Southern Cross Education Institution

You can't find any college in Adelaide that worse then this one. 1. Ongoing harassment and pressure related to fees and enrolment. Students are subjected to constant pressure regarding payments and enrolment status. Even when fees are paid on time, access to Moodle is repeatedly blocked due to poor internal management and a clear lack of… Read more

accountability. And moreover, we received repeated phone calls and threatening messages warning about CoE cancellation! Even if we payed! This creates continuous fear and psychological pressure.

2. No meaningful support during workplace placement. The college has repeatedly failed to provide adequate workplace placement supervision. Students are sometimes forced to return to the same placement more than once due to the college’s inability to organise alternatives. When conflicts or serious issues arise at placement, students receive no support and are discouraged from raising concerns. The expectation is to remain silent and comply, regardless of the situation.

3. Serious concerns about placement quality and learning outcomes. The college is aware that some placement providers do not deliver genuine learning experiences aligned with Community Services outcomes. In practice, students spend large portions of their required placement hours performing basic manual labour, such as moving boxes with food, with little to no supervision, learning, or skill development. When students question whether this meets training requirements or assessment criteria, their concerns are dismissed rather than addressed.

4. Disrespectful and dismissive treatment of students. Students have been spoken to in a dismissive and, at times, openly discriminatory manner by campus management. Technical issues affecting assessment submissions, including uploaded files appearing blank in the system, were met with a refusal to provide assistance, placing the full burden on students.

5. Complaints handling and financial focus. When students raise justified concerns or submit formal complaints, responses are typically dismissive, generic, or delayed. The consistent impression is that fee collection is prioritised over student welfare, academic integrity, or compliance, with penalties and threats used as primary management tools.

Overall warning to prospective students. If you enrol at this college, be prepared for constant pressure, access restrictions, and a complete lack of support when problems arise.

Workplace placement may not provide meaningful learning, and raising concerns can result in further pressure rather than assistance.

I do not recommend this provider and am currently pursuing formal complaints through external regulatory channels. If needed, I can provide screenshots and statements from my classmates to support my review of this institution.

As a current student at Southern Cross Education Institute, I am really enjoying my learning experience. The classes are practical, the trainers are supportive, and I feel well prepared for my future career. Show reply

If I could leave a negative star, I would—and that’s not an exaggeration. In two words: extremely unorganized. To start, I want to acknowledge the dedicated instructors who genuinely try their best to deliver quality education despite the evident lack of institutional support. Many have come and gone within short periods, and honestly, I can… Read more

understand why. Had I known the extent of the disorganization and mismanagement beforehand, I would have reconsidered my decision to study here.

From personal experience, this school’s commitment to student wellbeing—particularly mental health—is more performative than genuine. They send out cheerful announcements about World Mental Health Day or “Purple Day,” but when it comes to real support, it’s almost non-existent. The same applies to most student concerns—approach with caution, and don’t expect much in return.

During one of my placements, several students (myself included) encountered serious issues with a particular facility that already had a poor reputation. Despite repeated feedback from students, the school continued sending people there. The official “solution” was simply to “manage expectations” and maintain their partnership with the facility—even when students were struggling to pass through no fault of their own. To make matters worse, I had to pay additional placement fees to redo it elsewhere. That alone raises serious questions about fairness and accountability.

And let’s talk about Accounts—don’t even bother expecting efficiency. I literally witnessed the man from accounting list my concern on a random piece of scratch paper with a few other scribbles of numbers—hardly a professional approach to handling student issues. And it makes you wonder—are you actually going to get back to me about my concern, or will that paper just end up in the trash? At one point, it’s little details like this that reveal how chaotic the system truly is. In short: very unorganized.

Although the new placement officer seems competent and organized now, previous placement arrangements were a nightmare. You’d get randomly assigned to facilities that were ridiculously far, even when there were closer options. Sure, they’ll tell you it’s your responsibility to secure accommodation and transportation—but does it really hurt to be considerate when assigning placements? One classmate from a regional area got assigned to a place over two hours away, even though there was literally another facility only about an hour and a half away. Do you see what I mean? Two hours may not sound much on paper, but it’s exhausting when you consider waking up early, getting ready, eating breakfast, traveling to and from the facility, and still trying to function like a human being!

And oh, after placements? They’re so strict with the forms, as if all aspects of the training were conducive to learning! (like you literally weren’t self-studying at that point, unless you had a good instructor). They make things so unnecessarily hard for students—so even if you already have the right answers, they’ll keep asking you to add more and more and more! But keep in mind—they’re still not prompt in addressing student concerns!

They also do not care about letting students know ahead of time that the training plan will be changed. They will literally just change it on the day, or decide to do a completely different unit in your class without prior notice, and then suddenly announce that the training plan has been “updated” and you will not be getting a school break for maybe six months. I mean, is that even legal? They are notorious for switching units without proper notice. What’s even more concerning is that sometimes you go into placements and realize that the skills you’re supposed to get signed off haven’t even been taught yet—even though they’re applicable for that placement! All because this school cannot figure out how to properly pace their classes. I wonder why that is… hmm, maybe there are just too many incoming students and they don’t bother to stay on top of things as long as the money keeps coming in? Hmmm…

Another major issue is communication—or rather, the lack of it. Emails often go unanswered for weeks, sometimes months. While it’s understandable that staff may have large workloads, a simple acknowledgment would go a long way. The irony? They’re lightning-fast when it comes to sending reminders about fees. You’ll get constant texts or emails saying, “Dear Student, your fee balance is still outstanding. Contact us immediately to avoid penalties or cancellation of enrolment.” Even when you’ve already paid—on time or even early! Those may be different departments, but if you can’t reply to us, maybe don’t bombard us either. One thing’s for sure—they’re consistent… with not responding!

I’ve also personally experienced having to repeat a make-up class because my attendance record wasn’t updated in Moodle and the signed paper I submitted was “missing.” Lesson learned: always keep your own proof, because misplaced documents seem to be a recurring theme here. Classmates have had their Moodle access blocked (for a long time, even when the issue had been figured out) despite paying fees on time, or have had to redo assessments because the school lost their hard copies. Even the certificate delays have become a running joke—students who finished months ago are still waiting.

Honestly, I could go on and on about the negative experiences I’ve had with this institution. But the reality is, it’s one of the few options that fit everyone’s budget—and it’s very clear that’s all the school really cares about: money. And it’s also painfully clear that the low cost comes at the expense of organization, communication, and genuine student support. If you do choose to study here, lower your expectations, document everything, and hope that you get a good instructor—because they’re the only saving grace of this school.

If you have the option to study elsewhere, do it. Don’t settle for a place that treats students as revenue rather than as learners. Both students and staff deserve better. Here’s hoping that someday, this institution realizes that quality education isn’t just about collecting tuition fees—it’s about actually supporting the people who pay them.

So, farewell SCEI. I won’t miss you.

I have found that the teaching style and learning environment here do not fully meet ANY academic expectations. I believe I would benefit more from a program that offers a higher level of academic challenge and engagement. NASTY LECTURES NO EXPERIENCES AT ALL FROM THE CHOSEN INDUSTRY

Never knew a course could be run so poorly until starting Pathology here. If you love wasting time, money and effort, this is the best training provider in Australia. Non-existent communication, new trainer every week, never stick to schedule, outright racist policies. Trainers signing off practical assessments without students doing them.The… Read more

national coordinator is the most horrible, nasty bully I've encountered in a long time. This course would be a waste of money even if it was free.

Teacher are very helpful and cooperative. All are very good and kind and helpful and nature are good so I will recommend to all this institution and thx u so much Show reply

I'm currently completing a Certificate Ill in Pathology Collection with this provider, and my experience has been very disappointing. With just a few weeks left in the course, management decided to add around 25 brand new students into our class — and made them start right where we are, despite having no prior medical knowledge or experience. This… Read more

has seriously disrupted our learning. It's unfair to both existing students and the new ones who are being set up to fail. When we raised our concerns, management was dismissive and unprofessional, essentially telling us that if we had an issue, maybe healthcare wasn't the right field for us — as if caring about proper training and patient safety somehow makes us unfit for the job. l expected better standards and support from an education provider preparing students for real clinical environments. I would not recommend this course or organisation to anyone serious about quality training In healthcare

Do not – Southern cross university basically sold me the idea that I would complete an associate degree in 2 years and then automatically gain entry into an LLB and fast track it. Well, I just wasted 10 subjects, money down the drain. Do not waste your time here, find an alternative university that is transparent and won't just be interested in your money. Now I have to start a from scratch. Biggest nightmare of my life. Do not recommend.

Intense 6 week terms, manageable study, poor customer service – I study Master of Teaching here and I'd like to share my experience. PROS - Manageable study. Tutors and lecturers are helpful. CONS - Six week terms are very intense. No study/life balance. - Very poor customer service. You get generic replies after you push for a while but no solution given for specific but essential issues.

Demanding school but low quality education! – Very inconsiderate institution with low quality teachings. They won’t listen to students appeal but will take advantage of their position to scare the students due to the visa that they are holding. The teachers are good but other staffs are just inconsiderate and narcissistic!

I was the best experience :) – I am very happy and grateful to have chosen this institution and completed my studies in Early Childhood Education and Care, all the staff are friendly and professional, especially the trainers Manpreet and Carolyn are the best. Thank you very much, it was the best experience in education training. Show reply

Don't enrol – Worst place to study. If you wanna waste your money and be scammed go to this nasty institute. They just wanna loot your money and not bother about you. Don't enrol if you wanna keep your peace of mind.

experience and recommendation to study at SCEI – I have had a great experience studying at SCEI (Southern Cross Education Institute). The teachers here are very knowledgeable and supportive, making the learning environment engaging and informative. I am especially thankful to Sonali for her invaluable guidance, which has greatly helped me in my professional development. Show reply

A total rort by a broken system – Honestly SCEI was the worst. The materials were awful, I think they were written in a foreign language and then put through google translate. The staff were openly racist and treated many of the students like second rate citizens. We were lucky if we actually got 4 hours of class time a week - yet the course was manet to be full time? The… Read more

marking of our work was haphazzard - we had to wait months for some of our work to be marked, and then some of us would pass and others fail, with exactly the same answers. We had to wait 2 months for our certificates which meant many of us missed out on employment opportunities. This is only scraping the surface of how bad SCEI really was. It was a rort of a broken system which exploits overseas students

Worst experience from the accounts – I cancelled my studies with SCEI almost 2 months ago and since then I have been emailing accounts to get a refund and nobody has ever replied to me. When it comes to get your money, they text you a million reminders, they call you and they email you ( all at the same time). They are untrustful and thieves. Stay away from them.

THIS SCHOOL IS PERFECT FOR ME – To begin, I'd like to thank SCEI and my professor (JANAN) for all of the learning and exciting experiences I've had since day one. The professionalism and expertise of each stakeholder provide me with the standard that I seek. I'd like to continue my studies and earn my advanced diploma at the same school, SCEI. quickly and effectively Show reply

worst – If i could rate them 0 stars i would. They only care about money they don’t care about their students. Probably the most cold hearted people i’ve ever met, from studying with them for some time i’ve noticed most of their staff usually ones with good morals quit shortly after. They will find ways to charge you for anything and will threaten to… Read more

contact immigration for anything. Their policies are ridiculous and corrupt. The accounts department is worst. Almost every student whose studied with them will say the same. If your an international student looking for somewhere to study please look elsewhere find somewhere with good quality education and decent people.

Beware !! – Do your research before enrolling into this school, this is the worst I have ever encountered ! I had enrolled my niece here and for the ricdiculass amount of money that was laid out for school fees I feel she was not getting her moneys worth. Their seems to be very little learning going on, she actually spent more time at home and what she did… Read more

at the school. But the school was quick at harrassing us for the fees espicially over weekends when they weren't even due yet ! So Wrong !! It's all about the Money !!

Worst ever – I don't recommend this institution. Staffs are rude and processing of refunds takes too long but when they are asking for the tuition fee payment, they are always 3 days advance and require you penalty if you don't pay on time. So convenient for them, but when doing student refund, they process more than a month. Worst experience studying in this school

This is a Perfect college for Nursing and the Tutors and all staff helping everyone – I love this college and the staff always helps to everyone and also under The situation personally mine during pregnancy they helped me to cope up with the study and baby

Rude staff – Do not go there, worst teaching and staff in Melbourne. Rude staff and unlawfully refused to give my certificate because they believed i own them money! Threaten you by phone call and email and when you ask a formal email for legal help, then they ignored the email and never reply back.

Worst Institution I Have Ever Gone To – Don't even think of studying here. Worst management. They only think of money. They are very rude and don't care about student welfare. Worst Institute ever. Pathetic!!!Don't ever think of studying here. they will start sending threatening messages of tuition fee weeks before your due date. Phone calls will be flooding your phone. This Institute can send you into depression and they won't care. Accounts people are rude.

Horrendously selfish and unorganised. Do not go here – The monthly instalments in course fees and short contact hours were very attractive to me when I applied to study here. Also, some staff members including the lady who helped me sign up and the trainers were wonderful. However the management is incredibly disorganised and rude. They are selfish and money hungry - they do not care about you at all.… Read more

We were recently reviewed by a higher authoritative body and discovered our course was not delivered correctly. Whoever wrote up the assessment tasks did not do so properly and was not compliant with the requirements. This resulted in many students having their courses become invalid until they returned to complete extra work and an extra staggering, unnecessary 120 hours of work placement. Students still completing their classroom theory time had to compromise on the current tasks and became very stressed as a result of being so time poor. The notice was given out with very short notice and only a couple of days to choose from - with no apology or compensation offered. Students were forced to sacrifice family time, course time, work time and placement time because the school was not competent in delivering the course. Imagine if you had already left the country then found out the thousands of dollars and months you spent here were for nothing because the institute could not do their job? When the issue was brought up and many students filed complaints, only one interview was offered and management simply recited sentences rather than listened to the complaints and offering solutions. And still - no apology. Currently researching any way some repercussions can come of this. Do not study here - you qualification may be invalid.

THE WORST UNIVERSITY, don't study here – Southern Cross University is like a shonky used car salesman. It's all about the money and they don't care about their students once the deal is done. They could not care less. I enrolled in this institution and whilst I advised in writing prior to the cut off date that I was unwell and had chosen to drop out they charged the fee anyway. They… Read more

would not accept my request to drop out, even prior to the cut off. They do not return emails or calls and I would not wish this uni on anybody. Zero stars.

Worst college in the entire universe!! Do not go here! – First of all. If I could give them 0 stars, I would. Staff cannot speak English and are extremely unhelpful. There is NO communication in the college between staff. Staff are RUDE. The college does not care about their students whatsoever. All they want is your money.Do not come here. I repeat. Do not come here.

Worst school ever. It’s a scam! – Admin staff- The receptionist in Melbourne campus is very rude. Finance staff - they will call you non stop 3 DAYS BEFORE YOUR PAYMENT DUE to remind you of your payment. And took a long time to refund my money when I cancelled my enrolment with them!

Worst school ever – Do not go. Unprofessional, unhelpful staff. Very rude admin staff. your class can be canceled without any notice. School location once changed without any notice during my study period. Reception seldom answer the phone. No communication between staff, so you get all different confusing information from different staff. DO NOT GO if you… Read more

like to learn or want to have good experience.

My experience in this school was nothing but frustration and disappointment.

Waste of my money and most importantly my time.

The worst education institution in the world – Campus/building- 6/10. A lot of things to be improved and must be done to be considered at a tertiary school level. Teaching staff- 1/10. Some of the teaching staff were great. Fast return of feedback. However, the other staff were terrible. They treat their students (99.9% international students) stupid. One of the female teachers is the most… Read more

incompetent instructor I have ever had. She has no system about feedback. She answers her phone calls mid class, she arrogant and will personalised things. She disgusts me! She always thinks she's on top of everyone.

Finance staff- 1/10. Worst people to deal with. They won't stop until you tell them in their faces that you have paid your monthly dues already. GREEDY and INCOMPETENT.

Management- 1/10. The most one-sided people in the institution. They will cover up the lapses of their teaching staff. One of the high ranking guys will keep telling you that you're an international student has little to nothing rights in this country. (He should understand what we will feel, as he was once an international student too.) He shuts down people who will go against the nasty practices of theirs. WORST WORST WORST people.

If you want a quality education, go elsewhere. Not here! Reiterate to your agents not to put you in this institution. In fact, they should be out on review.

Worst Workplace in Australia – The institute is enrolling nursing students into Diploma of Nursing without VETassess with a terrible level of spoken and written English or numeracy skills. The students are all international students who are not wanting to pursue nursing as a career but doing the Diploma to get PR in Australia. The new diploma in nursing and old diploma in… Read more

nursing teaching materials are identical which is a breach as per ANMACs policy, the practical labs are unsafe, no OHS is maintained, the timetable is backdated to show a false document to ANMAC for labs that were never conducted. The nurse educator [name removed] is signing off students without doing the actual competency! putting students and patients at risk. Students are sent out on placements without any prior practice and hence many organisations have cancelled their placements including Regis Nursing Homes. Students are treated like a cash making machine, no resources are provided, and all the assessments are paper based and hand written and hand marked. The employees are expected to teach a class of 70 students in a diploma in nursing, no practical labs are held and all compliance documents are falsified by [name removed] to keep the business running. From HR's perspective employees are not paid their wages on time either. Extremely unprofessional, pathetic place to study and work, if you don't want to ruin your future then steer clear of this place.