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Australian Catholic University

8.3(6)
VerifiedPublicEstd. 1991
Founded
1991
Type
Public
University Guide

About Australian Catholic University

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

Australian Catholic University ranks among top 2 % universities worldwide, is home to over 31,200 students and 3,400 international students enrolled from 90 countries. ACU is Australia’s largest Catholic university, famous for its internationally renowned scholars and high quality education in Australia. The University offers over 110 degree programs at undergraduate, postgraduate and research level.

Tuition fees for ACU programs range from AUD 19,500 - AUD 26,800 per semester. The university offers a range of scholarships including ACU International Student Scholarship and Global Excellence Scholarships. Ranked first in Australia for graduate employment, Australian Catholic University offers professional placements as part of degree programs. Graduates at ACU are offered the best job opportunities in Australia with an average salary of AUD 100,000.

Australian Catholic University Ranking

Australian Catholic University is highly renowned among top Australian Universities. 2023 rankings for the university include:

  • #251-300 by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
  • As per Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2023
    • #54 in the world for positive impact on society.
    • 2nd globally for good health and wellbeing.
    • #17 globally for decent work and economic growth.
    • #26 globally for gender equality.
    • #67 globally for peace, justice and strong institutions.
    • #73 globally for quality education.
  • As per Shanghai Ranking, Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023
    • 18th in the world and #7 in Australia for nursing.
    • Top 50 universities in the world and #3 in Australia for education.
    • Top 150 universities in the world for psychology.
    • Top 200 universities in the world for law.

To know more about rankings of Australian Catholic University, click here!

Highlights

Type Public
Establishment Year 1991
Campus setting Suburban and Urban
Number of programs 125
Annual Budget 3.151 Million AUD
Cost of attendance Vary according to different courses
Academic staff 1,189
Total students 34,834
International students 4,601
Work Study Available
Female to male student ratio 73:27
Graduate Employability 91%
Official Website https://www.acu.edu.au/

Australian Catholic University Programs

ACU offers a range of programs through its four faculties including Faculty of Education & Arts, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Law & Business and Faculty of Theology & Philosophy. Students can get enrolled in full - time, part-time, online or short courses in a variety of subjects.

  • Australian Catholic University courses include disciplines like business, creative arts, humanities, information technology, public health and administration, philosophy and global studies.
  • There are a total of 84 undergraduate courses offered by the Australian Catholic University in the areas of accounting and finance, biomedical science, and business administration etc.
  • ACU offers 32 postgraduate courses to international students in the specific field such as educational leadership, health administration, technology and teaching along with graduate diplomas and certificates in different fields.
  • There are 3 postgraduate research degree programs to become a specialist in a particular field and opportunity to research. Australian Catholic University offers two types of postgraduate research programs; masters by research or doctorate.

Top programs at Australian Catholic University:

Program Fees Per Annum (AUD) Requirements
Bachelor Accounting and Finance 29,080 Australian year 12 qualification or Equivalent / International baccalaureate diploma
Bachelor of Nursing [B.N] 29,520 Applicants must have completed a Bachelor of Nursing and a GPA of at least 5.5 or equivalent.
Bachelor Creative Arts 24,104 Required equivalent of Australian year 12 Certificate
Bachelor of Education [B.Ed] (Primary and Secondary) 24,104 English Proficiency test- IELTS min. Of 7.0 in reading and writing, and a min. of 7.5 in listening and speaking
Bachelor Physiotherapy 39,472 Required equivalent of Australian year 12 in Science
Master of Education 24,104 Required equivalent of an Australian bachelor's degree
Master of Business Administration 32,000 Required equivalent of an Australian bachelor’s degree in any discipline or a Graduate certificate in a related discipline
Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership 12,052 Required Australian three year Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Australian Catholic University Campus

Australian Catholic University campuses exhibit a mixture of historic and modern buildings surrounded by wide lawns and hang-out areas. It has eight campus locations along with various research centres and learning hubs. Brisbane campus (McAuley at Banyo) is located near the heart of the city surrounded by a blue horizon, meandering rivers, parks and beaches.

  • Adelaide campus: The newest campus of ACU is part of the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy.
  • Ballarat campus: Nestled between the city centre and Lake Wendouree, Aquinas campus in Ballarat offers a range of onsite facilities.
  • Blacktown campus: Opened for students in 2023, the inviting and inspiring campus is well-equipped with modern facilities for innovation learning.
  • Canberra campus: Signadou campus in Canberra provides a range of on-campus facilities.
  • Melbourne campus: Located near Fitzroy's eclectic shops and Carlton Gardens, St Patrick campus in Melbourne offers a range of technical facilities.
  • North Sydney campus: MacKillop campus in Sydney offers various facilities along with peaceful grounds for students.
  • Strathfield campus: Mount Saint Mary campus near the Blue Mountains and Central Coast, has a range of education facilities along with great beaches, parks and cafes.
  • Rome campus: Located in the heart of Rome, just 5km from the Vatican, ACU offers various study opportunities in this ancient city.

Also See: Student Reviews of Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University Residence 

Students in need of good residence in Brisbane can opt for Iglu Student Association. If students prefer independent rooms, then they can opt for private rental apartments and other options of accommodation in Australia.

  • Iglu Student Accommodation provides the students with best accommodation entwined with off-campus lifestyle.
  • It offers stylish, fully-furnished living space with mesmerizing communal areas in a secure environment.
  • Room rent includes water, electricity or gas bills.
  • Students are provided with amenities like the internet, fully furnished living space, bathroom, kitchen, shared lounge and secure swipe card access.
  • Such private apartments don’t usually include furniture, utilities and food in rental fees.

Australian Catholic University Application Process

International students applying for Australian Catholic University admissions can choose among undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses, research, diploma and certificate degrees, pathway programs, executive education courses, single units, vocational and short courses, language courses, and online courses.

Application Form: International agent/submit in person at the office/directly online.

Common requirements:

  • Attach academic transcripts
  • Work/project/academic experience (if any)
  • Degree/diploma for PG admissions

Additional requirements:

  • Official bank statement
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Copy of passport (photo page)
  • Health/security checks
  • Portfolio (required for particular courses)
  • Statement of Purpose

For Research students:

  • Research Proposal (1,000-2,000 words)
  • Professional recognition (if any)
  • Passport Referee Reports

English Proficiency Test score Requirements 

International students must demonstrate English proficiency for admission to Australian Catholic University. Accepted test scores for English language requirements include:

Exam Scores
IELTS 6.0
TOEFL iBT 79
TOEFL CBT 213
TOEFL PBT 550

Australian Catholic University Cost of Attendance

Cost of living for international students in Australia is 20,040 AUD per year. It includes rent, food, transport cost of living in Australia and other essential expenses. Details for cost of attendance at Australian Catholic University:

Elements Cost per week (AUD)
Accommodation Rent 160-300
Food 100-167
Transportation 34
Phone and Internet 25-50
Electricity and gas 40
Others 10

Australian Catholic UniversityScholarships 

Australian Catholic University provides financial aid to talented students in need during their course of study. International students can also apply for external scholarships to study in Australia. Various scholarships offered by ACU to the students are:

Scholarships Award Value
ACU Academic Excellence Scholarship 5,000
ACU Centre for Liturgy Postgraduate Scholarship Partial fee waiver
ACU Equity Scholarships 2,000
ACU International Student Scholarship Partial fee waiver
ACU Law - Equity Scholarship 5,000
Allianz Global Assistance Scholarship Partial fee waiver
Global Excellence Scholarships 5,000
Future Leaders Scholarship 120,000
ACU International Student Scholarship (recently added) 50% tuition fee waiver for the minimum course duration

Note: Australian Catholic University recently introduced the ACU International Student Scholarship, rewarding academic excellence. This scholarship offers a 50% tuition fee waiver for international students starting undergraduate or postgraduate studies in Semester 1, 2025.

Australian Catholic University Alumni 

Australian Catholic University has more than 119,000 alumni. Alumni have access to career support up to two years after their study with the help of Career Development Support offered by ACU. Alumni community helps in creating opportunities for the alumni as well as current students to stay connected and linked with their field of knowledge and prospective employment. Notable Alumni of Australian Catholic University are :

  • Carmelina Marchetta – Writer of teen novels like Looking for Alibrandi and Saving Francesca.
  • Justin Mark Madden – Australian politician and former Australian rules footballer.
  • Deborah O’Neil – Senator for New South Wales since 2013.
  • Ellie Cole – Australian Paralympic swimmer and wheelchair basketball player.
  • Joe Barakat – Rugby Union coach

Australian Catholic University Placements 

Australian Catholic University helps their graduates in their placement through career development service, and ACU alumni network. ACU graduates have access to the online job board and career resources available through ACU career hub throughout their life.

  • 91% of ACU graduates were placed and 77% of them in full-time employment.
  • Australian Catholic University career hub provides career- related services such as part-time, full-time, and casual jobs, graduate programs, volunteer opportunities, internships, and work experience and tutoring roles.
  • ACU awarded five stars for full-time employment and has been recognised globally with five stars for employability by QS.
  • Average salary for Australian Catholic University graduates & alumni is AUD 100,000 and for graduates from Bachelors of Arts degree is AUD 64,000.

Australian Catholic University houses various learning institutes, centres and faculties to provide internationally recognized education and world-class research. Ranked among the top universities in the world, Australian Catholic University is an affordable choice for international students.

FAQs 

Ques. What is the rank of Australian Catholic University?

Ans. ACU is ranked #251-300 in world rankings by THE 2023.

Ques. Does Australian Catholic University have campuses in Melbourne and Sydney?

Ans. Yes. ACU has MacKillop campus in Sydney and St Patrick campus in Melbourne.

Ques. How many campuses does Australian Catholic University have?

Ans. ACU has eight campuses across Australia; Adelaide, Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney (Blacktown, North Sydney, Strathfield).

Ques. What is the average tuition fee at Australian Catholic University?

Ans. Tuition fees at ACU ranges from AUD 19,500 - AUD 26,800.

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

38

Fee from

₹16,36,894.56

Exams

TOEFL · IELTS

Showing 5 of 26 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration3 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 25.9 L/Yr
Native FeeAUD 39,280 /Yr
Living Expense₹1959077
Estimated Total₹1959077
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

Australian Catholic University is a public university, spread across seven campuses in Australia. ACU is home to over 31,000 students including more than 3,400 international students from 100 countries. It is ranked among the top 2% universities worldwide offering undergraduate, post-graduate, certificates, diploma programs along with pathway courses and foundation studies for students pursuing higher education in Australia.

ACU follows a semester-based academic curriculum and students can apply through StudentConnect, direct application portal and ACU online portal. Tuition fees at Australian Catholic University range between AUD 20,500 - AUD 32,000 with full-time MBA costing around AUD 64,000. Students can apply for MBA without a GMAT score by fulfilling various inherent requirements and demonstrating english proficiency.

Top Programs at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University offers a range of courses for international students in subject areas including arts, business, information technology and education. Top programs at Australian Catholic University include:

Programs Total Tuition Fee (AUD)
Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics 16,000
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration 16,000
MBA 64,000
Masters of Information Technology 64,000
Master of Health Administration 36,156
Master of Social Work [M.S.W] 48,208
Master of Clinical Psychology 55,824

Highlights 

College Type Public University
Foundation 1991
Location Melbourne, Victoria Australia
Application Fee 83 AUD- 190 AUD
TOEFL iBT 79 above
IELTS Test Score 6.5 above
Work- Study programs Available
Academic Pattern Semester-based
Financial Aid Scholarships, Loans.
Helpdesk TEL: +61390070643
Email: AskACU

Australian Catholic University Admission Deadlines

Australian Catholic University has varying deadlines depending on the application and the portal through which students apply. ACU has rolling admissions for research programs and candidates are recommended to apply 12 weeks prior to commencement of programs. International applicants can submit direct application for all programs and the deadlines is given below:

The general application deadlines for international students is as follows:

Applicant and Programs Application Deadline
Graduate Certificate in Higher Education June 7, 2023
Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology and Faculty of Health Science Honours courses July 4, 2023
Closing of Direct Application July 18, 2023
Closing of Application Deferment of direct applications August 9, 2023

Check: Admission Deadlines for Other top Australian Universities

Australian Catholic University International Admission Application

With more than 3,400 students from over 100 countries, Australian Catholic University also partners with around 200 international universities around the world to deliver top-notch education to students across the globe. For easy admission and application, international students can connect with authorized ACU agents in their country.

The general application requirements for international students is as follows:

Application Portal: Direct application portal/ ACU online portal.

Application Fee: 80 AUD- 190 AUD (varying as per programs).

Entry Requirements

English Proficiency Test Score Requirements

ACU has different English proficiency test score requirements for every program. Candidates can also enroll into the English language course or diploma pathways to improve proficiency and get entry into their targeted programs.

The general English Proficiency Test Requirement is as follows:

English Proficiency Test Minimum Score Requirement (Undergraduate) Minimum Score Requirement (Postgraduate)
IELTS Minimum of 6.5 for most courses Minimum 7.0 for most programs
TOEFL iBT 94 (27- reading, 29- writing, 27- listening, 24- writing) 94 (27- reading, 29- writing, 27- listening, 24- writing)
PTE (Academic) Minimum 65 in each sub- section Minimum 65 in each sub- section
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) Minimum 176 or above in overall tests Minimum 185 or above in overall tests
ACU English Language Test Grade A (75-100%) Grade A (75-100%)

Country- Specific Requirements at Australian Catholic University

Besides the basic application requirements, Australian Catholic University has country specific educational/ qualification requirements depending on their education system.
Below mentioned are some South-Asian countries with minimum specific requirements:

Country Minimum Academic Requirements
Bangladesh Higher Secondary or Intermediate Certificate. Minimum GPA 4.00 based on a 5- point GPA scale.
China National Entrance Exam (Gaokao) with minimum score required for each Chinese Province or High School Diploma with minimum grade average of 60% or High School Graduation Certificate.
India Minimum Average of 65% Marks in best 4 academic subjects for CBSE board, AISSC board, ISC board and Senior Secondary School Certificate.
Nepal Completion of Higher Secondary School Certificate by National Examination Board with Grade XII GPA of 2.20 or above.
Pakistan Completion of Higher secondary School Certificate or Intermediate with an average of 55% - 84% in 4 best academic subjects.
Srilanka Srilankan General Certificate of Education A Level with min. aggregate score 7 in the best three advanced level subjects excluding General English or the Common General Test.

Know: How to apply for Australian Universities

Visa Application for International Students 

International candidates receiving an offer of admission or acceptance letter from ACU can apply for a study visa in Australia. The following are the requirements and process for visa:

  • ACU letter of acceptance.
  • Confirmation of enrollment (after a student confirms and enrolls in a program at ACU).
  • Apply for a student from the Department of Home Affairs website or with the help of an ACU education agent in your home country.
  • SOP for visa application
  • Candidates must enlist academic study as the primary purpose for staying in Australia to be a GTE.
  • International candidates must fully comply with the conditions stated on the student visa.

Australian Catholic University Undergraduate Admissions

Candidates applying for ACU undergraduate programs are considered on entry score and courses- specific requisites. Students are first ranked on the basis of qualification and experience, placed between 1 to 99 and then admission is offered on merit- basis.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

  • Secondary education in Australia (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR must be at least 58.5%)/ Overall Position (OP) / Rank score)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) or transcripts of previous higher education study
  • Financial Statement covering cost of living in Australia
  • Special admissions test scores (subject to age restrictions)
  • Paid work experience.
  • Audition/ portfolio/ Interview/ Written Statement (depend on program)
  • Subject- specific and course- specific prerequisites.

Australian Catholic University Graduate Admissions 

Candidates applying for ACU postgraduate programs have an option for studying by coursework or research. A graduate diploma or equivalent bachelor’s degree and course- specific requirements are must. However, some master’s programs also admit students based on their professional work experience in related fields. The general application requirement for post- graduate programs at ACU is as follows:

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or graduate diploma.
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Academic transcripts
  • Work Experience
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Referee Report.
  • Interview (program- specific)

A list of few popular programs at Australian Catholic University along with their requirements:

Requirements Masters of Business Administration (MBA) Masters of Information Technology Masters of Psychology (Clinical) Masters of Public Health Masters of Education
Minimum qualification/ degree Graduate certificate in a related discipline or equivalent of an Australian bachelor’s degree. Graduate certificate in a related discipline or equivalent of an Australian bachelor’s degree Bachelor’s Degree in accredited psychology courses Graduate Diploma in Public Health, Australian bachelor’s degree or equivalent Graduate certificate in a related discipline or equivalent of an Australian bachelor’s degree.
English Proficiency Test Scores IELTS: 6.5 IELTS: 6.5 IELTS: 7.0 IELTS: 6.5 IELTS: 7.0
Academic Referee/ Work Referee Report Not Applicable Not Applicable Required Not Applicable Not Applicable
Interview Not required Not required Shortlisted Candidates Not required Not required
Duration 1- 2 year full- time depending on credit granted on prior learning or equivalent part-time 2 years or equivalent part-time 2 years or equivalent part-time 2 years or equivalent part-time 1.5 years - 2 years or equivalent part-time
Tuition Fee 64,000 AUD 64,000 AUD 55,824 AUD 48,208 AUD 36,156 AUD

ACU has extremely student friendly and flexible faculty that provides one- on- one consultation to students regarding their programs along with assisting them with scholarships to study in Australia and any other course requirements.

ACU also has agents in representative countries to assist students with their hassle- free admission and academic advising. Candidates gaining education from Australian Catholic University are offered a range of job opportunities in Australia and can establish their own network during early education stages with industry partners.

FAQs

Ques. Is ACU a good university?

Ans. Ranked among the top 2% universities of the world by Times Higher Education 2023 rankings, ACU is internationally renowned for its various research and programs.

Ques. How much GPA do I need while applying for admission at ACU?

Ans. Candidates applying for programs at ACU are recommended to have a GPA of 4.75 or above on a scale of 5.0.

Ques. Which English proficiency Test Score are mostly preferred while applying for admissions at ACU?

Ans. IELTS score is mostly preferred for all courses but candidates can also submit any equivalent test scores.

Ques. What is the application fee while applying for programs at ACU?

Ans. ACU has varying application fees ranging from 80 AUD- 190 AUD depending on the programs applied to and also the online application portal.

Ques. Do programs at ACU have rolling admissions?

Ans. Research programs at ACU have rolling admissions throughout the year while most of the other undergraduate and post- graduate programs have application deadlines.

Ques. Does ACU have dual enrollment programs or associate degree programs?

Ans. Yes, candidates can opt for double majors or dual subjects and earn two degrees at the same time at ACU.

Ques. What are the popular programs at ACU?

Ans. Popular programs among candidates at ACU include masters in public health, IT, education and teaching, social sciences, psychology and MBA.

Ques. Is there any standard entrance exam while applying for programs at ACU?

Ans. Although there is no standard entrance exam while applying for programs, various courses and programs have their own programs- specific entry requirements that candidates must fulfill for successful application.

Ques. Is there any age limit while applying for programs at ACU?

Ans. Certain programs at ACU have age limits where candidates are expected to be 17 years or older while enrolling in their programs.

Placements & Recruiters

Australian Catholic University Placement Details

Australian Catholic University in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Recruiters
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Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2022

Highlights
2022
  • Best overall country rank: #13
  • Nursing: #6 in country
  • Top source: ARWU
  • 12 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Finance
  • 5 ranking records in 2022

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Best overall country rank: #12
  • Sports Sciences: #10 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 12 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Humanities
  • 3 ranking records in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Best overall country rank: #16
  • Psychology: #8 in country
  • Top source: QS
  • 8 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Arts
  • 3 ranking records in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Best overall country rank: #15
  • Psychology: #8 in country
  • Top source: QS
  • 8 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Arts
  • 3 ranking records in 2025

2026

Highlights
2026
  • Best overall country rank: #15
  • Overall: #15 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 4 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Arts
  • 3 ranking records in 2026

Contact Information

1100 Nudgee Road Banyo, Qld 4014

+61-7-3623-7100

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

8.3/10
Top Rated

Based on 6 ratings

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
8.7/10
Faculty
8.8/10
Infrastructure
9.2/10
Accommodation
7.5/10
Placement
7.7/10
Extracurricular
7.7/10