Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university with multiple campuses across Australia, offering a wide range of programs and known for its research quality and graduate employment rate. It welcomes students of all faiths and provides dedicated support for international students.
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university in Australia that welcomes students of all faiths while maintaining its Catholic intellectual tradition and strong commitment to social justice. ACU offers a wide array of programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels across faculties including Education and Arts, Health Sciences, Law and Business, and Theology and Philosophy, with particular strengths in health sciences and education. Founded in 1991, ACU operates across six campuses in major Australian cities and is consistently ranked first in Australia for research quality.
ACU offers a rich student life with various clubs, societies, and support services to enhance the student experience. The university is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment, empowering students to achieve their full potential. International students are a valued part of the ACU community and are provided with specific support services.
Fees are reviewed annually. ACU offers a one-price course fee model for international students to aid financial planning. A Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) also applies.
ACU is a registered higher education provider in Australia, accredited by TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency). Many professional programs hold additional accreditation from bodies including AHPRA, Engineers Australia, and the Law Admissions Consultative Committee.
International students need the Student visa (subclass 500), which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a health and character check. Since May 2024 applicants must show financial capacity of at least AUD 29,710 for one year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and around AUD 2,500 for travel. Since March 2024 all applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test.
Student visa holders may work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session — a cap re-introduced in July 2023 — and unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Students enrolled in a master’s by research or a doctoral degree have no work-hour limit at any time. Work must not begin before the course start date.
Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) within six months of completing their studies. In the Post-Higher Education Work stream, bachelor’s and master’s (coursework) holders receive up to two years and master’s (research) or doctoral holders up to three years; regional study and the Australia–India trade agreement can add further time. The general age limit is under 35 at the time of application, rising to under 50 for research-degree holders.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
The Bachelor of Arts at ACU is designed to equip you with highly transferable skills essential for today's dynamic job market. This program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and creative analysis, allowing you to develop a world-class education while pursuing your passions. You will explore interdisciplinary knowledge across the arts, humanities, and social sciences, building foundational skills in research, evaluation, digital literacy, and creative storytelling. With over 20 majors and minors available, you can tailor your degree to your interests. The program also offers unique global opportunities, including study experiences in New York and Rome, which help establish international networks and enhance cross-cultural agility. For those seeking to broaden their academic scope, double degree options are available in fields like global studies, sustainability, law, commerce, or teaching. High-achieving students can also pursue an honours program, focusing on independent research or creative projects with academic support. This degree can also serve as a pathway to a Master of Teaching.
The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers an opportunity to deepen your expertise within the arts and humanities. This one-year full-time program allows you to become part of a dynamic research community, developing and undertaking your own research thesis or creative project. You will make an original contribution to your chosen field, supported by experienced mentors within ACU’s National School of Arts and Humanities. This prestigious honours program provides a competitive advantage for your career. You can engage with industry through an internship or gain domestic or international experience via a fieldtrip. The program also hones critical and innovative thinking skills, preparing you for further graduate research degrees such as a Master's or PhD.
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers a comprehensive exploration of human health and disease. You will gain in-depth knowledge of how diseases originate, progress, and are diagnosed, while also investigating the latest research in prevention and treatment. The program emphasizes practical laboratory experience across key scientific disciplines such as chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, genetics, microbiology, and immunology. Students have the option to specialize further through a major in Physiological Pharmacology or a minor in Pharmacology. This degree is designed for students fascinated by the human body and eager to contribute to medical research and healthcare. It combines rigorous academic study with valuable professional experience, preparing you for diverse career paths in the biomedical field. The curriculum integrates scientific theory with hands-on learning, ensuring you develop both analytical skills and practical competencies essential for your future career.
The Bachelor of Education (Primary and Special Education) at Australian Catholic University prepares you to become a primary school teacher with a specialised focus on special education. This program equips you with the skills to support the development of children with disabilities or learning and behavioural difficulties, as well as to manage diverse social, cultural, and developmental needs within the classroom. You will gain practical experience through extensive professional placements, ensuring you are well-prepared for a rewarding career in education. The course is designed to meet the accreditation requirements for teachers in Australia, making you eligible for registration across all states and territories.
Open to citizens of eligible ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste) applying for a master's degree by coursework or research at an Australian university. Applicants need a strong academic record, leadership potential, relevant work experience and English proficiency, and must meet Australian visa and health requirements. Exact terms are set each cycle by the Australian Government.
Open to early-career post-doctoral researchers of any nationality and from all academic disciplines. Applicants must be in the final year of their PhD or no more than two years past PhD completion at the time of taking up the fellowship, be proficient in English, and meet the employment-eligibility conditions of the host Western Australian university. Fellows must reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the full term and commit to mentoring Forrest Scholars, undertaking ambassadorial duties and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.
Australian citizens, permanent residents or holders of an Australian temporary or permanent protection visa who are enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or IB programme, aged 16-20 at application, with a predicted ATAR of 90+ (or IB equivalent) and demonstrated financial hardship (e.g. a family receiving Centrelink benefits). Asylum seekers are eligible for full fee remission.
Open to citizens of ~30+ eligible developing countries (mostly the Indo-Pacific), who are not married to/engaged to an Australian or NZ citizen, meet academic and English requirements, and commit to returning home for at least 2 years after study. Fields must align with the partner country's development priorities.
full fundingFor international students undertaking a postgraduate research degree (a master's by research or a PhD) at the University of Sydney. It covers tuition fees and a living-allowance stipend; applicants need a strong research background and a confirmed place and supervisor for their research project.
Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold a Master of Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, apply for the Doctor of Philosophy – Engineering and IT (Computing and Information Systems) programme (DR-PHILEIT), and demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and research potential. A research proposal, a personal statement, and a letter of support from the proposed PhD supervisor are required.
International tuition fees at ACU range from approximately AUD 27,000 to AUD 44,000 per year, depending on the program chosen. Health sciences programs are generally at the higher end of this range. Fees are reviewed annually, and ACU offers a one-price course fee model for financial planning.
International students should budget approximately AUD 21,000 to AUD 27,000 per year for living expenses. This includes costs for accommodation, food, and transport.
ACU requires international applicants to demonstrate English proficiency. For IELTS, a score of 6.0 overall with no band below 6.0 is generally required for most programs. For TOEFL iBT, an overall score of 79 is needed.
International applicants need to have completed secondary education or its equivalent. Specific ATAR scores or subject prerequisites may apply depending on the program of study.
Yes, ACU offers scholarships for international students, such as the ACU International Student Scholarships, which can provide up to AUD 5,000–10,000 per year, and the ACU Excellence Scholarship, which can be up to AUD 10,000.