Australian Catholic University (ACU) Scholarships

Australian Catholic University (ACU) Admissions 2027: Courses, Scholarships and How to Apply

Explore Australian Catholic University admissions for 2027, including courses, scholarships, tuition fees, eligibility, required documents and how to apply.

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university in Australia offering undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes across a range of academic disciplines. It provides international students with opportunities to study in areas such as nursing, health sciences, education, business, information technology, psychology, social sciences and arts.

For students planning to study in Australia in 2027, ACU is worth considering because of its range of academic programmes, student support services and international scholarship opportunities. Depending on the programme and eligibility criteria, students may qualify for tuition-fee reductions, merit-based scholarships or accommodation support.

This guide explains ACU’s academic options, scholarship opportunities, admission requirements, estimated expenses, required documents and application process for international students.

University Overview

Feature	Details
University name	Australian Catholic University (ACU)
Location	Australia
University type	Public university
Study levels	Undergraduate, postgraduate and research
Study options	Bachelor’s, master’s, research degrees, diplomas and pathway programmes
International applicants	Accepted for eligible programmes
Scholarships	Merit-based and programme-specific awards
Main campuses	Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney and Strathfield
Additional locations	Blacktown and Rome, among other university locations and centres

ACU has an international student information service covering courses, admissions, tuition fees, scholarships, accommodation and student visas. Applicants should use the individual course page to confirm whether their chosen programme is available to international students and whether it has additional requirements.

Why Study at Australian Catholic University?

Wide range of academic programmes: ACU offers courses across health, education, business, information technology, arts, psychology, social sciences and research.

Multiple campus locations: Students can explore eligible courses at different Australian campuses and select a location that suits their academic and personal needs.

Student support: The university provides services such as academic skills development, career support, counselling, student advocacy and wellbeing assistance.

Practical learning: Depending on the course, students may have access to placements, practical activities, research and opportunities to engage with professional environments.

International student services: ACU provides guidance on admission, arrival arrangements, accommodation, health requirements and other aspects of studying in Australia.

Scholarship opportunities: Eligible international students can explore awards that reduce tuition fees or help with particular expenses, depending on the scholarship’s terms.

Degree Levels and Popular Fields of Study

ACU offers different qualification levels. Available programmes, entry requirements and duration depend on the course.

Study level	Examples of study areas
Undergraduate	Nursing, business, education, information technology, psychology and arts
Postgraduate coursework	Business, health sciences, education, psychology, social work and information technology
Research degrees	Higher degree research opportunities in eligible disciplines
Diplomas and pathways	Selected preparatory, pathway and diploma programmes
Short courses	Selected professional and individual-unit study options

Popular fields for international applicants include:

• Nursing and health sciences
• Public health and allied health
• Education and teaching
• Business, accounting and management
• Information technology and computing
• Psychology and counselling
• Social work and social sciences
• Arts and humanities
• Research in eligible disciplines

Not every course is offered at every campus. Check the official course catalogue for the programme’s availability, teaching location, duration, accreditation and international admission requirements.

ACU Scholarships for International Students 2027

ACU offers a range of scholarships for international students. Some recognise academic merit, while others target particular nationalities, study areas, programmes or circumstances.

Scholarship availability and conditions can change. Applicants should read the individual award terms before applying.

Key Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship	Published benefit or purpose
ACU Executive Dean’s International Scholarship	Up to 20% off annual tuition fees for eligible high-achieving international students
ACU Global Horizons International Scholarship	Up to 25% tuition-fee reduction for eligible international students commencing selected programmes
ACU Health Sciences Towards Brisbane 2032 Scholarship	15% off annual tuition fees for eligible commencing international students at the Brisbane campus in relevant programmes
ACU Flourishing Lives International Scholarship	20% tuition-fee reduction for eligible students from specified regions, including the Pacific Islands and Timor-Leste
ACU International Student Accommodation Scholarship	20% reduction in rent at eligible ACU Student Accommodation properties for a 12-month period
ACU Early Accept International Grant	Tuition-fee grant for eligible commencing international students in selected programmes

These scholarships have different eligibility rules. For example, the Flourishing Lives International Scholarship is restricted by country or region, while the Brisbane 2032 scholarship is tied to eligible programmes at the Brisbane campus.

The accommodation scholarship is different from a tuition-fee scholarship: it reduces eligible ACU accommodation rent rather than the academic tuition fee.

Are ACU Scholarships Fully Funded?

Most of the listed international awards are partial scholarships, not fully funded scholarships.

A tuition-fee reduction can lower the cost of a degree, but it does not automatically cover accommodation, food, flights, health cover, visa expenses or personal costs. Applicants should calculate their remaining tuition fees and living expenses before accepting an offer.

Scholarship recipients must also comply with the award’s terms and any ongoing academic or enrolment conditions.

Official scholarship information: https://www.acu.edu.au/international-students/scholarships2027

Tuition Fees at ACU

International tuition fees vary by course, study level, campus and academic year. ACU publishes course-specific fees in Australian dollars, and the advertised amount generally relates to the relevant study load.

Before applying, check the tuition fee for your exact programme and intake. Your total cost may change if you take a different study load, extend your course or incur additional course-related expenses.

Cost item	What applicants should check
Tuition fees	Annual or per-unit cost for the selected programme
Student services fees	Any applicable student services and amenities charges
Course materials	Textbooks, equipment, software or specialist supplies
Health cover	Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and other applicable insurance costs
Accommodation	University accommodation or private rental costs
Transport	Local travel and commuting expenses
Visa and travel	Student visa application and flights
Personal expenses	Food, phone, clothing and everyday living costs

Official fee information: https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/fees-and-scholarships/

Hidden Costs and Living Expenses

Studying in Australia requires more than tuition fees. Students should plan for housing, food, transport, health cover and other daily expenses.

Expense	Details
Accommodation	Rent, bond or security deposit, and utilities where applicable
Food and groceries	Daily meals and household supplies
Transport	Public transport, cycling or commuting to campus
Overseas Student Health Cover	Health insurance required for most international student visa holders
Student visa	Applicable application and related charges
Flights	Travel to Australia and return travel
Study materials	Books, equipment, printing and software
Phone and internet	Mobile service and connectivity
Personal expenses	Clothing, recreation and other everyday needs

Costs vary considerably between cities and individual living arrangements. Students should consult ACU’s living-cost guidance and Australia’s official student visa information before finalising their budget.

Do not assume that a scholarship will cover these costs unless the individual award explicitly says so.

Eligibility Criteria for International Admission

Admission requirements depend on the programme and the applicant’s previous education. In general, international applicants should be prepared to demonstrate the following:

• Completion of the academic qualification required for the chosen course.
• Academic results that meet ACU’s entry requirements.
• English-language proficiency at the level required by the programme.
• Required prerequisite subjects, where applicable.
• Any professional registration, placement or experience requirements relevant to the course.
• Submission of all required documents in the correct format.
• Compliance with the university’s international admission conditions.

Health-related courses may have additional requirements, such as clinical placement checks, immunisation records or other professional compliance obligations. Applicants should review these requirements before applying.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission or a scholarship.

Required Documents

Prepare the documents required for your chosen course. The following checklist is a general guide; additional documents may be requested depending on the degree and your educational background.

Checklist	Document
☐	Completed online application
☐	Passport or other accepted identification
☐	Academic transcripts
☐	Degree certificates or school-leaving certificates
☐	English-language test results, if required
☐	CV or résumé, where required
☐	Personal statement or other supporting statement, if requested
☐	Course-specific documents or prerequisite evidence
☐	Portfolio, where required for the selected programme
☐	Professional registration or work-experience evidence, where applicable
☐	Certified translations for documents not issued in English, where required
☐	Additional documents requested by ACU

Research applicants may need a research proposal, evidence of research experience and confirmation of a suitable supervisor, depending on the research degree.

Applicants should follow the current document instructions for their chosen programme rather than submitting unnecessary documents.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step	What to do
Step 1: Choose a course	Search ACU’s official course catalogue and select a programme that matches your qualifications and career plans.
Step 2: Confirm campus and intake	Check where the course is taught and whether applications are open for your preferred intake.
Step 3: Review entry requirements	Confirm academic prerequisites, English-language requirements and any course-specific conditions.
Step 4: Calculate tuition and living costs	Check the programme fee and budget for accommodation, food, health cover, travel and other expenses.
Step 5: Explore scholarships	Review the scholarship database and identify awards for which you may qualify.
Step 6: Prepare documents	Collect transcripts, certificates, English test results and other required evidence.
Step 7: Submit your application	Follow the application instructions on ACU’s official international student website or the relevant course page.
Step 8: Complete scholarship requirements	Some scholarships require a separate application, while others assess eligible applicants automatically. Follow the specific award instructions.
Step 9: Respond to an offer	If accepted, review your offer conditions, fees, payment instructions and deadlines.
Step 10: Prepare for arrival	Arrange your student visa, health cover, accommodation and travel after meeting the relevant requirements.

Application Timeline for 2027

ACU offers multiple intakes and courses, so there is no single application deadline for every international student.

The timing of admission and scholarship applications depends on the programme, intake and individual award. Applicants planning to start in 2027 should:

• Check whether their selected programme accepts applications for the intended intake.
• Review the course page for the application closing date.
• Check scholarship opening and closing dates separately.
• Allow sufficient time for English tests, document verification and visa processing.
• Avoid booking non-refundable travel before receiving the necessary confirmation.

ACU’s scholarship database provides individual award details and application dates. The university states that scholarship applications for Semester 1 generally open on 1 August in the preceding year and close on 1 March, while Semester 2 applications generally open on 1 June and close on 31 July. These general dates do not apply to every scholarship, so check the individual listing.

Scholarship database: https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/fees-and-scholarships/find-a-scholarship

How Are Scholarship Applicants Selected?

Selection criteria depend on the award.

Academic merit: Some scholarships consider previous academic results and overall academic performance.

Programme eligibility: Certain awards are restricted to students enrolled in selected courses or campuses.

Nationality or region: Some scholarships are available only to applicants from specified countries or regions.

Commencing student status: Certain awards target new international students beginning an eligible programme.

Specific award requirements: Applicants may need to meet additional conditions stated in the scholarship rules.

An applicant may be eligible for more than one scholarship, but awards may have restrictions on combining benefits. Always read the terms of the specific scholarship before assuming that two awards can be held together.

Accommodation and Student Life

ACU provides information about accommodation options and student services to help students prepare for university life. Available arrangements depend on the campus and the student’s needs.

Students should investigate housing early, especially if they plan to study in a major city. Compare rent, transport access, utilities, lease conditions and distance from campus before making a decision.

The university also provides student support services, learning facilities, libraries, wellbeing resources and opportunities to join clubs and student activities. The availability of particular facilities and services varies by campus.

Part-Time Work in Australia

International students may be able to work while studying, subject to the conditions of their student visa.

Work rights, permitted hours and other conditions can change, so students should check the current rules published by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Part-time work can help with some expenses, but it should not be treated as guaranteed funding for tuition or living costs. Students need to maintain satisfactory academic progress and comply with their visa conditions.

Student Visa Requirements

Most international students undertaking eligible full-time study in Australia need an appropriate student visa.

Before applying, review the official Australian student visa requirements. Depending on your circumstances, you may need an offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), evidence of English proficiency, health insurance and evidence that you meet the applicable financial and other visa requirements.

Students should also arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the period required under their visa conditions.

Visa decisions are made by the Australian government, not by the university. Admission to ACU does not automatically guarantee a visa.

Official visa information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/

Tips for International Applicants

• Choose a course based on your academic background and long-term career goals.
• Check campus availability and entry requirements before starting an application.
• Compare scholarship conditions carefully instead of focusing only on the advertised percentage.
• Prepare English test results and academic documents early.
• Calculate the remaining tuition fees after any scholarship discount.
• Plan for living costs, health cover and visa expenses separately.
• Use official ACU pages for current course fees, application dates and scholarship rules.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming every ACU scholarship is fully funded.
• Applying for a scholarship without checking its nationality or course restrictions.
• Confusing tuition-fee discounts with accommodation support.
• Missing the deadline for a specific course or award.
• Submitting incomplete academic documents.
• Underestimating living expenses in Australia.
• Relying on unofficial sources for visa rules or application dates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Australian Catholic University?

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university in Australia offering undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes across several disciplines.

2. Can international students apply to ACU?

Yes. International students can apply to eligible programmes if they meet the academic, English-language and other admission requirements.

3. Does ACU offer scholarships for 2027?

Yes. ACU publishes international student scholarship information for 2027, including merit-based awards and other scholarships for eligible applicants.

4. Are ACU scholarships fully funded?

Most of the highlighted international awards are tuition-fee discounts or targeted financial benefits. They do not automatically cover tuition, accommodation, travel and all living expenses.

5. What is the ACU Executive Dean’s International Scholarship?

It is a merit-based scholarship offering eligible international students up to 20% off annual tuition fees, subject to the scholarship’s terms.

6. What is the ACU Global Horizons International Scholarship?

It provides an advertised tuition-fee reduction of up to 25% for eligible international students commencing selected programmes. Applicants should check the current programme and country criteria.

7. Does ACU offer accommodation scholarships?

Yes. The ACU International Student Accommodation Scholarship provides a 20% reduction in rental fees at eligible ACU Student Accommodation properties for a 12-month period, subject to its conditions.

8. Which subjects can I study at ACU?

Study areas include nursing, health sciences, education, business, information technology, psychology, social sciences, arts and research. Available programmes depend on the campus and intake.

9. What English test do I need for admission?

Requirements vary by programme. Check ACU’s current English-language requirements for accepted tests, minimum scores and any exemptions.

10. How much are tuition fees at ACU?

Tuition fees vary by programme and study load. Check the individual course page and official international fee information for the applicable academic year.

11. Do I need a separate scholarship application?

Some scholarships require an application, while others assess eligible applicants automatically. Follow the instructions for each individual award.

12. Can I work while studying at ACU?

International students may be able to work subject to their visa conditions. Check the current Australian government rules before making employment plans.

13. Does ACU provide accommodation for all international students?

Accommodation options are available, but students should check availability, costs and eligibility for their campus. Housing is not automatically free or guaranteed.

14. Where can I find ACU’s official scholarship list?

Visit the official scholarship database: https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/fees-and-scholarships/find-a-scholarship

15. How can I apply to ACU?

Start by selecting a course on the official website, checking the entry requirements and following the international application instructions.

Conclusion

Australian Catholic University is an option for international students seeking undergraduate, postgraduate or research study in Australia. It offers programmes across health, education, business, information technology, psychology and other fields, along with support services and a range of scholarships.

ACU’s 2027 international scholarship opportunities include merit-based tuition discounts, programme-specific awards and accommodation support for eligible students. However, applicants should not assume that these awards cover all study and living expenses.

To prepare a strong application, select a suitable course, review the official admission requirements, organise your documents and confirm the conditions of any scholarship you plan to pursue. Check ACU’s official website for the latest fees, scholarship rules and deadlines before applying.