Australian Catholic University Scholarships for International Students  

Dreaming of an international education but concerned about the cost? Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers a diverse range of scholarships specifically for international students, making a world-class education more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence and support students from various backgrounds, allowing you to focus on your studies and contribute to a global learning community. ACU provides scholarships for a wide range of programs across its faculties, including undergraduate and postgraduate coursework, research degrees, and even pathway programs. The financial coverage is extensive, with benefits that can include partial or full tuition fee waivers, annual stipends for research students to assist with living expenses, and additional allowances for health cover and relocation. These benefits can make a substantial difference in financing your education and a new life in Australia.

This blog will guide you through the various scholarship options available, their eligibility criteria, and the application process, so you can focus on achieving your academic dreams in Australia.

List of Australian Catholic University Scholarships for International Students

Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers several scholarships specifically for international students, with a focus on both academic achievement and supporting students from particular regions. These scholarships can help cover tuition fees and, in some cases, provide a living stipend. Here are the main scholarships available for international students:

Scholarship Name	Value	Important Eligibility Criteria
ACU Executive Dean’s International Scholarship	Up to a 20% reduction on annual tuition fees.	• Be a national of a specific list of countries (e.g., India, China, Vietnam). • Demonstrate outstanding academic merit, with a minimum GPA of 5.5 (on a 7.0 scale).
ACU Flourishing Lives International Scholarship	A 20% tuition fee reduction for the entire course duration.	• Be a national of an eligible region, such as Latin America, the Pacific Islands, or Timor Leste.
ACU International Launch Scholarship	A 20% tuition fee reduction for the full course duration.	• Be an international student commencing a new, eligible program at ACU (e.g., Bachelor of Computer Science).
ACU International Student Accommodation Scholarship	A 20% reduction on rental fees for a 12-month period.	• Be an international student enrolled in an ACU undergraduate or postgraduate program. • Commit to a 12-month lease in ACU-managed student accommodation.
ACU Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship	A 100% tuition waiver, an annual living stipend (AUD $33,511 in 2025), and allowances for health cover and relocation.	• Be an outstanding international PhD candidate.  • Propose a research project that aligns with the university’s strategic research priorities.

Details of Australian Catholic University Scholarships

Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers a range of scholarships designed to support international students at both the coursework and research levels. These awards help offset the financial burden of studying in Australia, making a high-quality education more accessible to a global student body. Here are the key scholarships for international students with detailed information on each.

ACU Executive Dean’s International Scholarship

This is a merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. It’s intended for those who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance in their prior studies. The scholarship provides a partial tuition fee waiver, with the value potentially increasing over the course of the degree. For example, some students may receive a 5% reduction in their first year, which can increase to 20% in subsequent years.

To be eligible, you must be an international student and a national of a specific country from ACU’s designated list, which often includes nations in Asia. You also need to have a strong academic record, typically equivalent to a GPA of 5.5 on ACU’s 7.0 scale. This scholarship is automatically considered during the admission application process, so no separate application is required.

Benefits	A partial tuition fee waiver, with a potential value of up to 20% of your annual tuition fees.
Eligibility	You must be a commencing international undergraduate or postgraduate student from a specific list of countries. You need to have a strong academic record with a GPA of at least 5.5 on ACU’s 7.0 scale.
Application Process	You are automatically considered for this scholarship when you apply for admission to an eligible program. No separate scholarship application is necessary.
Deadline	Applications are considered on a rolling basis, aligning with your course application. The scholarship application period for the 2026 intake is from 29 July 2025 to 31 December 2026.
Official Link	ACU Executive Dean’s International Scholarship

ACU Flourishing Lives International Scholarship

The Flourishing Lives International Scholarship is an equity-based award designed to support students from specific regions. Its purpose is to make a university education more accessible for students who may face financial or other barriers. The scholarship provides a 20% tuition fee reduction for the entire duration of the course.

This scholarship is specifically for international students who are nationals of Latin America, the Pacific Islands, or Timor Leste. It is automatically granted to eligible students who are accepted into a program, so you don’t need to apply for it separately. Note that students cannot hold both this scholarship and the Executive Dean’s International Scholarship.

Benefits	A 20% tuition fee reduction for the entire duration of your course.
Eligibility	You must be a commencing international student who is a national of a designated region, such as Latin America, the Pacific Islands, or Timor Leste.
Application Process	You are automatically assessed for this scholarship when you apply for an eligible course. No separate application is needed.
Deadline	There is no specific deadline; your eligibility is considered when you submit your course application.
Official Link	ACU Flourishing Lives International Scholarship

ACU International Launch Scholarship

The International Launch Scholarship is aimed at encouraging international student enrollment in new or emerging programs at ACU. It’s a great opportunity for students who are interested in courses in high-growth areas. The scholarship provides a 20% tuition fee reduction for the entire duration of the course.

As with other ACU scholarships, you’ll be automatically considered for this award when you apply to an eligible program. It’s important to be aware that this scholarship cannot be held in conjunction with the Executive Dean’s International Scholarship or the Flourishing Lives International Scholarship. ACU will automatically apply the scholarship of the highest value if a student is eligible for more than one.

Benefits	A 20% tuition fee reduction for the entire duration of your program.
Eligibility	You must be an international student commencing in an eligible new program at ACU, such as Computer and Data Science.
Application Process	Your eligibility is automatically assessed when you apply for admission to an eligible new program. No separate application is required.
Deadline	There is no specific deadline; your application is considered when you apply for your course.
Official Link	ACU International Launch Scholarship

ACU International Student Accommodation Scholarship

The ACU International Student Accommodation Scholarship is designed to help international students with the cost of living by offering a 20% reduction on accommodation fees for a 12-month lease in university-managed housing. To be eligible, students must hold a valid Australian student visa, be enrolled full-time in an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate program at ACU, and commit to living in one of the university’s managed residential properties.

The scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis and requires an application that includes a written statement outlining the student’s personal circumstances, goals, and why they would benefit from the award. It’s a key support option that helps reduce the financial burden of living away from home, allowing students to focus more on their academic and personal development.

Benefits	A 20% reduction on accommodation fees for a 12-month rental agreement in ACU-managed student housing.
Eligibility	You must be an international student with a valid student visa, enrolled full-time in an eligible ACU program, and have a confirmed offer of admission. You must also commit to a 12-month lease in university-managed accommodation.
Application Process	A separate online application is required. You must submit a written statement outlining your personal circumstances and academic goals. Early applications are strongly recommended.
Deadline	The official deadline is 1 March 2026, but offers are often made on a first-come, first-served basis.
Official Link	ACU International Student Accommodation Scholarship

ACU Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship

This is ACU’s most prestigious and highly competitive scholarship for international PhD and Doctor of Ministry candidates. It is designed to attract top-tier research talent from around the world. The scholarship package is comprehensive, offering full funding to cover all major costs associated with a research degree.

The benefits include a 100% tuition fee waiver for up to 3.5 years, a generous indexed annual stipend (approximately AUD $33,511 in 2025) to cover living expenses, and additional allowances for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and relocation costs (up to AUD $2,000). To be considered, candidates must have an exceptional academic record and their research proposal must align with ACU’s strategic research priorities. The scholarship is awarded following a highly competitive, merit-based selection process.

Benefits	A comprehensive, fully-funded package including a 100% tuition waiver for up to 3.5 years, a generous indexed annual living stipend (~AUD $33,511 in 2025), and allowances for health insurance and relocation costs.
Eligibility	You must be an outstanding international candidate for a PhD or Doctor of Ministry. Your proposed research must align with ACU’s strategic research priorities.
Application Process	You are automatically considered for this scholarship when you apply for an eligible research program. No separate scholarship application is needed.
Deadline	The deadline to apply for your research program for consideration for the 2026 intake is 1 October 2025.
Official Link	ACU Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship

Must Read: Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia that Make Education for Indian Students Free!

How to Apply for the Australian Catholic University Scholarships?

The Australian Catholic University scholarships are either application-based or non-application-based. Below we have provided the general steps to apply for an application-based scholarship. 

• Visit the official website of the ACU, and go to the scholarships page 
• Search scholarships for international students, and select the scholarship you wish to apply for
• Next, read the eligibility criteria, and the documentation requirements carefully.
• Click on ‘apply now’ and start the application process
• Generally, you are required to submit a written statement of 300 words stating how the scholarship would benefit you. Depending on the scholarship, you might also have to submit additional documents. For example, academic records, proof of community engagement, etc.
• Ensure that you are submitting the scholarship before the deadline
• The scholarship committee will review your application and notify you of the results.

For non-application-based scholarships, you just need to secure an offer letter to study a relevant course. Your application is automatically taken into consideration. You will be notified of the results.

Tips for a Successful Australian Catholic University Scholarship

While many of ACU’s scholarships, particularly for international students, are automatically considered when you apply for a course, others, like the Accommodation Scholarship, require a separate application. For those that require a specific application, and to strengthen your overall profile, here are some tips for a successful Australian Catholic University scholarship application.

• Carefully read the eligibility requirements for each scholarship.
• Apply for scholarships that align with your academic background, country of origin, or area of study.
• For scholarships that require one, write a compelling statement that highlights your achievements, goals, and connection to ACU’s values.
• Ensure all academic transcripts and other supporting documents are accurate, clear, and certified if necessary.
• If needed, choose referees who can speak positively about your character and abilities.
• Submit your scholarship application well before the deadline, especially for those with limited availability.
• Double-check all information and documents for any errors or typos before submitting.
• Don’t limit yourself. Apply for all the scholarships you might be eligible for.

Why Study at Catholic University?

Catholic universities offer international students a unique blend of academic rigor, a focus on personal development, and a strong sense of community. Unlike many secular institutions, Catholic universities integrate a values-based education into their curriculum. This approach helps to educate the “whole person” by combining academic studies with ethical and moral development. For many international students, this provides a supportive and nurturing environment where they can grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally.

Here are some important reasons to choose Catholic University:

• Catholic universities go beyond academic instruction. They emphasize educating the whole person by incorporating courses in philosophy and theology into the core curriculum.
• A central tenet of a Catholic education is the commitment to social justice and service to others. Many Catholic universities foster a culture of collaboration over competition and provide numerous opportunities for community engagement.
• International students can participate in service trips, volunteer work, and other activities that allow them to make a positive impact locally and globally.
• Catholic universities strive to create a welcoming and inclusive community. While rooted in Catholic values, they are open to students of all faiths and backgrounds.
• Don’t confuse a values-based education with a lack of academic quality. Many Catholic universities are highly ranked and provide excellent academic programs

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