Institutes / Universities
Australian Catholic University
Ranking
33Established in
1991Famous For
Theology, Education, Health
- Overview
- Services
- Rankings
- Accommodation
- Courses
- Scholarships
Overview
The Australian Catholic University (ACU) was established in 1991 through the merger of four Catholic tertiary colleges in eastern Australia. From its inception, ACU has prioritised world-leading research in education, health, theology and philosophy. Today, more than 40,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students study across seven Australian campuses and at its international campus in Rome, Italy.
Over the years, ACU has earned a strong reputation in theology, nursing, education, psychology, arts and humanities, and sports-related disciplines, and for the real-world impact of its research. Students may choose from four faculties—Education & Arts, Health Sciences, Law & Business, and Theology & Philosophy—or pursue a higher-degree research pathway. ACU’s vibrant community of master’s by research and PhD candidates develops innovative solutions to challenges affecting human dignity as well as broader social, cultural and economic issues.
Beyond academic study, ACU offers a range of social-impact programmes that enable students to engage meaningfully with diverse communities. Examples include reading-to-learn initiatives for children and arts projects within correctional facilities. Committed to graduate success, ACU proudly reports high employment rates among its alumni, who are renowned for their collaborative skills. Reflecting its global outlook, nearly 4% of ACU’s student body comes from overseas.
CRICOS code: 00004G
Services
Australian Catholic University's student support services are designed to help international students navigate the aspects of university life with confidence and make informed decisions across their higher education journey. Travelling to a foreign country to study can be challenging, so ACU aims to help international students maximise learning and development opportunities while reducing stress and anxiety. ACU’s academic and social support services include:
- Airport pickup
- A comprehensive orientation program to familiarise students with university procedures, Australian study methods, and social customs and culture
- English language courses (at ACU’s Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane campuses) to help students reach the English proficiency requirements for university entry
International students can also reach out to International Student Advisers for assistance with accommodation, visa information, pre-departure planning, and orientation information. Qualified counsellors are also available at each campus to offer free, confidential help with stress management, grief, depression, and relationship difficulties.
Additionally, ACU’s Careers Advisers guide students in making career decisions, identifying personal career goals, developing employability skills, searching for employment, and preparing employment applications.
Rankings
- 35th in Australia in the QS World University Rankings 2025
- 1st in Australia and 24th worldwide for research quality in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 World University Rankings
- Among the top 100 young universities in the world in the THE Young University Rankings 2019
Additionally, Australian Catholic University is recognised globally as a leader in a range of subjects:
- 1st in Australia and 22nd globally for theology, divinity, and religious studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
- 1st in the world for research quality in psychology (THE Rankings by Subject 2025)
- 12th in the world for research quality in education (THE Rankings by Subject 2025)
Accommodation
There are many accommodation options located near Australian Catholic University's seven campuses in Ballarat, Blacktown, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, and Strathfield. ACU’s Rental Advisory Service is designed to assist students in finding housing that best fits their budget and lifestyle, and they guide students through popular options like:
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ACU student accommodation: ACU’s student residences in Sydney, Canberra, and Ballarat provide international students the chance to immediately connect with peers and support services in the university. Students in Melbourne can opt for purpose-built student residences, which offer the convenience of inclusive weekly fees covering rent, utilities, and even some entertainment expenses.
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Private rental: Studio apartments or share houses close to campus offer independence and privacy to students who choose to live off campus.
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Homestays: Homestays allow students to become more familiar with Australian family life and help them settle into a new city easily.
When choosing housing, international students consider factors like their budgets, lifestyle, and the proximity of the location to campus and public services in the city.
Courses offered at Australian Catholic University
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Scholarships offered by Australian Catholic University
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