Quick Summary
Since 1991, Australian Catholic University has been one of Australia's prominent publics, based in North Sydney. Ranked #801-850 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 33000 students including 15% from outside Australia. Known for strengths in Nursing, Education, Theology, it maintains an acceptance rate of 67%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Ranked top 10 in Australia for graduate employment and top 2% globally for clinical health.
Subject Strengths
NursingEducationTheologySports-related SubjectsPhilosophy
Founded1991
TypePublic
Total Students33000
Intl Students15%
Faculty Ratio28
CampusUrban
Campus SizeMulti-campus
Affiliated HospitalsSt Vincent's Health Australia, Mater Health Services
AccreditationTertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#801-850
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401-500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#501-600
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Research, Vocational Education, Professional Development
Programs
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Professional Doctorates
PhD Programs
ACU Online (Nursing, Business, Education, Theology)
Online Programs
Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education, Institute for Religion and Critical Inquiry
Research Centers
High
Research Output
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate67%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL79
Min GPA4
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · October 31
SPRINGApplication Deadline · May 31
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on your community service involvement and ensure all clinical prerequisites are met for health courses.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Australian Dollar
UG Tuition
$30,500/yr
per year · AUD
Living Cost
$29,000/yr
per year · AUD
PG Tuition
$32,800/yr
per year · AUD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
$59,500/yr
tuition + living + essentials · AUD
Scholarships AvailableACU International Student Scholarship, Global Excellence Scholarships, Mercy Scholarship
Avg Scholarship$3,500
Financial AidHECS-HELP (for domestic), Government bursaries
Work-StudyAvailable via ACU Career Hub
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Research, Vocational Education, Professional Development programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Nursing | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Bachelor of Education (Primary) | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Master of Social Work | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science | MBA | 12-24 MO |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$58,000
Average Salary After Graduation
91%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementEmbedded in curriculum via Community Engagement and Professional Experience units
Industry Connections
Strong links with Catholic Health Australia and the National Catholic Education Commission
Notable Alumni
Peter Cosgrove, James Carleton, Deborah O'Neill
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
ACU Managed Student Accommodation (Iglu, Miguel Cordero Residence)
Sports Facilities
ACU Active gyms, track and field facilities, multi-purpose courts
Student Clubs
ACU Student Association (ACUSA), Makit Health Club, ACU Debating Society
Library Resources
7 physical libraries, 500,000+ electronic resources, 24/7 online access
Exchange Programs
Rome Campus Semester, Study Abroad in 20+ countries
Summer Programs
January Intensive Units, International Summer Schools