Access 26 Initiative Aims to Improve Affordability
Southern Cross University (SCU), Australia, has reduced its undergraduate tuition fees to AUD 26,000 for multiple courses under its Access 26 initiative. The move aims to improve affordability and expand access to Australian higher education for international students, including those from India. Earlier, SCU’s undergraduate tuition fees ranged between AUD 35,000 and AUD 36,000 annually. The revised fee structure is expected to support students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds in planning their overseas education.
SCU Highlights Focus on Equity and Inclusion
According to SCU officials, the fee reduction reflects the university’s commitment to promoting equitable access to global education opportunities. Dr Renaud Joannes-Boyau, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Southern Cross University, said the initiative is designed to support students who may face financial challenges while pursuing international education. He emphasised that the Access 26 initiative is focused on delivering high-quality Australian education at a more affordable cost, particularly for students from countries such as India.
University Reaffirms Commitment to Indian Students
SCU stated that Indian students remain an important part of its international student community. The university reaffirmed that Australia continues to be a safe and stable destination for global learners. University authorities also acknowledged that global geopolitical situations can sometimes affect student mobility. To address this, SCU is expanding online education pathways, allowing students to access its programmes even when travelling abroad is not immediately possible.
Impact on Indian Students Planning Overseas Education
The reduction in tuition fees is likely to make Southern Cross University more attractive for Indian students seeking cost-effective study options in Australia. The initiative may also support stronger academic and institutional collaborations between SCU and Indian education stakeholders. With Australia remaining one of the preferred study destinations for Indian students, affordability-focused measures such as Access 26 are expected to influence enrolment trends positively.