ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025 is a highly competitive award offered by the Australian Catholic University (ACU) for exceptional international PhD candidates. This prestigious opportunity is designed to attract outstanding researchers who wish to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree in Australia.
The scholarship offers comprehensive support including full tuition fee coverage, a generous living stipend, and relocation assistance. By providing both financial and academic support, the ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025 empowers talented scholars to focus on their research while benefiting from world-class facilities and guidance at one of Australia’s leading universities.
Benefits of ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025
Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive fully funded package, including:
- Stipend: AUD $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for up to 3.5 years.
- Tuition Fee Scholarship: Full tuition coverage for up to 3.5 years.
- Health Insurance: Overseas Student Health Care Policy (OSHC) for single coverage.
- Relocation Allowance: Up to AUD $2,000 for international students relocating to Australia.
Eligibility Criteria for ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025
To qualify for the ACU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship 2025, applicants must:
- Be classified as an international student for fee purposes.
- Be enrolling in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program.
- Propose a research project aligned with ACU’s strategic research priorities or areas of research strength.
- Meet ACU’s Higher Degree Research Policy and Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship Policy requirements.
- Not hold any other ACU scholarship or award simultaneously.
Available Subjects
Applicants can propose research projects in any of the following ACU faculties and institutes:
- Faculty of Education and Arts
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Law and Business
- Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
- ACU’s research institutes and centres
How to Apply for ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025
- No separate scholarship application required.
- All eligible applicants are automatically considered when applying for a research program at ACU.
- Selection is merit-based and decided by the ODVCRE Scholarship Selection Committee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025 (Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence) is for international PhD/Doctor of Ministry students in select ACU faculties, offering full tuition, a AUD 33,511 stipend, health and relocation allowances, auto-consideration, and a 1 Oct 2025 deadline
Australia ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025 – what is it?
The Australia ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025 refers to the ACU Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship, a prestigious merit-based award for international PhD or Doctor of Ministry candidates at ACU, offering full tuition waiver plus stipend and allowances.
Who is eligible for the ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025?
Eligible candidates are international students applying for PhD or Doctor of Ministry programs in the Faculties of Education & Arts, Health Sciences, Law & Business, or Theology & Philosophy at ACU.
What does the ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025 cover?
This award includes a 100% tuition fee scholarship, an indexed annual stipend, health cover, and a relocation allowance, supporting both living and study expenses during your PhD.
How much stipend does the ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025 provide?
The scholarship contains a stipend valued at AUD 33,511 per annum (full-time), paid fortnightly, indexed annually, and applicable for up to 3.5 years.
When is the deadline to apply for the ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025?
Applications close on 1 October 2025 at 11:59 PM AEST for the Australia ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025 (Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Excellence).
How to apply for the ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025?
You are automatically considered when applying to a PhD or Doctor of Ministry at ACU. Submit your program application before 1 October 2025 to be in the running.
Can Australian domestic students apply for the Australia ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025?
No. The Australia ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025 is reserved only for international students; domestic applicants are not eligible
Are recipients of the Australia ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025 allowed other ACU awards?
No, recipients cannot hold any other ACU scholarship or award alongside this one—it must be used exclusively.
Which research areas are supported under the Australia ACU Excellence Scholarship 2025?
Supported areas include research aligned with ACU strategic priorities within the Faculties of Education & Arts, Health Sciences, Law & Business, and Theology & Philosophy.
How many Australia ACU Excellence Scholarships are awarded in 2025?
A limited number of these scholarships are awarded annually to the highest-ranked applicants on the merit list
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