Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Confirmation Deadline | Orientation | Semester Start | Semester End | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 (Terms 3 & 4) | 1 March | 1 May | ~week before semester | ||||
| Spring 2027 (Terms 1 & 2) | 15 October | 1 November | ~week before semester | early March | mid-June | ||
| Calendar Year 2027 (Terms 1-4) | 15 October | 1 November | ~week before semester | early March | early October | ||
| Fall 2025 (Terms 3 & 4) | March 1 | week before classes | |||||
| Academic Year 2025-26 (Terms 3 & 4 + 1 & 2) | March 1 | week before classes | |||||
| Spring 2026 (Terms 1 & 2) | October 1 | week before classes | |||||
| Calendar Year 2026 (Terms 1-4) | October 1 | week before classes |
View the Southern Cross University (SCU) academic calendar. Exact details including arrival and orientation will be provided by SCU after they issue an acceptance letter.
Do not make travel arrangements until you have been officially accepted by SCU and they have shared key dates with you.
Students may participate in study abroad anytime after freshman year (or completing 24 college credits post completion of high school)
Note: Students may apply to a program during freshman year, but must have completed freshman year in good standing to participate in the program their sophomore year.
About Program
Program Overview
- Population of Lismore: 44,276
- Distance to Sydney: 451 miles
- Distance to Brisbane: 123 miles
- Distance to Melbourne: 989 miles
Lismore, Australia is the cultural and economic capital of the Northern Rivers region of NSW (New South Wales). Located on the lands of the Bundjalung Nation, it is nestled between the Gondwana rainforest and the Pacific Ocean. The area offers acres of lush rainforest, mountainous terrain, majestic rivers, and plains. As the dynamic and creative hub of the Northern Rivers region, exlpore the mix of quirky, cosmopolitan shops and an array of dining options and fabulous food. While a smaller community, Lismore has loads of art & culture to explore.
Southern Cross University is ranked one of the top 200 young universities in the world. Campus is within walking distance from downtown. The university, with the 2,100, students in Lismore offers active, interactive, and discussion-based learning. Whether you’re into fitness, adventure, casual fun, or competition, there’s something for everyone on the SCU campus.
UMD works with SCU Study Abroad office.
Academics
Southern Cross University (SCU)
SCU courses provide active, interactive, and discussion-based learning. Courses at SCU are referred to as "units" while majors are called "courses."
Units are typically worth 12 SCU credits, the equivalet of 4 UMD credits. The UMD program includes 3 units or a total of 12 credits per semester. SCU recommends taking 2 units during your first term and1 during the second. A fourth unit may be taken for an additional fee.
The Southern Cross model will split your semester into two terms: Fall (Term 3 & 4) and Spring (Term 1 & 2). This allows you to focus on one or two courses over one six-week teaching term, before moving on to the next term. This enables deeper learning and the ability to create the ideal school-life balance.
SCU Limsore (Northern Rivers) campus offers courses in the following areas: education and teaching, environmental sciences, science and engineering, health sciences, Indigenous knowledge, and veterinary studies.
- View SCU course (unit) offerings
- Search for SCU courses already reviewed at UMD
- While full syllabi (unit outlines) are available online, if you cannot find one for a specific course, request a syllabus so it can be evaluated at UMD
- This program counts for the UMD Liberal Education Global Perspectives Requirement
- Study abroad foreign courses must be reviewed at UMD prior to program participation so that you know how they will contribute to your degree progress
- To request disability accommodations, please contact International Programs and Services at [email protected] or 218-726-8764.
Cost Information
- Compare this program cost to UMD's cost of attendance for an academic year.
- View a list of all UMD Study Abroad program costs.
If you do not see a cost estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the cost has not yet been determined. Please note cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. UMD Study Abroad delays the posting of final fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Spring programs, March 1 for May/Summer programs, and May 1 for Fall and Academic year programs.
What’s included in the program fee?
- Personalized advising
- Pre-departure orientation
- Tuition (for 3 OR 4 courses)
- Accommodation
- Entry visa assistance
- Airport transfer Brisbane to SCU Lismore
- On-site orientation
- On-site staff support
- SCU organized trips (including weekly surf lessons & surf camp)
- Gym membership (10 weeks)
- Australian insurance
- SCU student services & amenities fee
- Foreign transcript issuance
- Grade posting at UMD
- Foreign course evaluation at UMD
- Re-entry support
These estimated costs do not include the $50 application fee.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships
- Study Abroad Scholarships
- Note: Credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used toward the Bulldog Bundle.
Financial Aid
Consult with One Stop to see how financial aid can apply to study abroad.
- Receive guidance about all things money-related
- Ask for estimates and budget samples
- Learn when and how financial aid is disbursed
- Ask about other scholarship opportunities & loan info
Plan your budget
Download this Study Abroad Budget Planning Form to estimate costs. Create duplicates to compare this program with others.
Housing
SCU offers modern on-campus accommodation via two fully-furnished apartment options: Magellan or Orian. Housing is managed by UniLodge.
The housing facilities can accommodate 4-6 students via individual bedrooms. Shared spaces include a kitchen, living room, dining area, and bathroom. Wi-Fi and utilities are included in the rent.
For more details, check out the SCU Lismore Accommodation page.
Travel Documents
- You are required to have a passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a passport or your passport will expire within 6 months after you will return from abroad, apply for a passport as soon as possible. It can take 2+ months to receive your passport after applying. You can apply for a new passport on-campus at the UMD Passport Acceptance Facility.
- An Australian visa is required
- The UMD Study in Australia Handbook (Travel Documents section) has been created to assist applicants with the process. UMD Study Abroad staff routinely update this resource, however, the Australian Government may change the process at any time.
- Roundtrip airfare should only be purchased after official acceptance is issued by SCU
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - Study in Lismore, Australia: Southern Cross University (SCU);
and the - Term (e.g. Spring Semester 2026 or Academic Year 2026–2027)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- It is recommended that you complete the checklist items within a month of applying, as applicable. Pre-departure Orientation details will be sent closer to the event date (usually April for fall/summer applicants and November for spring/winter break applicants).
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
