate about service, enjoy working in dynamic environments, and have strong interpersonal and organisational skills. This degree opens doors to roles such as hotel manager, event coordinator, restaurant manager, or tourism officer. Australia's strong tourism industry offers many employment opportunities, especially in gateway cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Consider your career goals: if you see yourself leading teams in luxury hotels or planning large-scale events, this qualification is a solid foundation. Also think about location preferences—each campus city has distinct lifestyle and cost factors. The work placement component gives you a taste of the industry before graduation, which is a significant advantage.

Visit Southern Cross University's website to apply or request more information about the Bachelor of Business in Hotel Management.

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