Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University

Melbourne, Australia

"Australia's public Catholic university, strong in health, education and theology"

Public University Comprehensive 🌐 www.acu.edu.au https://www.acu.edu.au

At a Glance

Accept Rate —
Avg Salary/Yr —
Ranking #851 (QS)
PSW VISA 2-3 years (subclass 485)
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About Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University (ACU) was established in 1991 and is Australia's only public Catholic university, part of the government-funded national university system. It is known for nursing and midwifery, education, psychology, theology, paramedicine and exercise science, and every course includes placements, internships or volunteering. ACU is ranked #18 in the world for theology in the QS subject rankings 2026. It has seven campuses across Australia (Melbourne, Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, North Sydney, Strathfield and Blacktown), a campus in Rome and an online campus.

Rankings & Recognition

#851
QS World University Rankings 2026 Ranked in the 851-900 band of the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 2027, and #18 in the world for Theology (QS by Subject 2026).

Ranked in the 851-900 band of the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 2027, and #18 in the world for Theology (QS by Subject 2026).

Accreditations & Memberships

Universities Australia International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)

QS 2026 Performance Breakdown

Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with Australian Catholic University's global standing for that metric.

Academic Reputation #
Employer Reputation #
Faculty Student Ratio #
Citations per Faculty #
#

Key Facts

1991 Established
24,609 Total Students
2,946 International Students
723 Faculty
7 in Australia + Rome Campuses

Popular Programs

Nursing Education Psychology Theology Paramedicine Exercise and Sports Science

Application Details

Application Route Online via ACU international
Intakes March, August
CBSE / ISC (UG) 65% best 4 subjects
Rajasthan Board (UG) 85% best 4 subjects
IELTS (UG / PG) 6.0 / 6.5
TOEFL iBT (UG / PG) 78 / 90

Standardized Test Requirements

TestMinimum Score
IELTS (Undergraduate)
6.0
TOEFL iBT (Undergraduate)
78
IELTS (Postgraduate)
6.5
TOEFL iBT (Postgraduate)
90

Study Abroad & Visa Details

Visa Approval Rate —
I-20 Processing Student visa (subclass 500)
Post-Study Work 2-3 years (subclass 485)
Green Card Pathway Skilled migration (points test)

Financials

Application Fee N/A
Avg Scholarship Up to 20% tuition

Career Outcomes

97% employed Graduate Employment

Where Graduates Land

Faculty & Alumni

Academic Staff — 723 International Staff — 34% —

Notable Alumni

Campus & Location

ACU's main campus for QS is Melbourne (Fitzroy), with further campuses in Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, North Sydney, Strathfield and Blacktown, a campus in Rome, Italy, and ACU Online.

Campus Details

7 Australian campuses + Rome
723 faculty
2946 international students

Campus Forecast

Warmest (Jan): 20 to 27 C Coldest (Jul): 9 to 18 C Climate: Humid subtropical

Student Life & Housing

Housing

ACU Student Accommodation (20% rent scholarship available)

Dining

Campus cafes and nearby city food outlets

Health & Wellness

OSHC required; counselling and wellbeing support

Activities & Clubs

Student clubs Orientation events Industry networking

Diversity & Demographics

Total Students 24,609
International Students 2,946
Undergraduate 87.6%
Postgraduate 12.4%

Cost Deep-Dive

Tuition (international) From AUD 23,000 / year
Living cost (visa evidence) AUD 29,710 / year

Intakes & Deadlines

Semester 1 2027 starts 1 March 2027 (last date to enrol 14 March). Semester 2 2027 starts 2 August 2027 (last date to enrol 15 August).

Scholarships at Australian Catholic University

6 scholarships available

View All 6
All Levels

ACU Executive Dean's International Scholarship

UG / PG Up to 20% off annual tuition

Deadline: Ask counsellor
All Levels

ACU International Launch Scholarship

UG / PG 20% tuition (selected new courses)

Deadline: Ask counsellor
All Levels

ACU Flourishing Lives International Scholarship

UG / PG 20% tuition (Latin America, Pacific, Timor-Leste)

Deadline: Ask counsellor
PhD 100% tuition + stipend

ACU Vice-Chancellor's Ph

by D Excellence Scholarship

Deadline: Ask counsellor
All Levels

ACU International Student Accommodation Scholarship

20% off ACU accommodation rent

Deadline: Ask counsellor
Bachelor's

ACU Ballarat International Nursing Scholarship

approx. 15% tuition (Ballarat campus)

Deadline: Ask counsellor

These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate Year 12 or equivalent; IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 60 / PTE 50
Postgraduate Relevant bachelor's degree; IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 79 / PTE 58

English Proficiency

IELTS (Undergraduate)

6.0

TOEFL iBT (Undergraduate)

78

IELTS (Postgraduate)

6.5

TOEFL iBT (Postgraduate)

90

Required Documents

Passport copy Academic transcripts Completion certificates English test results (IELTS / PTE / TOEFL) Genuine Student statement CV / resume (postgraduate) Financial evidence OSHC health cover (after offer)

Application Process

1
Choose course
Check the course entry and English requirements on acu.edu.au.
2
Apply
Apply online or through an authorised agent and pay the application (no fee listed).
3
Letter of Offer
Receive a conditional or full Letter of Offer.
4
Accept & get CoE
Sign the offer, pay the deposit and OSHC, then receive your CoE.
5
Student visa
Apply online for a subclass 500 visa with your CoE and Genuine Student answers.
6
Arrive & enrol
Attend orientation and complete enrolment on campus.

Campus & Location

ACU's main campus for QS is Melbourne (Fitzroy), with further campuses in Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, North Sydney, Strathfield and Blacktown, a campus in Rome, Italy, and ACU Online.

5 of 5 courses
Bachelor's 3
Australian Catholic University
📍 Melbourne
Bachelor's Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor's courses, Full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline S1 2027: enrol by 14 Mar 2027
Australian Catholic University
📍 Melbourne
Bachelor's courses, Full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline S1 2027: enrol by 14 Mar 2027
Australian Catholic University
📍 Melbourne
Bachelor's courses, Full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 3 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline S1 2027: enrol by 14 Mar 2027
Master's 2
Australian Catholic University
📍 Melbourne
Master's courses, Full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 2 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline S1 2027: enrol by 14 Mar 2027
Australian Catholic University
📍 Melbourne
Master's courses, Full-time
Study language: English
Duration: 2 years
Apply now! Next intake
Application open
Deadline S1 2027: enrol by 14 Mar 2027

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