Australian Catholic University
An ACU education builds on the Catholic understanding of faith and reason working together in pursuit of knowledge and promotion of human dignity and the common good.
An ACU education seeks to transform lives and communities. Students are challenged to look beyond the classroom, solve real world problems, develop their own search for meaning, and cultivate strong professional ethics. They are invited to stand up for people in need and causes that matter.
ACU is open to all. As is common with great Catholic institutions the world over, the university is inclusive and supportive of everyone, every day – regardless of their faith or tradition.
ACU is a young university making a serious impact. We’re ranked in the top two per cent of universities worldwide* and in the top 10 Catholic universities**. The university has seven campuses around Australia, a campus in Rome, Italy, and an online campus – ACU Online.
Opportunities for personal and professional growth are critical to ACU. This is a university of service – so much so that it is built into the curricula. All ACU courses offer work placements, internships, or volunteering opportunities.
* Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. Percentage calculated as ACU’s world rank as a proportion of the total number of universities in the world: International Handbook of Universities 2019, Palgrave MacMillan.
** International Federation of Catholic Universities members ranked on Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
The Brisbane Campus
The Brisbane Campus offers programs in allied health, biomedical science, business, creative arts, global studies and international development, humanities and social sciences, information technology, law and criminology, nursing, midwifery and paramedicine, philosophy, sport and exercise science, teaching and theology.
Transport
Located 12 kilometres from the city centre, it’s easy to travel to our Brisbane Campus. Trains and buses stop nearby, and a free ACU shuttle bus connects the campus with Toombul and Chermside. There is also free car parking and bike racks for cyclists.
Student facilities
Whether you want to get involved in campus life, create a professional network or just find a quiet place to study, our Brisbane Campus has you covered. Set on 40 hectares of parklands, the campus has ample parking, state-of-the-art learning facilities and places to hang out like cafés and a swimming pool. Other on-campus facilities include health and computer labs, an art gallery, a library, a bookshop, a moot court, a student lounge, a multipurpose sports facility, a health clinic, a chapel, and ovals and playing fields.
Campus life and support services
We’ve worked hard to create campus spaces that are relaxed, inviting and fun. And with clubs and societies for everything from photography to French, to skiing, we’re bound to have a group that’s right for you.
We also offer a range of support services, including academic skills and career development, counselling, equity and disability advisors, campus ministry and accommodation services. Visit acu.edu.au/support for information.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, the on-campus Indigenous Higher Education Unit offers academic, cultural, and social support. Flexible undergraduate courses are also available through the Away from Base program, which involves online study combined with intensive residential blocks twice a semester. Visit acu.edu.au/indigenoussupport for more information.
Study abroad
Want to study health sciences in Italy? Global studies in Mexico? Theology in Israel? Maybe you’d like to visit our campus located in Rome, Italy? Learning abroad programs can count towards your degree, and with more than 200 partner institutions, you can choose from a huge range of international opportunities.
Gain international learning experience by joining a study tour, completing an internship, doing a semester or short exchange, participating in community engagement or taking our unique international Core Curriculum program.
Learning abroad programs can be as short as two weeks or as long as a year, and there are generous travel grants available.
Visit acu.edu.au/study_overseas for more information.
Scholarships
We know that balancing the cost of living and study can be tricky. That’s why we offer more than 600 scholarship opportunities that recognise academic achievement and community participation, and help out students from a range of backgrounds.
We offer equity, merit and accommodation scholarships – which can help with costs like fees, textbooks and rent. Our scholarships range in value from $1,000 to $160,000 and are available to eligible students studying in every discipline across all of our campuses. To provide even more opportunities for our students, we’ve also developed the Creating Opportunity Fund scholarships. These are designed to support you to achieve your goals, no matter what difficult circumstances you may be facing. And unlike many equity scholarships, our eligibility criteria are flexible, so we can provide support where it’s needed most.
Visit acu.edu.au/scholarships for more information.
There’s more than one way into ACU
There’s no right or wrong way to get into university, so if you don’t get the ATAR you need, don’t panic. That’s why we have pathways. These provide alternative options if you don’t get a high enough score, haven’t completed the prerequisites or don’t meet some other requirement. Visit acu.edu.au/pathways for more information.
To be eligible for admission to an ACU course, you are required to satisfy all entry requirements. These requirements include English language proficiency, subject prerequisites, entry score (ATAR/selection rank) and, for some courses, course specific entry requirements. The entry requirements for ACU’s courses are listed on ACU’s website.
You are selected on the basis of an ATAR or selection rank for most courses. A selection rank can be assigned to recognised qualifications and alternative entry pathways such as paid work experience and special admissions tests.
ACU will generally use the best of the ranks assigned; age restrictions and other requirements may apply for some entry pathways. Contact ACU for more information.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. These can be satisfied by successfully completing senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). You must also satisfy any additional entry requirements.
If you have undertaken previous recognised higher education level study (eg AQF bachelor’s degree level and higher) you will be assigned a selection rank for this based on the level, duration and Grade Point Average (GPA) of the study.
If you have several selection ranks (eg based on Year 12 results, VET study, higher education study, employment), you will generally be considered on the highest rank. Some course exceptions may apply.
For the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Speech Pathology, if you have undertaken higher education study at bachelor’s level or higher with one full year or more completed, you will be considered on the basis of the selection rank for this study.
Contact ACU for more information about calculating your selection rank.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. These can be satisfied by successfully completing senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). You must also satisfy any additional entry requirements.
Credit (Recognition of Prior Learning)
ACU provides credit in recognition of prior learning where relevant to the program of study. Application for credit is made internally, after receiving an offer to study at ACU.
Visit ACU’s website for more information on applying for credit transfer.
ACU accepts a number of bridging and tertiary preparation programs for entry.
You should apply through QTAC and provide evidence of your bridging qualifications to be considered for a place at ACU.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. These can be satisfied by successfully completing Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent).
You must also satisfy any additional entry requirements.
Competency-based and graded AQF Certificate IV (completed), diplomas and sub-degree level study will be assigned a selection rank (based on level, duration and Grade Point Average (GPA) of the study).
ACU provides two application options for applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study who wish to apply for a bachelor’s degree program:
1. Apply via QTAC and your VET studies will be assigned a selection rank
Whether your VET result is considered for an offer to a course will depend on whether you have additional qualifications (including Year 12 results and other recognised qualifications completed while at school).
Formal qualifications will also be considered. These may include Senior External Examination results, higher education study, VET study such as completed competency-based and graded Certificate IV and diplomas, sub-degree level study, bridging and preparation courses, as well as some creative arts qualifications in the areas of music, dance and speech, police, emergency and defence force service, and some professional registrations.
You may also use admission pathways such as employment experience and the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
ACU will generally use the best of the selection ranks assigned (exceptions may apply to some courses).
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. These can be satisfied by successfully completing senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). You must also satisfy any additional entry requirements.
2. Apply directly to ACU if your VET studies are recognised in a partnership agreement between ACU and your VET institution
ACU has partnership agreements with TAFE, and other private education providers, both locally and internationally. Agreements include guaranteed entry and/or credit for VET studies and provide a pathway into a related ACU degree course.
For more information on guaranteed entry and/or credit agreements, including current tuition fees, visit TAFE and other VET studies.
Search current partnership agreements to see if the VET course you studied has a formal agreement with ACU and what you are eligible to receive.
Credit (Recognition of Prior Learning)
ACU provides credit in recognition of prior learning where relevant to the program of study. Application for credit is made internally after receiving an offer to study at ACU.
Visit ACU’s website for more information on applying for credit transfer.
Post-secondary professional and paraprofessional qualifications and service will be considered, including:
- some creative arts, language and civil aviation qualifications
- memberships of professional associations for which qualifying exams are undertaken
- police, defence and emergency services experience.
You may also use admission pathways such as employment experience and the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); age restrictions apply. STAT results are not accepted for current Year 12 students or for applicants under the age of 18. The STAT is not accepted for graduate entry programs.
If you have several selection ranks (eg based on Year 12 results, VET study, higher education study, employment), you will generally be considered on the highest rank. Some course exceptions may apply.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. These can be satisfied by successfully completing senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). You must also satisfy any additional entry requirements.
Bridging and enabling course entry
ACU offers the following range of bridging and enabling pathways:
Domestic pathways
Diploma in Exercise Science
Diploma in Biomedical Science
Diploma in Business
Diploma in Information Technology
Certificate in Commerce
Certificate in Educational Studies
Certificate in Liberal Studies
Certificate in Theology
Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
Visit ACU’s website for more information.
Current Queensland Year 12 ATAR-eligible students will be considered for an offer based on their ATAR (or other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school).
Current Queensland Year 12 students who are ineligible to receive an ATAR will not be assigned a QTAC selection rank based on this study but may be considered for an offer based on other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school.
Current Interstate Year 12 students will be assigned a selection rank based on their ATAR and will be considered for an offer based on this selection rank (or other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school).
Current International Baccalaureate (IB) students will be assigned a selection rank based on the score from the completed IB Diploma. As agreed by admissions centres around Australia, the IB score is converted to a ‘combined rank’. The combined rank is on the same scale as the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank). This is then converted to a QTAC selection rank. For more information, visit International Baccalaureate (IB) studies. IB Diploma students will be considered for an offer based on this selection rank (or other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school). Contact ACU for more information.
Results from home schooling, Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) and other non-standard Year 12 programs (with SAT tests) may also be assigned a selection rank and considered for an offer based on this selection rank (or other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school). Contact ACU for more information.
Applicants with overseas Year 12 study
ACU will consider equivalent overseas Year 12 qualifications for admissions purposes. Contact ACU for more information. If you have secondary or tertiary qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Other qualifications completed in Year 12
Other recognised qualifications completed when at school such as completed competency-based and graded AQF Certificates III and IV (completed), diplomas, higher education study, and some creative arts qualifications (in the areas of music, dance and speech) will also be assigned a selection rank.
For the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Speech Pathology, if you have undertaken higher education study at bachelor’s level or higher with one full year completed, you will be considered on the basis of the selection rank from this study.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. This will be satisfied by successful completion of Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). You must also satisfy any additional entry requirements.
There are a number of special entry schemes for admission and selection rank adjustments apply in some cases. Where adjustments are awarded for similar reasons, a cap on the number of adjustment points awarded will apply. Applicants can be allocated a maximum adjustment of 12 ranks across all schemes.
ATAR/selection rank adjustments will automatically be applied to the TAC application for the following schemes:
Year 12 subject
Based on performance in Year 12 subjects approved by the faculty as relevant for specific courses in the relevant state/territory (a maximum of five adjustment points will be applied to your rank).
Access ACU
Comprises Schools Relationship, Campus, Regional Schools schemes:
- Schools Relationship Scheme – based on established relationship with schools.
- Campus Scheme – based on residential postcode of applicant where location is designated as important to campus.
- Regional School Scheme – based on schools located in rural and regional areas as identified by the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC) postcode classification system.
A maximum of five adjustment points will be applied to your rank across these three areas.
Schemes requiring an application:
QTAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
UAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
VTAC Special Education Access Scheme (SEAS)
A maximum of six adjustment points will be applied to your rank.
Elite Athlete and Performer Program
Applicants who have demonstrated a high level of sporting, musical or artistic skills may be eligible for up to five adjustment points for admission. A maximum of five adjustment points will be applied to your rank.
Other admissions schemes
ACU Guarantee
ACU Guarantee offers eligible Year 12 students a place at ACU based on their Year 11 results. You could have an offer as early as July. And while you still need to complete your Year 12 exams, you can do so secure in the knowledge that your marks from Year 11 meet our entry requirements. You may also enhance your entry score by including a short personal statement that gives ACU an insight into your personal circumstances and motivation for university study.
Principals’ Recommendation Scheme: Secondary school principals are invited to recommend Year 12 students who have experienced educational disadvantage for entry to an ACU degree or pathway program.
Veteran Entry Program: ACU is here to help support your studies. If you are a current or former member of the Australian Defence Force, you might be eligible for ACU’s Veteran Entry Program (VEP) and Student Veterans Support Program (SVSP).
For more information about these admissions schemes, visit ACU’s website.
There are a number of special entry schemes for admission and selection adjustment points apply in some cases. Where adjustments are awarded for similar reasons, a cap on the number of adjustment points will apply. Applicants can be allocated a maximum rank adjustment of 12 ranks across all schemes.
Selection rank adjustments will automatically be applied to the TAC application for the following schemes:
Schemes requiring an application:
QTAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
UAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
VTAC Special Education Access Scheme (SEAS)
Maximum of six adjustment points for each scheme.
Elite Athlete and Performer Program
Applicants who have demonstrated a high level of sporting, musical or artistic skills may be eligible for up to five adjustment points for admission (maximum of five adjustment points applied).
ACU offers several courses where admission prerequisites may include an interview, folio, personal statement, audition or other performance or demonstration of practical skill or other attribute. The entry requirements for ACU’s courses are listed on ACU’s website.
Where entry to a graduate entry or postgraduate course has a prerequisite of completion of an appropriate degree or other qualification, the degree or other qualification must normally have been completed within the preceding 10 years.
If your prerequisite degree or other qualification was completed more than 10 years previously, it will be assessed:
- on the basis of subsequent development and life or work experience in the discipline, and as approved by the Head of School or equivalent or nominee; or
- as provided for in the course rules for that program.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Each ACU campus has its own hub for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Indigenous Higher Education Units
ACU’s Indigenous Higher Education Units provide a culturally safe space that strengthens Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander connections. You can meet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff, make friends and get information, advice and support on a wide range of academic, cultural and personal matters to help enrich your university life.
Tutorial assistance
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access free academic tutorial assistance. Take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your study outcomes at ACU.
Away from Base Program
Away from Base is a program that allows you to live and work in your own community while studying online, and visit ACU’s Brisbane or Strathfield campuses for four weeks a year for face-to-face course lectures. If you are studying in Away from Base mode, you will need to make sure you are ready for your on-campus residential weeks.
Visit ACU’s website for contact details regarding services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the relevant campus.
Domestic students with overseas qualifications
Domestic students with overseas qualifications should contact ACU for information on how their qualifications will be assessed for entry.
English language proficiency
ACU requires students to demonstrate that they can speak, write, read and comprehend English to a specified standard. Visit English language proficiency for information on ACU’s English proficiency requirements, including ways to demonstrate you meet these.
Credit (Recognition of Prior Learning)
ACU provides credit in recognition of prior learning where relevant to the program of study. Application for credit is made internally after receiving an offer to study at ACU.
Visit ACU’s website for more information on applying for credit transfer.
Timing of offers
ACU makes year-round offers for most courses. Term 1 offers will take place between August and February, and Term 2 offers will occur between March and June. Visit key dates for more information.
Offers
QTAC applicants are notified of their ACU offer by email and must respond to their offer online by the due date. Applicants accepting their offer can find ACU enrolment information via a link in their QTAC application.
Deferment
You can defer your undergraduate course for up to one year. Deferment is not available for postgraduate courses. Visit the ACU website for more information.
Fees and charges
Visit the ACU website for information about fees and charges.
STUDENT PROFILE |
||
|---|---|---|
| Applicant background | Semester 1 intake 2023 | |
| Number of students | Percentage of all students | |
| (A) Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) |
351 | 20.57% |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | 152 | 8.91% |
| (C) Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) |
68 | 3.99% |
| (D) Recent secondary education:
Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR/selection rank (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject adjustment points) |
492 |
28.84% |
| Admitted where both ATAR/selection rank and additional criteria were considered (eg portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR/selection rank) | 56 | 3.28% |
| Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR/selection rank was not a factor (eg special consideration, audition alone, school recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR/selection rank requirement, VET qualification completed during school) | 509 | 29.84% |
| (E) International students | 78 | 4.57% |
| All students | 1706 | 100% |
| Notes: <5 – The numbers of students is less than five. N/A – Students not accepted in this category. N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students. |
||
Domestic students applying for bachelor degree programs apply through QTAC.
Domestic students applying for a pathway course should contact ACU to find out how to apply for their chosen sub-degree course.
International students applying for undergraduate study should contact ACU to find out how to apply for their chosen course.
Students considering postgraduate study should contact ACU to find out how to apply for their chosen course.
Course admissions information
For course admission information (including the ATAR/selection rank profile for Semester 1, 2023 admissions), please refer to the individual course entry in Course Search.
Student facilities
On-campus facilities include state-of-the-art health science facilities, modern and flexible learning spaces, an art gallery, computer labs, a library, a bookshop, a student lounge, a multipurpose sports facility, a moot court, an onsite public health clinic, a chapel, free parking, ovals and playing fields, a swimming pool and a cafe.
Student activities and support services
There’s more to university life than studying. Our Brisbane campus has an active student association and there are plenty of clubs, societies, and events you can take part in.
Our Campus Ministry has an open-door policy and plenty of activities for students who want to celebrate their faith.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can turn to the Indigenous Higher Education Unit for academic, cultural and social support. The units provide a culturally safe space that strengthens Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander connections. Flexible undergraduate courses are also available, allowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to live and work in their own communities and attend campus four weeks each year for face-to-face lectures.
The campus also offers a range of support services, including:
- academic skills and career development
- counselling
- equity and disability advisers
- orientation and accommodation services.
Visit the ACU website for more information.
Study abroad
Study abroad programs count towards your degree, and with more than 200 partner institutions, you can go nearly anywhere in the world. We also have an ACU campus located in Rome, Italy. It’s an incredible and unique opportunity to live and learn in one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
Some government and university financial assistance is available for students taking part in an exchange program.
Visit the ACU website for more information.
Financial support
We know that balancing the cost of living and study can be tough. That’s why ACU offers more than 600 scholarships which recognise academic achievement and community participation and help out students from a range of backgrounds.
Visit the ACU website.
AskACU Centre (Brisbane)
Australian Catholic University
Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo)
PO Box 456, Virginia QLD 4014 Australia