University Study

One of the most challenging parts of studying at university is balancing your studies with all your other commitments, from work to family and friends. Managing your time effectively is the key to less stress and a better chance of success.

progress-study

What does the study year look like?

At Southern Cross University we organise the study year so that there is time for introduction and orientation, time for teaching and learning, and time for revision and exams. The year is split into Sessions or Study Periods, depending on what and how you're studying.

For many undergraduate and postgraduate students, the year is made up of three study sessions. SCU Online Postgraduate students studying can expect six intense study periods in an academic year. To find out whether your course is offered as Sessions or Study Periods, search for your course at .

Although this is the standard way that we organise the year, you might actually start a course in Session 2 or finish your studies in Session 1. Everyone's path through their studies is unique.

How much time should you allocate?

We want you to enjoy your time at Southern Cross University and succeed, so it's important that you're aware of how much time you can expect to spend on your studies each week. Whether you're studying online or on-campus, it's all the same: it is a significant time commitment that needs to be prioritised if you want to succeed.

If you're following the Sessions study year, it's recommended that you study for at least 10 hours per unit per week. If you're following the Study Periods year, you should allocate between 20-22 hours per unit per week . This includes:

  • class time and
  • self-directed study.

This is a guideline. Your pace and learning style will determine how much time you really need to spend on your studies.

Graphics with text that states: At least 10 hours per unit per week. At least 15 hours per unit per week for SCU Online students.

Did you know?Studying four sessional units requires as much time as working a full time job.

Balancing life and study

Becoming a student means evaluating how you will be able to fit in study, family commitments and other activities that are important to you. How much time should you allocate in any given week to all of these commitments?

Drag the sliders to work out how you can best balance your life as a student. Once you've balanced your 168 hours, click below to get your feedback

Graphic showing text: There are 168 hours in a week. How will you use your time?

Note: If you're unable to use this tool, ensure that in your browser. Alternatively, switch to viewing this site in another browser, such as Google Chrome. To access this information in a different format, email .

Key dates for your calendar

Add these to your diary, planner or calendar so you start uni with a good understanding of what's coming up and when the best times are to plan travel, holidays and events. The Southern Cross University website refers to the advertised start dates, census dates and fees due dates as a ‘general rule’ and students should also check My Enrolment for information on their particular units. The class timetable release date is generally 8 weeks prior to start of session.

Students studying online in Sessions may be required to attend on-campus activities during the study break. Students studying units with mid-session exams will be required to attend exams during the study break.

International students: before you commence your studies it is a good idea for you to know important dates specific to International students. These include study sessions, exam periods and holiday breaks, as well as important dates relating to enrolment and fees.

JANUARY 2020
3Session 3 Recess ends
FEBRUARY 2020
12Session 3 classes end
13-14Session 3 study break
17-21Session 3 exams
21Session 3 ends
25-28Session 1 Orientation starts
29Session 3 Grade Publication
MARCH 2020
02Session 1 classes start
23Session 1 Census Date
APRIL 2020
14-17Session 1 study break
MAY 2020
27Session 1 classes end
28-29Session 1 study break



JUNE 2020
01-12Session 1 exams
26Session 1 Grade Publication
29Session 2 Orientation starts
JULY 2020
06Session 2 classes start
27Session 2 Census Date
AUGUST 2020
17-21Session 2 study break
SEPTEMBER 2020
30Session 2 classes end



OCTOBER 2020
01-02Session 2 study break
06-16Session 2 exams
30Session 2 Grade Publication
NOVEMBER 2020
26Session 3 Orientation starts
02Session 3 classes starts
23Session 3 Census Date
DECEMBER 2020
14-18Session 3 study break
21Session 3 recess starts
JANUARY 2021
1Session 3 recess ends




FEBRUARY 2021
10Session 3 classes ends
11-12Session 3 study break
15-19Session 3 exams
26Session 3 grade publication

Download Key Dates for Sessions

JANUARY 2020
6STUDY PERIOD 1 STARTS
20Study Period 1 Census Date
FEBRUARY 2020
18Study Period 1 classes end
19-20 Study Period 1 exams
20STUDY PERIOD 1 ENDS
28Study Period 1 grade publication

MARCH 2020
02STUDY PERIOD 2 STARTS
16Study Period 2 Census Date

 
 
APRIL 2020
14Study Period 2 classes end
15-16Study Period 2 exams
16STUDY PERIOD 2 ENDS
24Study Period 2 grade publication
27STUDY PERIOD 3 STARTS
MAY 2020
11Study Period 3 Census Date
JUNE 2020
9Study Period 3 classes end
10-11Study Period 2 exams
11STUDY PERIOD 3 ENDS
26Study Period 3 grade publication
  
JULY 2020
6STUDY PERIOD 4 STARTS
20Study Period 4 Census Date
AUGUST 2020
18Study Period 4 classes end
19-20Study Period exams
20STUDY PERIOD 4 ENDS
28Study Period 4 grade publication 
 31STUDY PERIOD 5 STARTS
SEPTEMBER 2020
14Study Period 5 Census Date

 
 
OCTOBER 2020
13Study Period 5 classes end
14-15Study Period 5 exams
15STUDY PERIOD 5 ENDS
30Study Period 5 grade publication
NOVEMBER 2020
02STUDY PERIOD 6 STARTS
16Study Period 6 Census Date



DECEMBER 2020
15Study Period 6 classes end
16-17Study Period 6 exams
17STUDY PERIOD 6 ENDS
24Study Period 6 grade publication

Download Key Dates for Study Periods