ACU International Student Scholarship 2027 | Study in Australia — Australian Catholic University
The Australian Catholic University runs campuses across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, and Ballarat, and its International Student Scholarship offers one of the more generous flat-rate discounts available to commencing international applicants, covering half the cost of tuition in one straightforward award.
About the Scholarship
The ACU International Student Scholarship covers 50 percent of full-time course fees for commencing undergraduate and postgraduate international students at the Australian Catholic University. It is one of several ACU international awards, alongside a smaller Global Excellence Scholarship for business and IT students and the ACU Early Accept International Grant for students who accept their offer promptly.
Scholarship Benefits
- 50 percent reduction in full-time course fees for commencing international students
- Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs
- Can be combined with the separate ACU Early Accept International Grant in some cases, depending on timing
- Applies to study at any of ACU’s campuses across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, and Ballarat
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an international student, not an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
- Must be a commencing undergraduate or postgraduate student at the Australian Catholic University
- Must meet ACU’s standard academic and English-language entry requirements for the chosen program
- Certain restricted or high-demand programs may be excluded from eligibility
- Must apply within the relevant scholarship’s specific application window for the intended intake
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship applies broadly across ACU’s coursework programs, including education, nursing and health sciences, theology, business, and arts, with specific exclusions confirmed through the current scholarship guide.
Required Documents
- Completed Australian Catholic University program application
- Academic transcripts from secondary school or prior tertiary study
- English-language proficiency test results, if required
- Passport or identification document confirming international student status
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Apply for admission to an eligible ACU undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program at your chosen campus
- Submit complete academic transcripts and English test results with your application
- Confirm whether a separate scholarship application is required for your specific intake, since ACU periodically updates its process
- Submit any required supporting documents before the relevant scholarship deadline
- Review your offer letter once issued to confirm the 50 percent reduction has been applied
- Accept your offer within the stated deadline to secure both your place and the scholarship
Selection Process
ACU reviews eligible commencing international applicants against its scholarship criteria at the point of offer, applying the 50 percent reduction to qualifying students in an eligible program. There is generally no separate interview required for this particular award.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Confirm your chosen program is included in the current scholarship guide before applying, since eligible courses can change between intakes
- Submit a complete and accurate application with all required documents from the start
- Consider accepting your offer promptly, since the separate ACU Early Accept International Grant can add further savings for students who move quickly
- Students comparing other large flat-rate discounts elsewhere often also look at the Bond University International Scholarship for a comparable 50 percent structure at a private university
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this scholarship cover postgraduate research degrees?
No, it applies to undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs; research degree candidates should check ACU’s separate Stipend Scholarship for research students.
Do I need to apply separately for this scholarship?
Requirements can vary by intake, so applicants should confirm with ACU whether a separate scholarship form applies to their specific program and year.
Is the 50 percent reduction applied for the whole degree?
Yes, it generally applies for the standard duration of the eligible course, provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Does the scholarship include a living allowance?
No, it is a tuition fee reduction only and does not cover accommodation, living costs, or health insurance.
Are all ACU campuses included?
Yes, the scholarship generally applies across ACU’s campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide, and Ballarat.
Can I combine this with the ACU Early Accept International Grant?
In some cases yes, depending on timing, so applicants should confirm current stacking rules directly with ACU’s scholarships office.
Is there a GPA requirement beyond standard entry requirements?
The scholarship is primarily aimed at commencing students meeting ACU’s standard entry requirements, rather than a separate higher academic threshold.
Is there a specific application deadline?
Deadlines can vary by intake, so applicants should check ACU’s current scholarships page for the exact date relevant to their intended start.


