Australian Catholic University

Impact through empathy, excellence through education.

📍 Sydney, Australia 🇦🇺

🏆 #26 in Australia · QS World #851 · THE World #401 · ARWU #601

Quick Facts about Australian Catholic University

  • Type: Public
  • Students: 34,000
  • International: 12%
  • Campus: Multiple Campuses
  • Tuition: $15,000 – $30,000/year
  • Language: English
  • Intakes: Fall, Spring

About Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university with a strong focus on community engagement and ethical leadership, welcoming students and staff from all backgrounds. With a mission to provide a transformative learning experience, ACU emphasizes critical thinking and making a positive impact on the world. The university is recognized for its quality teaching and research, and its growing national and international presence.

Academics

ACU offers a rich learning experience across four main faculties: Health Sciences; Education and Arts; Law and Business; and Theology and Philosophy. The university is a significant producer of Australia's nurses, midwives, paramedics, and teachers, with notable programs in these fields. ACU is globally recognized, ranking among the top 10 in Australia and 31st in the world for nursing, and top 50 globally for sport science. It also ranks highly for psychology, education, and classics and ancient history.

International Students

ACU provides comprehensive support services for international students, including academic skills assistance, accommodation advice, airport pick-up, and career development services. The university offers English language programs to help students meet proficiency requirements. ACU prides itself on a culturally diverse student population from approximately 100 countries, fostering a rich and vibrant learning environment. International Student Advisers are available to assist with queries about living and studying in Australia.

Campus & Location

ACU's North Sydney campus, also known as MacKillop Campus, is situated in a prime location, a short distance from Sydney's CBD. The campus is easily accessible via public transport, including the Sydney Metro, trains, and buses, with Victoria Cross Station and North Sydney Station within walking distance. Students can enjoy the vibrant city life of Sydney, with its diverse cultural offerings and attractions. The university also promotes sustainable travel with cycling routes and end-of-trip facilities for bikes.

Career Outcomes

ACU is a leader in graduate employability, with 95% of its graduates employed. The university ranks first in Australia for employers' overall satisfaction and has been awarded five stars for full-time postgraduate employment. ACU actively connects students with industry partners through work-integrated learning options and offers career development services to assist with job searching and application preparation. The Co-Lab, ACU's innovation and entrepreneurship hub, supports students and alumni in developing impactful ventures, fostering a vibrant startup culture.

Information for International Students at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University in Sydney, Australia welcomes international students, with 12% of the student body coming from abroad.

  • 12% of students are international
  • Visa support available
  • No on-campus work
  • Student housing available
  • Work placement / internship opportunities available
  • Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for Australian Catholic University

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Australian Catholic University:

  • IELTS minimum: 6.5
  • TOEFL minimum: 79
  • GPA minimum: 2
  • Application fee: $110
  • Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)
  • Application deadline: July 17, 2025 (for Semester 2, 2025)

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Programs at Australian Catholic University (20 programs)

Australian Catholic University offers 20 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (11)

  • Bachelor of Nursing (BSc) — 36 months · English · $31,000/yr · STEM
    Provides students with the clinical skills and theoretical knowledge required to register as a nurse and provide high-quality healthcare.
    Field: Nursing
    Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BA) — 36 months · English · $29,500/yr
    A broad-based business degree that covers management, marketing, accounting, and human resources in a global context.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: Business Manager, Project Coordinator, Entrepreneur
  • Bachelor of Education (Primary) (BA) — 48 months · English · $26,000/yr
    Prepares graduates to teach across all primary school curriculum areas, focusing on child development and pedagogical strategies.
    Field: Education
    Career outcomes: Primary School Teacher, Education Consultant
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BSc) — 36 months · English · $33,000/yr · STEM
    Focuses on how the human body works and the mechanisms of disease, preparing students for careers in medical research.
    Field: Science
    Career outcomes: Medical Researcher, Laboratory Technician, Pharmaceutical Sales
  • Bachelor of Psychological Science (BSc) — 36 months · English · $30,000/yr · STEM
    Explores the scientific study of human behavior, cognition, and emotion, providing a foundation for further clinical training.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Case Manager, Human Resources Officer, Research Assistant
  • Bachelor of Theology (BA) — 36 months · English · $25,000/yr
    Engages with the history, texts, and traditions of Christianity, fostering critical thinking about faith and society.
    Field: Theology
    Career outcomes: Ministry, Chaplaincy, Religious Education
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) — 36 months · English · $26,500/yr
    A flexible degree allowing students to major in areas such as history, literature, sociology, or creative arts.
    Field: Humanities
    Career outcomes: Journalist, Public Relations Officer, Policy Advisor
  • Bachelor of Laws (BA) — 48 months · English · $32,000/yr
    Covers the fundamental areas of legal knowledge required for admission to legal practice in Australia with an emphasis on social justice.
    Field: Law
    Career outcomes: Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Researcher
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BA) — 48 months · English · $27,000/yr
    Equips students with the skills to support individuals and communities facing social disadvantage and advocate for human rights.
    Field: Social Work
    Career outcomes: Social Worker, Policy Analyst, Community Worker
  • Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (BSc) — 36 months · English · $31,500/yr · STEM
    Studies the human body's response to exercise and physical activity to improve performance and health.
    Field: Sports Science
    Career outcomes: Exercise Scientist, Sports Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coach
  • Bachelor of Commerce (BA) — 36 months · English · $29,500/yr
    Focuses on the commercial world, offering majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and human resource management.
    Field: Commerce
    Career outcomes: Financial Planner, Marketing Manager, Accountant

Master Programs (8)

  • Master of Professional Accounting (MSc) — 24 months · English · $31,000/yr
    Provides the technical and professional skills required for accreditation with major accounting bodies in Australia.
    Field: Accounting
    Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst
  • Master of Public Health (MSc) — 24 months · English · $30,000/yr
    Prepares students to improve the health of populations through policy development, health promotion, and research.
    Field: Health Science
    Career outcomes: Health Policy Officer, Epidemiologist, Health Promoter
  • Master of Teaching (Secondary) (MA) — 24 months · English · $28,000/yr
    A graduate-entry program for those with a prior degree wishing to become secondary school teachers in specific subject areas.
    Field: Education
    Career outcomes: High School Teacher, Education Officer
  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil) (MA) — 24 months · English · $29,000/yr
    A research-based degree where students complete a significant thesis under supervision in their chosen field.
    Field: Research
    Career outcomes: Researcher, Academic, Policy Consultant
  • Master of Psychology (Clinical) (MSc) — 24 months · English · $34,000/yr · STEM
    Advanced training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders for professional registration.
    Field: Psychology
    Career outcomes: Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Consultant
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) — 24 months · English · $32,000/yr
    Designed for professionals seeking to advance into leadership roles through strategic management and ethical decision-making.
    Field: Business
    Career outcomes: CEO, Operations Manager, Management Consultant
  • Master of Information Technology (MSc) — 24 months · English · $30,500/yr · STEM
    Focuses on software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity to prepare students for the evolving tech industry.
    Field: Information Technology
    Career outcomes: IT Manager, Systems Analyst, Software Developer
  • Master of Social Work (Qualifying) (MA) — 24 months · English · $28,500/yr
    A fast-track program for graduates of other disciplines to gain professional accreditation as a social worker.
    Field: Social Work
    Career outcomes: Social Worker, Child Protection Officer, Mental Health Worker

PhD Programs (1)

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (PhD) — 48 months · English · $33,000/yr
    The highest level of university study, involving original research that makes a significant contribution to knowledge.
    Field: Research
    Career outcomes: University Professor, Senior Researcher, Expert Consultant

Scholarships & Tuition at Australian Catholic University

Annual tuition for international students: $15,000 – $30,000/year

✅ Australian Catholic University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Australian Catholic University

  • National Ranking: #26 in Australia
  • QS World University Ranking: #851
  • Times Higher Education (THE): #401
  • Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #601
  • Ranking tier: Unranked
  • Research output: Very High

Campus & Facilities at Australian Catholic University

  • Student housing available
  • Sports facilities available
  • Disability support available
  • Campus type: Multiple Campuses

Key Highlights

  • Top nursing and education provider
  • Ranked first in Australia for graduate employment
  • Extensive network of seven Australian campuses
  • Leading research center for health sciences
  • Ranked top ten globally for nursing
  • Strong focus on social justice ethics

Accreditation

  • Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
  • Australian Qualifications Framework
  • Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS)
  • Association of Commonwealth Universities
  • International Federation of Catholic Universities
  • AACSB International (for Business programs)
  • Queensland College of Teachers (for Teacher Education programs)
  • NSW Education Standards Authority (for Teacher Education programs)
  • Victorian Institute of Teaching (for Teacher Education programs)
  • relevant lawyer registration boards in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria (for Law programs)
  • Australian Computer Society (for Information Technology programs)
  • relevant National Board of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency or their affiliated agencies (for Healthcare programs)

Fields of Study at Australian Catholic University

  • Education
  • Health
  • Arts
  • Theology
  • Business

Notable Alumni

  • James Ajaka
  • Matt Burke
  • Pippa Hallas
  • Des Hasler
  • James Tedesco

Frequently Asked Questions about Australian Catholic University

What is Australian Catholic University?

Australian Catholic University is a public university located in Sydney, Australia. It has approximately 34,000 students, with 12% being international students.

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

Tuition fees at Australian Catholic University for international students range from $15,000 – $30,000/year. Scholarships are available for international students.

What are the admission requirements for Australian Catholic University?

IELTS minimum: 6.5. TOEFL minimum: 79. GPA minimum: 2. Application fee: $110. Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%). Application deadline: July 17, 2025 (for Semester 2, 2025).

What language are courses taught in at Australian Catholic University?

Courses at Australian Catholic University are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

How many programs does Australian Catholic University offer?

Australian Catholic University offers 20 programs: 11 Bachelor's, 8 Master's, and 1 PhD programs across various fields of study.

What is Australian Catholic University ranked?

#26 in Australia · QS World #851 · THE World #401 · ARWU #601.

Does Australian Catholic University offer scholarships?

Yes, Australian Catholic University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.

Does Australian Catholic University provide visa support?

Yes, Australian Catholic University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.

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