Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University: Industry Experience, Inclusive Learning and Career-Focused Education

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is an Australian university with campuses across Brisbane, Melbourne, Ballarat, Canberra, North Sydney, Strathfield and Blacktown, as well as an international campus in Rome. ACU offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research programs across a broad range of disciplines.

ACU's international course portfolio includes areas such as Business, Computer Science and IT, Law and Criminology, Nursing and Midwifery, Allied Health, Psychology, Exercise and Sports Science, Nutrition and Biomedical Science, Teaching and Education, Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Public Health, Creative Arts, Theology and Philosophy.

What is Australian Catholic University Known For?

ACU is particularly known for:

• Teaching and Education
• Nursing and Midwifery
• Health Sciences
• Psychology
• Exercise and Sports Science
• Business
• Computer Science and IT
• Law and Criminology
• Biomedical Science
• Public Health
• Arts and Humanities
• Theology and Philosophy

ACU emphasises industry connections, real-world experience and career preparation alongside academic learning.

Business & Commerce

Students can explore areas including:

• Business
• Commerce
• Accounting
• Management
• Finance
• Marketing
• Business-related disciplines

These programs can prepare graduates for careers in business, accounting, management, finance and marketing.

ACU also offers a Diploma in Business pathway that can provide credit toward the second year of selected bachelor's degrees, including the Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Business Administration.

Computer Science & Information Technology

Technology-related study includes:

• Computer science
• Information technology
• Computing
• Data-related disciplines
• Digital technologies

ACU's course portfolio includes dedicated Computer Science and IT programs for international students.

The university also offers a Diploma in Information Technology that can provide a pathway into the second year of the Bachelor of Information Technology.

Health Sciences

Health is a major area of ACU's academic offering.

Students can explore:

• Allied health
• Nursing
• Midwifery
• Paramedicine
• Public health
• Psychology
• Exercise and sports science
• Nutrition
• Biomedical science

Some professional programs include practical or clinical learning and may have additional admission requirements.

Teaching & Education

Education is one of ACU's prominent study areas.

Students can explore:

• Early childhood education
• Primary teaching
• Secondary teaching
• Education
• Professional education

These programs can prepare students for careers in teaching and education-related fields.

Law & Criminology

Students can explore:

• Law
• Criminology
• Justice
• Related legal disciplines

These programs can support careers in legal services, government, justice and policy.

Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Study areas include:

• Arts
• Humanities
• Social sciences
• Global studies
• International development
• Communication
• History
• Politics
• Philosophy

ACU's broad arts and humanities portfolio provides students with opportunities to combine different areas of interest.

Creative Arts

Students can explore:

• Creative arts
• Visual arts
• Design
• Media
• Performance
• Related creative disciplines

ACU also offers a Diploma in Visual Arts and Design as a pathway into further study.

Theology & Philosophy

ACU offers dedicated study in:

• Theology
• Philosophy
• Religious studies
• Related humanities disciplines

The university's Catholic identity is reflected in these academic offerings, while ACU states that students of all faiths are welcome.

Academic Environment

Depending on the selected program, students may experience:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical classes
• Laboratory work
• Clinical placements
• Industry projects
• Work-integrated learning
• Research projects
• Professional placements

ACU highlights its connections with industry partners and opportunities for students to gain real-world experience during their studies.

Pathway Programs

Students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for their preferred bachelor's degree may have pathway options.

ACU's diploma programs are designed to provide discipline-specific preparation, smaller classes and academic support, with eligible students able to transition into the second year of a related bachelor's degree.

Pathway options include:

• Diploma in Business
• Diploma in Information Technology
• Diploma in Biomedical Science
• Diploma in Exercise Science
• Diploma in Nutrition Science
• Diploma in Educational Studies
• Diploma in Liberal Arts
• Diploma in Visual Arts and Design
• Diploma in Youth Work

Quick Facts

• University: Australian Catholic University (ACU)
• Type: Australian university
• Main Australian campuses: Brisbane, Melbourne, Ballarat, Canberra, North Sydney, Strathfield and Blacktown
• International campus: Rome
• Study levels: Undergraduate, postgraduate and research
• International students: Yes
• Major study areas: Business, IT, Health, Nursing, Education, Law, Psychology, Science, Arts and Theology
• Study focus: Academic learning, industry experience and graduate employability

Q. Is Australian Catholic University a good university?

A. ACU can be a strong option for students seeking career-focused education, practical experience and a supportive learning environment, particularly in education, health, nursing, business, IT, psychology and law. ACU also reports strong graduate employment outcomes and industry partnerships.

Q. Where is Australian Catholic University located?

A. ACU has campuses across Brisbane, Melbourne, Ballarat, Canberra, North Sydney, Strathfield and Blacktown, plus an international campus in Rome.

Student Life at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University offers a supportive and inclusive student environment across its Australian campuses. Students can participate in clubs, societies, sports, volunteering, leadership programs, social events and campus activities alongside their studies. ACU Student Life currently promotes a wide range of activities, competitions, trips and clubs.

Campus & Facilities

Students can access:

• Libraries and study spaces
• Teaching and learning facilities
• Computer and technology facilities
• Academic support
• Counselling and wellbeing services
• Career services
• Student advocacy
• Student accommodation support
• Sporting facilities
• Student clubs and societies

ACU also provides Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) for selected first-year units, offering free, peer-led academic support.

Student Clubs & Activities

Students can participate in:

• Academic and faculty-based clubs
• Cultural societies
• Sporting clubs
• Social events
• Volunteering
• Leadership programs
• Debating and public speaking
• Creative and performing arts
• Community activities

ACU's student organisations include societies connected with areas such as education, nursing, law, midwifery, business, physiotherapy, social work and paramedicine, alongside interest-based clubs and international student groups.

Students can also participate in sports including volleyball, cheerleading, ultimate frisbee and esports, depending on campus availability.

International Student Experience

ACU provides dedicated support for international students throughout their university journey.

Support includes:

• Orientation
• Academic skills assistance
• Counselling
• Career support
• Student advocacy
• Accommodation assistance
• Wellbeing services
• Peer-assisted study
• Social and cultural activities

ACU's international student community is supported across its seven Australian campuses, with additional international study opportunities through the Rome campus.

Q. What is student life like at ACU?

A. ACU offers a supportive and multicultural environment where students can combine academic study with clubs, sports, volunteering, leadership, social activities and professional development.

Australian Catholic University Courses – Business, IT, Health, Education and More

ACU offers programs across areas including Business, Computer Science and IT, Law and Criminology, Nursing and Midwifery, Allied Health, Psychology, Sport and Exercise Science, Nutrition and Biomedical Science, Teaching, Global Studies, Humanities, Philosophy, Theology and Social Sciences.

Popular Subject Areas

Business & Commerce

Students can study:

• Business
• Commerce
• Accounting
• Management
• Finance
• Marketing

These programs can prepare graduates for careers in business, finance, accounting, management and marketing.

Information Technology

Technology-related areas include:

• Information technology
• Computer science
• Computing
• Data-related disciplines
• Digital technologies

ACU also offers a Diploma in Information Technology pathway into its Bachelor of Information Technology.

Health Sciences

Students can explore:

• Nursing
• Midwifery
• Paramedicine
• Allied health
• Public health
• Psychology
• Exercise and sports science
• Nutrition
• Biomedical science

Many professional health programs include practical or clinical experience.

Education & Teaching

Education is a major area at ACU.

Students can explore:

• Early childhood education
• Primary teaching
• Secondary teaching
• Professional education
• Education studies

Law & Criminology

Students can study:

• Law
• Criminology
• Justice-related disciplines

These programs can prepare graduates for careers in legal services, government and justice.

Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Study areas include:

• Arts
• Humanities
• Social sciences
• Communication
• Global studies
• International development
• Politics
• Philosophy

Creative Arts

Students can explore:

• Creative arts
• Visual arts
• Design
• Media
• Performance

Theology & Philosophy

ACU also offers dedicated programs in:

• Theology
• Philosophy
• Religious studies
• Related humanities disciplines

Q. What are the best courses at ACU?

A. ACU can be particularly suitable for students interested in Education, Nursing, Health Sciences, Psychology, Business, IT, Law, Exercise and Sports Science, Biomedical Science and Social Work. The right course depends on the student's academic background and career goals.

Practical Learning

ACU places considerable emphasis on real-world experience and employability.

Depending on the program, students may gain experience through:

• Internships
• Professional placements
• Clinical placements
• Work experience
• Industry projects
• Research projects
• Community engagement

ACU states that many students undertake internships, placements and work experience as part of their studies.

Careers & Employability

ACU's Career Development Service supports students and graduates with career preparation and employment opportunities.

Students can access:

• Career consultations
• Resume support
• Job opportunities
• Internship opportunities
• Work experience
• Volunteering
• Career workshops
• Employer events
• Professional development

Its ACU CareerHub provides employment, community engagement, work experience, volunteering and internship opportunities.

Career Areas

Depending on their degree, graduates can pursue careers in:

Technology

• IT
• Software
• Digital technology
• Data

Business & Finance

• Accounting
• Finance
• Management
• Marketing

Health

• Nursing
• Midwifery
• Allied health
• Public health
• Psychology

Education

• Teaching
• Early childhood education
• Education services

Law & Justice

• Legal services
• Government
• Policy
• Justice

Sport

• Exercise science
• Sports management
• Health and fitness

Placement & Internship Opportunities

Depending on the chosen program, students may gain professional experience through:

• Internships
• Professional placements
• Clinical placements
• Industry projects
• Work experience
• Research
• Community engagement

ACU also provides Student Jobs on Campus, allowing students to gain paid work experience while studying.

International Opportunities

ACU provides international learning opportunities through its global network and Rome campus.

Students may have opportunities to participate in:

• Overseas study
• International programs
• Study tours
• International placements
• Global learning experiences

ACU's international course guide highlights its network across seven Australian campuses and one campus in Rome.

Australian Catholic University Fees – Tuition Costs, Scholarships and Financial Support for International Students

ACU charges international students program-specific tuition fees. The university bases fees on the number of units studied each semester, with an average full-time study load of four units (40 credit points) per semester. ACU states that its international tuition fees are set for the minimum duration of the course, helping students plan their overall study costs.

Tuition Fees for International Students

Examples from ACU's 2026 international tuition schedule include:

Course	2026 Annual Fee
Bachelor of Biomedical Science	AUD 32,392
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science	AUD 32,392
Bachelor of Creative Arts	AUD 35,624
Bachelor of Education (Primary)	AUD 35,624
Bachelor of Human Rights	AUD 35,624
Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability	AUD 35,624
Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design	AUD 35,624
Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Business	AUD 35,624

These are examples from the official 2026 schedule; fees vary according to the selected program.

International students should also budget separately for:

• Accommodation
• Food and living expenses
• Textbooks and equipment
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Transport
• Visa and travel expenses
• Other course-related costs

ACU specifically states that tuition fees do not include textbooks/equipment, living and accommodation costs, or compulsory OSHC.

Undergraduate Tuition Cost

The total cost of an undergraduate degree depends on the program and its duration.

For example, if a three-year program costs AUD 35,624 per year:

AUD 35,624 × 3 = AUD 106,872

This is an illustrative calculation. Actual total costs can differ depending on the course, study load and any future changes to fees.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is separate from tuition.

Students can consider:

• ACU student accommodation
• Private rentals
• Shared accommodation
• Other student housing options

Students should also budget for food, transport, personal expenses and health insurance.

International Student Cost of Attendance

The overall cost of studying at ACU depends on the selected program, campus and lifestyle.

Students should consider:

Tuition + Accommodation + Living Expenses + OSHC + Transport + Study Materials

Scholarships & Financial Support

ACU offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students.

Executive Dean's International Scholarship

The Executive Dean's International Scholarship provides eligible academically excellent international students with up to 20% off annual tuition. The scholarship is available for eligible students commencing in 2026.

International Launch Scholarship

The International Launch Scholarship provides eligible students with a 20% tuition-fee reduction for selected new programs, including the Computer and Data Science programs introduced for 2026.

Global Horizons International Scholarship

The Global Horizons International Scholarship provides eligible international students with up to 25% tuition-fee reduction for selected programs.

Health Sciences Towards Brisbane 2032 Scholarship

Eligible commencing international students studying selected health and sport-related courses at ACU's Brisbane campus can receive a 15% tuition reduction.

International Student Accommodation Scholarship

The International Student Accommodation Scholarship provides a 20% reduction in rental fees at eligible ACU student accommodation for a 12-month period.

Research Scholarships

International students undertaking research degrees can also access significant financial support.

ACU Tuition Fee Scholarship

The ACU Tuition Fee Scholarship provides a full tuition-fee offset for eligible international candidates undertaking a Research Masters or Research Doctorate.

The scholarship is valued at approximately AUD 34,728 per year and can cover tuition for up to 3.5 years, subject to the scholarship conditions.

ACU also offers the Vice-Chancellor's PhD Excellence Scholarship, which provides selected outstanding international PhD applicants with a 100% tuition waiver, plus an indexed annual stipend and additional allowances.

Scholarships for International Students

Students should check:

• Academic requirements
• Eligible programs
• Nationality requirements
• Scholarship value
• Scholarship duration
• Intake requirements
• Application deadlines
• Whether the scholarship is automatic or requires a separate application

Scholarship terms can vary between programs and intakes.

Payment of Tuition Fees

International students are invoiced according to their enrolled units and study load.

ACU states that its published international tuition fees are quoted in Australian dollars and are based on a full-time study load unless otherwise stated.

If a student extends their course beyond the minimum duration, the applicable tuition fees may increase to the new rates.

Cost Example for an International Student

Suppose an eligible student has annual tuition of AUD 35,624 and receives a 20% scholarship.

Scholarship:

AUD 35,624 × 20% = AUD 7,124.80

Remaining tuition:

AUD 35,624 − AUD 7,124.80 = AUD 28,499.20 per year

This is an illustrative calculation. The actual fee and scholarship depend on the student's selected course and eligibility.

The Honest Verdict – Is ACU Worth the Cost?

Australian Catholic University can be an attractive option for international students seeking career-focused education, practical experience, strong health and education programs, and multiple scholarship opportunities.

ACU Is an Excellent Choice If You...

• Want to study in Australia
• Are interested in Nursing or Health
• Want to study Education
• Are interested in Psychology
• Want to study Business
• Are interested in IT
• Want to study Law
• Are interested in Exercise and Sports Science
• Want practical industry experience
• Want access to international scholarships

It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...

• Need the absolute lowest tuition fees
• Prefer a university concentrated on technology and engineering
• Want a traditional large-campus university experience
• Specifically want to study in Sydney or Melbourne without considering ACU's other campuses

Frequently Asked Questions About ACU Fees

Q. How much does it cost to study at Australian Catholic University?

A. Fees vary by program. For 2026, examples include AUD 32,392 for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science and AUD 35,624 for many Education, Arts and Social Science programs.

Q. Does ACU offer scholarships to international students?

A. Yes. ACU offers scholarships including the Executive Dean's International Scholarship, International Launch Scholarship, Global Horizons International Scholarship and Health Sciences Towards Brisbane 2032 Scholarship.

Q. Can international students receive a 20% tuition scholarship?

A. Yes. Several ACU scholarships offer a 20% tuition reduction for eligible international students.

Q. Is there a 25% scholarship at ACU?

A. Yes. The Global Horizons International Scholarship offers up to a 25% tuition-fee reduction for eligible students in selected programs.

Q. Is accommodation included in tuition?

A. No. Accommodation and living expenses are separate from tuition.

Q. Do ACU tuition fees remain the same throughout the degree?

A. ACU sets its international fees for the minimum duration of a course, but if a student extends their course beyond that minimum duration, the applicable fees can increase to new rates.

A Final Word – Why Australian Catholic University Deserves Your Consideration

ACU combines academic study, practical experience, industry connections and career development across disciplines including health, nursing, education, business, IT, psychology, law, sport and social sciences. ACU also provides a broad range of international scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition costs.

Overall Verdict: Australian Catholic University is a strong option for international students looking for career-focused education and practical experience, particularly in health, nursing, education, business, IT, psychology and law.