Australian Catholic University

ACU is a public university in Australia, established in 1991 through the merger of four Catholic tertiary institutions. Despite being one of Australia's younger universities, it has grown rapidly and now hosts over 32,000 students, including thousands of international students from around 160 countries.

Why Choose ACU? (For International Students)

Here’s why many international students choose ACU:

• Global reputation: Ranked among the top 500 universities globally, among the top 30 in Australia.

• High employability: About 95% of graduates are employed within six months of graduation.

• Inclusive, multicultural community: Over 1,500 international students across campuses.

• World-class support: Extensive orientation, visa help, language support, and student services.

• Hands-on experience: Strong industry links and internships embedded in many degree programs.

• Flexible learning: Wide selection of course modes (onsite, blended, online).

Campus Locations

ACU operates seven campuses in Australia and one overseas:

• Australia: Melbourne, Sydney (North Sydney, Strathfield, Blacktown), Brisbane, Canberra, Ballarat.

• International: Campus in Rome, Italy for specialized programs.

Each location offers not only academic resources but also accommodation, career centres, clubs, and student services.

Study Levels and Courses Offered

ACU offers a range of study levels to suit international students, including:

• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s)

• Postgraduate Coursework (Master’s, Graduate Certificates/Diplomas)

• Postgraduate Research Degrees (MPhil, PhD)

• Online programs (via ACU Online)

Program Highlights:

• Over 160 undergraduate programs

• More than 60 postgraduate coursework programs

• Research areas in Education, Health, Theology, Law, Arts, and Business

Modes of Learning

ACU offers a flexible learning model:

• On-Campus (In Person): Traditional classroom learning with face-to-face interaction and access to facilities

• Blended/Hybrid: Combination of on-campus and online components for flexibility

• Fully Online: Study from anywhere — ideal for students unable to relocate

• Additionally, many courses follow a semester-based system with four terms per year, offering flexible start dates.

Number of Programs Offered

• Undergraduate courses: 160+

• Postgraduate programs: 60+

• Professional and research pathways available across diverse faculties.

Highlights & Key Features

• Graduate employability: ~95% employment rate in first year post-graduation.

• Community engagement: First Australian recipient of Carnegie Community Engagement Classification.

• Strong global partnerships: Over 200 exchange and study-abroad partners.

• Humanities & Health leadership: Recognised nationally for education and health programs.

• Social mission: Emphasizes ethics, social justice and social responsibility.

Bonus Tips for International Students

• Use ACU’s “Gateway to ACU” transition program to prepare for life in Australia.

• Check the English language requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.5+, PTE 58+, TOEFL iBT 80+ for most programs).

• Housing options include ACU residences, private rentals, and homestays — book early.

• Ensure you apply before key deadlines (commonly late November – March for first semester).

Scholarship

1. Executive Dean’s International Scholarship (Merit-based)

• Benefit: Up to 20% tuition fee reduction per year for the minimum duration of the course.

• Eligibility:

  • International students commencing undergraduate or postgraduate coursework in 2026.

  • Demonstrated outstanding academic merit in previous studies.

• Special Note: Continuous enrolment is required to keep the scholarship active.

• Disciplines Available: Education, Arts, Law, Business, and health-related courses (except Nursing and Occupational Therapy)

2. International Launch Scholarship (Equity-focused)

• Benefit: 20% tuition fee reduction for the entire course.

• Eligibility:

  • Open to future or commencing international students.

  • Must enrol in new programs such as Bachelor of Computer Science or Bachelor of Computer Science / Master of Data Science starting in 2026.

• Special Focus: Designed for innovative programs and supports students entering cutting-edge technology and computer science fields.

3. Flourishing Lives International Scholarship (Regional Equity)

• Benefit: Full tuition fee reduction (20% tuition fee reduction for standard duration).

• Eligibility:

  • Must be a citizen of Pacific Islands, Timor-Leste, or Latin America, or affiliated with a mission-aligned institution/sponsor.

• Goal: Increase access for students coming from developing countries.

4. Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship (Research)

• Benefit: 100% tuition fee waiver for the entire doctoral program. Includes a stipend, health cover, and relocation assistance.

• Eligibility:

  • International students applying for PhD or Doctor of Ministry programs.

  • Must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and secure supervisor support.

• Deadline: Applications close 1 October 2025.

5. Global Excellence Scholarship

• Benefit: Up to AUD $20,000 tuition fee reduction (no application required).

• Eligibility:

  • Open to international students commencing business or IT programs at ACU.

  • Merit-based selection.

• Application Window: Usually opens in October annually.

6. International Student Scholarship

• Benefit: 50% tuition fee waiver for the minimum duration of a course. Limited to 20 awards per year.

• Eligibility:

  • Must have an offer for an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program at ACU.

  • Minimum GPA of 80% (on the ACU 7-point scale, ~5.8).

  • Full-time enrolment required.

• Ongoing Obligations:

  • Maintain GPA of 4.75 each semester.

  • Fulfil ambassadorial duties (promotion, events, etc.).

• Important Note: Students must not be holding other ACU scholarships.

Accommodation & Access Scholarships

To ease living expenses, ACU also offers scholarships that cover housing and relocation, such as:

• International Student Accommodation Scholarship – 20% reduction in rental fees in on-campus housing.

• Relocation Scholarship – Up to AUD $5,000 to help students relocate for studies.

• Executive Athlete & Performer Accommodation Scholarship – Accommodation support for elite athletes and performers.

Research & Postgraduate Grant Authorities

• Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend – Fully or partially funded doctoral and research master’s students.

• Tuition Fee Scholarship (Research) – Covers the full tuition fees for research degrees (commonly for qualified international PhD students).

Eligibility Criteria (Common Requirements)

Most International Scholarships at ACU share the following conditions:

• Must hold a valid international student visa.

• Have offer of admission to an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework/research degree.

• Merit-based awards require strong academic results (usually 80%+).

• Must maintain GPA requirements throughout studies.

• Demonstrated commitment to community, leadership, or social justice is encouraged (for some equity scholarships).

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Apply for Admission – Secure an offer letter from ACU.

2. Check Eligibility – Make sure you meet GPA, nationality, program, and enrolment requirements.

3. Complete Scholarship Application:

   • Required documents: Academic transcripts, passport, offer letter, CV, statement of purpose, and language proficiency test scores (if needed).

4. Meet Deadlines – Scholarship deadlines differ yearly (e.g., International Student Scholarship usually runs in April).

5. Ongoing Requirements – Maintain GPA and participate in ambassadorial or community activities as required.

Why ACU is a Good Choice for International Students

• Diverse Scholarships: Wide variety for undergraduates, postgraduates, and research students.

• Global Reach: Scholarships aimed at students from Latin America, Pacific nations, Timor-Leste, and developing countries.

• Strong Reputation: ACU is ranked in the top 10 Catholic universities globally and 1st in Australia for research quality.

• Supportive Environment: Focus on social justice and community engagement makes it ideal for students wanting a mission-driven education.