Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Confirmation Deadline | Orientation | Semester Start | Semester End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2026 (Term 3) | 1 February 2026 | 1 April 2026 | week before classes |
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 equivalent of 4 UMD credits. The UMD summer program includes 2 units or a total of 8 credits.
The Southern Cross model allows you to focus on two courses over one six-week teaching term. This enables deeper learning and the ability to create the ideal school-life balance.
SCU Lismore (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 Term 3 only
- Full syllabi (unit outlines) are available online (after selecting a specific unit/course, click the printer icon to save the document as a PDF)
- Search for SCU courses already reviewed 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 2 courses)
- Accommodation
- Entry visa assistance
- Airport transfer Brisbane to SCU Lismore
- On-site orientation
- On-site staff support
- SCU organized trip (including weekly surf lessons & surf camp)
- 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
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; guidance on the visa will be given after official acceptance is issued
- 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 - Summer in Lismore, Australia: Southern Cross University (SCU)
and the - Term (e.g. Summer Semester 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.
- All application checklist items need to be submitted by the application deadline which is noted near the top of the page.
- 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.
