Orientation Week at Southern Cross University is underway as the University responds to strong demand for career‑focused courses. The University has launched several new offerings for 2026 and welcomed more than 5,000 commencing students across its campuses and online.
Strong demand for new study options
Demand for new courses has been strong, with the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours) at the Northern Rivers campus and the new Gold Coast offering for the Bachelor of Physiotherapy both launching in Term 1 with full cohorts. These join a suite of new courses for 2026, including several online industry graduate certificates , along with the Master of Engineering , the Master of Management , the Professional Certificate in Health and a reimagined Bachelor of Business .
Vice-President (Students) and Registrar Brendon Nelson said the success of these new courses demonstrates the University's commitment to aligning education with regional workforce needs.
"We have worked closely with industry to ensure we are delivering graduates that are workforce-ready and it is exciting to see the enthusiastic response from students," Mr Nelson said.
"It is also uplifting that the number of scholarship recipients has increased significantly for 2026, with 378 students receiving a financial boost to ease the financial pressure during their studies," he said.
Among domestic students, the most in-demand courses for 2026 include the Bachelor of Education , the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and the Diploma of Health . The University's award-winning free pathway course, the Preparing for Success Program , also saw significant growth, highlighting student uptake of the many pathways into university .
For international students, the most popular courses included the Master of Nursing (Graduate Entry) , Master of Teaching and the Bachelor of Information Technology .
Orientation Week builds connection
Orientation Week is now underway across the Coffs Harbour, Lismore and Gold Coast campuses, supported by an online program for remote learners.
To welcome new students, Southern Cross University is hosting a vibrant schedule of events, featuring free food, live music, information stalls, activities and prizes.
Student Success Coordinator Karly Murray said Orientation Week is an essential starting point for students to feel prepared, informed and organised before classes begin.
"O Week is all about starting your studies with confidence. Students will learn how University life works, understand course requirements and access the support services that will set them up for long-term success," Mrs Murray said.
"It is an exciting opportunity to meet your faculty, connect with classmates and start feeling at home here at Southern Cross University."
As part of O Week, Southern Cross University will also be launching a partnership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative
