ACU
ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027 in Australia: Full Tuition Fee Coverage for Eligible ...
- Full tuition fee coverageFunding Type
- Undergraduate, Diploma, Foundation StudiesStudy Levels
- International students with refugee/asylum seeker visasTarget Group
- Applications open 2026-10-01Opening Date
- Deadline 2027-01-11Application Deadline
- Commencement Semester 1, 2027Study Start
At a glance
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Funding
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Max amount
Rolling
Deadline
All countries
Country
ACU
Provider
The ACU Refugee Scholarship is offered by the Australian Catholic University (ACU) to provide significant financial support for eligible international students from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds pursuing higher education in Australia. Established to promote educational equity, dignity, and opportunity, this scholarship addresses the barriers many such students face in accessing university education. It covers the full cost of tuition fees and Student Services and Amenities Fees for the duration of an approved course. This initiative by ACU helps talented students obtain university qualifications and develop essential knowledge and skills for meaningful community contributions. The scholarship is particularly beneficial for those admitted to ACU but facing financial challenges that might prevent them from starting or completing their studies. Recipients must meet ongoing academic, enrollment, and visa conditions to maintain their award. Applications for the 2027 intake open on October 1, 2026, with a deadline of January 11, 2027. The university offers around ~10 scholarships annually (est.) across various undergraduate and diploma programs. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Full Tuition Fees — The scholarship covers the entire cost of tuition fees for the approved course duration.
- Student Services and Amenities Fees — These compulsory fees, typically ~AUD 326 per year (est.), are fully covered by the scholarship.
- Living Expenses — Living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transport, are not covered. Applicants must secure external funding for these costs.
- Travel Expenses — Travel to and from Australia, or within Australia, is not included in the scholarship benefits.
- Stipend — The scholarship does not provide a separate stipend or allowance for personal expenses.
- Course-related costs — Specific course materials or other study-related costs beyond tuition are generally not covered.
How to apply
Applying for the ACU Refugee Scholarship involves several key steps, starting with securing an offer of admission to an eligible course at ACU and gathering the necessary supporting documentation.
- Secure ACU Course Offer — Apply to the Australian Catholic University as an international student (or through an appropriate Tertiary Admissions Centre for Australian Year 12 students) and receive an offer to commence an eligible undergraduate degree, diploma, or Foundation Studies course for Semester 1, 2027.
- Prepare Personal Statement — Write a personal statement of approximately 300 words explaining your chosen ACU degree and how it aligns with your long-term career goals.
- Obtain Recommendation Letter — Secure a recommendation letter from a supporting community organization or education partner that understands your circumstances and commits to assisting with living expenses.
- Gather Supporting Documents — Collect all required certified copies of identification and academic documents, including passport, visa, ImmiCard (if applicable), and details of your most recently completed education.
- Submit Application — Submit your complete application, including all prepared documents, through the official ACU scholarships portal or designated application method by the deadline.
Eligibility
Visa and Citizenship StatusMust hold an Australian Temporary Humanitarian Stay visa (Subclass 449), Temporary Protection visa (Subclass 785), Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (Subclass 786), Safe Haven Enterprise visa (Subclass 790), or a bridging visa while applying for a Permanent Protection visa (Subclass 866). Cannot be a permanent resident or citizen of Australia or New Zealand.
University AdmissionMust have received an offer to commence a new course at ACU as an international student in Semester 1, 2027.
Eligible CoursesThe scholarship supports any eligible ACU undergraduate degree, diploma, or Foundation Studies course.
Community SupportApplicants must have support from a community organization or education partner willing to provide a written recommendation and assist with identifying employment or additional funding for living expenses.
Study CommitmentExpected to study full-time; exemptions may be considered in special circumstances.
Recipients must maintain a minimum passing grade in at least 50% of credit points attempted each semester and remain enrolled full-time in the approved program. Any change in visa status must be reported immediately.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
Semester 1, 20272027-01-11
Selection
Applications are assessed based on the quality and relevance of the personal statement, the recommendation from the supporting organization, and any additional references. Preference may be given to recent senior high school graduates. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview with a selection panel. Final recipients are chosen by ACU Global Engagement, with a focus on applicants who clearly articulate their educational ambitions and career plans.
Verified sources
- ACU Refugee Scholarship Official Pageacu.edu.auofficial
About the provider
The Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university with seven campuses across Australia. Founded in 1991, ACU is committed to promoting educational access and equity, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, aligning with its Catholic intellectual tradition.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the ACU Refugee Scholarship?
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The ACU Refugee Scholarship is a program offered by the Australian Catholic University (ACU) that provides full tuition fee coverage and Student Services and Amenities Fees for eligible international students from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to study in Australia.
What does the ACU Refugee Scholarship cover?
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The scholarship covers the full tuition fees for the approved course duration and the Student Services and Amenities Fees. It does not cover living allowances, accommodation, travel, or a stipend.
What is the value of the ACU Refugee Scholarship?
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The scholarship's value is equivalent to the full tuition fees for an eligible ACU course and the Student Services and Amenities Fees. This can amount to ~AUD 20,000-35,000 per year (est.) depending on the chosen program.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
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Eligible applicants are international students holding specific Australian refugee or asylum seeker visas, who have an offer to study an eligible ACU course in Semester 1, 2027, and have support from a community organization.
Which countries are eligible for this scholarship?
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This scholarship is open to international students from all countries who meet the Australian visa status requirements for refugees or asylum seekers, as outlined in the eligibility criteria.
What degree levels does the scholarship support?
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The scholarship supports eligible undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and Foundation Studies courses offered at the Australian Catholic University.
When is the application deadline for the next cycle?
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The application deadline for the 2027 intake is January 11, 2027, at 11:59 PM AEDT. Applications open on October 1, 2026.
How do I apply for the ACU Refugee Scholarship?
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You must first secure an offer to study an eligible ACU course, then prepare your personal statement, recommendation letters, and certified copies of your visa and identification documents. Finally, submit your application through ACU's official channels.
What documents are required for the application?
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Required documents include a personal statement, a recommendation letter from a community organization, certified copies of your passport, visa, and ImmiCard (if applicable), details of your education, and a copy of your ACU course offer.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
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Selection is based on the quality of your personal statement, the recommendation letter, and any additional references. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, with final decisions made by ACU Global Engagement. Preference may be given to recent high school graduates.
What is the duration of the scholarship and can it be renewed?
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The scholarship covers the full duration of your approved course, subject to ongoing eligibility requirements such as maintaining satisfactory academic progress and full-time enrollment.
Where can I confirm the details of this scholarship?
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You should confirm all current details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements on the official Australian Catholic University website, as these figures are estimates.