Overview

The Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a dynamic institution famed for its teaching quality and research, fast-growing national and international presence, and mission to empower students with the skills to positively impact the world.

　　The university is in the top two per cent of universities in the world (THE World University Rankings 2022) and is considered a top 50 young university (THE Young University Rankings 2023).

　　With seven campuses across Australia including Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, and an international campus in Rome, Italy, ACU places its students at the centre of a vibrant network of scholars, partnerships and opportunities.

　　Students at ACU grow in a supportive environment which combines the theory of learning with the practice aspects of work. ACU is actively engaged with industry partners to give students plenty of opportunities for professional placements, work experience and meaningful community service.

　　ACU is committed to preparing students for life after university and this is highly regarded by students, who rate the university five stars for its learner engagement, skills development and starting salary (Good Universities Guide 2023).

　　When evaluated by the latest Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), ACU ranked first or equal first for ten fields of research in Australia.

　　The university has been ranked first in Australia, and second globally, for its ongoing efforts to promote healthy living and wellbeing through world-class research and teaching (THE 2023 Impact Rankings). ACU is committed to fostering thriving communities, supportive campus environments and a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Its multicultural campuses reflect a diverse student community and offer various extracurricular activities, providing students with a holistic and impactful higher education experience.

　　

What's new

Melbourne Campus Development

Classes are now underway for students at ACU's new AUD 226 million Saint Teresa of Kolkata building on the Melbourne campus. The new facilities bring 18,344 square metres of new sustainable state-of-the-art teaching and learning space, upgraded student amenities, green spaces and a rooftop multi-sports court across 13 levels. The new building is 40 percent more energy efficient than a similar sized building made to minimum standards and has a high indoor environment quality achieved through the use of more than 2,000 live plants, as well as paint, flooring and furniture with minimal volatile organic compounds.

　　

Additional intake (Semester 2 - July) for B Nursing at ACU Blacktown (Sydney) campus

From July 2023, ACU's popular Bachelor of Nursing programme will now have an additional intake for new students in Semester 2 (July) at the Blacktown campus. Located in the heart of western Sydney, the campus offers a range of pathways, undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Students at the Blacktown campus benefit from ACU's ties with local partner organisations, which provide opportunities to engage in work-integrated learning through internships and practical placements.

　　

THE Impact Rankings

ACU is among the top 200 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023. The rankings measure the impact of the university on society, in line with its success in meeting the UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs). Most notably, the University has been ranked first in Australia, and second globally, for its ongoing efforts to promote healthy living and wellbeing through world-class research and teaching (THE 2023 Impact Rankings).

　　

Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) Subject Rankings

ACU was noted for the following subjects in the ARWU Subject Rankings 2023:

　　Nursing: 6th in Australia 14th worldwide Education: 4th in Australia 50th worldwide Psychology: Top 150 worldwide Law: Top 300 worldwide

　　

ACU faculties

The Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers various courses across its four faculties:

　　

Faculty of Education and Arts

ACU's Faculty of Education and Arts includes the National School of Arts & Humanities and the National School of Education. The faculty is an important producer of new teachers in Australia and attracts students who seek to tackle complex issues in fields such as education, teaching, international development, media, communications and design.

　　

Faculty of Health Sciences

The Faculty of Health Sciences is a leading producer of nurses in Australia. Comprised of three schools - Allied Health, Behavioural and Health Sciences, and Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine – the faculty focuses on excellence, innovation and community impact, and is committed to improving the lives of others by providing world-leading healthcare. Study areas available include Allied Health, Nursing, Nutrition, Biomedical Science, Psychology, Public Health and Sport/Exercise Science.

　　

Faculty of Law and Business

In the Faculty of Law and Business, students build knowledge and skills on a foundation that emphasises the ethical, social, and environmental duties of the modern business leader and lawyer. Most importantly, students learn through doing – all our courses have a strong practical component through community engagement, pro bono work and internships. The faculty delivers courses including accounting, finance, commerce, data analytics, HR, management, information technology, human resources, law, and marketing.

　　

Faculty of Theology and Philosophy

The Faculty of Theology and Philosophy ranks globally for divinity and religious studies, as well as theology. Students learn to combine new skills with a sense of ethics and a thirst for truth and knowledge. The faculty is home to the School of Theology and School of Philosophy and provides professional consulting services to various Catholic organisations.

　　

Pathways to ACU

ACU offers a range of pathways to undergraduate study.

　　

Foundation studies

The Foundation Studies Program provides a pathway to ACU undergraduate degrees for international students who wish to study at university but do not have a recognised Year 12 qualification. Students study on campus and are immersed in the distinctive culture of the university throughout the course. Foundation students will become familiar with ACU facilities, resources and systems and with the academic expectations and assessment models used in undergraduate degrees at ACU.

　　

Tertiary preparation program

This course is for international students who want to pursue academic studies in the health sciences. Students will be given the opportunity to develop effective English language communication skills and relevant content knowledge that are needed by health practitioners.

　　Emphasis will be placed on working independently and as a team member, self-directed study, and building confidence. Students will also receive support and specific preparation for external English language proficiency tests.

　　

Diploma programs

These courses focus on developing the knowledge and academic skills required for a specific discipline. Students learn the same concepts as a first-year undergraduate degree, with lower entry requirements, and added academic support to facilitate active learning and confidence. By completing a diploma, students gain a direct pathway to the second year of their associated bachelor's degree at ACU or exit with the Diploma as a standalone qualification.

　　

ELICOS

ACU's English language courses are delivered through the ACU English Language Centre. The courses assist students on the path to an ACU degree, prepare them to speak English in the workplace, and help them succeed in their IELTS exams.

　　Courses include:

　　English for Academic Purposes General English English for the Workplace IELTS Test Preparation IELTS Writing Focus IELTS Online

　　

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

For most undergraduate courses, students must have the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate to gain direct entry, from a recognised high school qualification.

　　To gain admission to one of our postgraduate degrees, students must hold the equivalent of an Australian bachelor's degree from a recognised university or institution with a pass average.

　　Individual courses may also have additional specific requirements.

　　

English language proficiency requirements

All courses and assessments offered at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) are delivered in English. It is mandatory for students to demonstrate their English language proficiency to the university to make the most of their studies.

　　If English is a student's first language, they must have completed their last year of Australian schooling (Year 12) or an alternative equivalent qualification.

　　If English is not a student's first language, they will need to demonstrate their proficiency with evidence, such as a recent assessment, qualification or test. This assessment, qualification or test result must have been completed within two years prior to the commencement of studies at ACU.

　　Students who wish to apply to ACU can undertake the following English language proficiency assessments:

　　ACU English test International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Pearson Test of English (PTE) Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

What to do if you do not meet the requirements

If a student's level of assessed English does not meet the minimum score for their chosen course, they can study an English language course at ACU's English Language Centre to improve their skills.

　　

How to apply

Students can apply to study at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) by:

　　Using ACU's online application system Contacting an authorised education agent in their country Apply in-person at the Global Education Pathways office at our Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney campusesStudents can also contact the international student support team with any queries in regards to submitting an application.

　　

Certified documents

Students must gather certified copies of all necessary documents for their application. These documents include:

　　Evidence of English language proficiency Passport Academic qualifications (completion certificates and transcripts) Any other document which supports a student's application, including evidence of professional registration, work experience, as well as reference letters which are relevant to their coursesCertified copies are photocopies of the original documents that have been verified as true copies.

　　

Scholarships and funding

There are a range of scholarships on offer for international students at the Australian Catholic University (ACU). Some popular international student scholarships include the following:

　　

ACU International Student Scholarship

ACU International Student Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate and postgraduate international students who begin their education at the university and have demonstrated excellent academic merit in their previous studies. Applicants who are successful will receive a tuition fee waiver of 50 per cent of the full-time fees for the minimum duration of their course (inclusive of RPL/Credit).

　　

Global Excellence Scholarship

The Peter Faber Business School is global in its outlook and pursues academic excellence and sustainability. It will be awarding scholarships worth up to AUD $5,000 (a tuition waiver of up to AUD 2,500 per semester) to commencing undergraduate and postgraduate students of business and information technology programmes.

　　Students can visit the university website to view more of the scholarships on offer.