Frequently Asked Questions

A term is a teaching period at university. At THSA, the academic year is divided into six teaching terms, allowing students to focus on fewer subjects at a time.

The Southern Cross Model is Southern Cross University’s flexible study structure used at THSA. It includes six-week terms, fewer units per term, and practical assessments instead of traditional exams, designed to reduce stress and support real-world learning. Learn more about The SCU Model here.

Academic Dates, including teaching periods, census dates and key deadlines, are published by Southern Cross University.

You can view the most up-to-date Academic Dates on the Southern Cross University Academic Calendar .

Timetables are usually released before the start of each term, once class schedules are finalised. This allows you time to plan around work and other commitments.

A typical timetable includes a mix of on-campus tutorials and online workshops, with many students attending classes two to three days per week, depending on their study load. This structure means you’ll often have days with no scheduled classes, giving you flexibility to work, complete independent study, or manage personal commitments. Read more about our timetables in our blog here.

This depends on your student status.

Domestic students

You can choose how many units to study each term. Studying part-time or taking a break may extend your overall course duration.

International students

International students studying undergraduate or postgraduate courses must complete eight units per year and maintain a full-time study load in line with student visa requirements. Studying across all three sessions is strongly recommended.

Domestic students may choose to study part-time.

International students are required to maintain a full-time study load in line with student visa conditions.

Assessments at THSA are practical and industry-focused, designed to reflect real-world hospitality and tourism scenarios. Depending on the unit, assessment types may include essays, quizzes, presentations, group projects and practical assessments, rather than traditional exams. At the start of each term, you’ll receive a Unit Information Guide (UIG) outlining assessment tasks, weekly topics and expectations.

THSA does not use traditional exams. Students complete industry-relevant, real-world assessments designed to reflect how hospitality, events and tourism actually operate. These may include practical projects, presentations, group work and applied tasks that build skills you’ll use in your career.

Many students choose THSA because they prefer a more applied and industry-focused university experience. If you enjoy learning that connects theory with real-world practice, this style of study may be a good fit.

Yes. Many students work while studying at THSA. Our study structure is designed to support a balance between work and university, with shorter teaching terms and focused classes that can fit around professional commitments. We recommend planning your workload carefully to ensure employment does not impact your academic progress.

International students may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, in line with visa conditions. Work rights can change, so students should check the Department of Home Affairs website or their individual visa conditions for the most up-to-date information.

Students have access to academic and student support throughout their degree. This includes help with enrolment, timetables, study expectations and general guidance. Our teams are here to support you at every stage of your studies.

If you’re unsure who to contact, our team can help connect you with the right support service, whether your question relates to enrolment, study or general student wellbeing.

No. You do not need prior hospitality or hotel experience. Many students begin their degree without industry experience and build skills and confidence as they progress through their studies.

A hospitality or hotel management degree can lead to a wide range of careers across hotels, tourism, events, food and beverage, and hospitality business management in Australia and internationally. Our graduates work with leading hospitality and tourism organisations, including international hotel brands, luxury resorts, event companies, tourism operators and global hospitality groups, both in Australia and globally.

Industry engagement is a key part of studying at THSA. Through the Professional Learning Centre (PLC), students can access career readiness support, industry insights and opportunities to connect with hospitality and tourism organisations. Internship opportunities vary by course and eligibility.

All undergraduate programs at The Hotel School Australia are available as Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) for eligible domestic students. This means part of your tuition fees is subsidised by the Australian Government, and you may be able to defer your student contribution through HECS-HELP.

Postgraduate programs are not CSP-eligible, but eligible domestic students may be able to access FEE-HELP.

Visit our Fees and Financing page for more information.

Your tuition fees are due by the census date, which falls on Monday of Week 4 of each teaching term. Any outstanding fees must be finalised by this date.

The census date is the deadline after which your enrolment becomes financially final. If you remain enrolled after this date, you may be required to pay tuition fees or have them deferred through HELP (where eligible).

No. You only need to apply for FEE-HELP once. As long as you remain enrolled and continue to meet eligibility requirements, your HELP arrangement will carry across future terms.

Yes. We welcome international students into our programs. Applicants must meet entry requirements and study full-time in line with Australian student visa conditions.

The cost of studying in Australia includes tuition fees as well as living expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, health insurance and personal costs.

Tuition fees vary depending on your course and level of study. For the most up-to-date tuition fee information, visit the Southern Cross University fees page.

Living costs can vary based on your location and lifestyle. To help with planning and budgeting, we recommend using Study Australia’s Cost of Living Calculator, which provides an estimate of average living expenses for international students.

Scholarship availability can change and may be limited. We recommend checking the scholarships page regularly for current opportunities and application details. Our team can also provide general guidance during the application process.