Record international student intake for Southern Cross University

Study 

The world is coming to Southern Cross University on the Gold Coast. Fresh from topping the latest rankings for international student support, the University welcomed a record global intake for the third semester of 2018. More than 500 students have travelled to Southern Cross University from locations across Asia, Europe and North and South America. Countries include India, Nepal, the Philippines, China, Japan, Germany, Sweden, Italy, the US, Thailand and Brazil.

"This is a case of exponential growth in our international student numbers and it has come by design, not by accident," says Monty Singh, Vice President (Global) at Southern Cross University. We have worked hard to identify needs, to develop strategies and to create and promote programs that are ideally suited to international students.

"For instance, new programs in engineering, information technology and allied health were all launched during 2018 and we're seeing the results of that in this terrific response. This is our biggest intake of international students for all of 2018, and the numbers for 2019 and beyond are also looking extremely positive."

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate congratulated Southern Cross on the record intake for Session 3, saying the international student sector was a key factor in his strategy for the city's economic growth. "International tertiary students add to the social fabric of our community. They have proven to be fantastic ambassadors for the Gold Coast, promoting our city and its people through their vast social media networks.

“Importantly, many are here for several years as they complete their degrees. During that time, their families and friends visit so the multiplier effect is significant. As Mayor, I view these students as part of the community, rather than short-term residents. I’d love to see more stay on and contribute back into the workforce by either employing their skills in their chosen fields, or even starting a business to expand on what they have learned through our world-class universities.’’

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Number One in Australia for International Student Support

The 2018 International Student Barometer, the benchmark in gauging student experience from application to graduation, recently ranked Southern Cross University as number one in Australia for support of international students. It also topped the rankings for financial support and accommodation.

The Acting CEO of Study Gold Coast, Katrina Reid, says the record intake at Southern Cross reflected the continuing rise in student numbers across the city, creating a home to an increasingly diverse student community. "They're attracted by world-class education and training standards and a quality of life that is second to none."

"The Gold Coast not only provides a welcoming community for our international students, but they're increasingly being engaged by a business community that sees the enormous benefits those students bring to the sector. Our employers are reaping the benefits of cultural intelligence with our international student graduates providing a competitive advantage in the global marketplace,” says Ms Reid.

"Further, the high standard of education and training here ensures our students bring the latest perspectives on industry trends and that currency perpetuates further growth in the local economy."

With more than 30,000 international enrolments and worth more than $1 billion annually, the Gold Coast is Australia’s number one Regional Study Destination.

*Top Image: Indian students Damanpreet Kaur (left) and Amandeep Brar have arrived on the Gold Coast to begin studying at Southern Cross University

*Centre Image: Attending Orientation Week at Southern Cross University were Indian students, from left, Nirmal Singh, Pramod Bhatia, Amardeep Kaur and Navneet Kaur