ACU Refugee Scholarship supports international students from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds by covering tuition and student services fees to enable study at ACU. The ACU Refugee Scholarship helps talented students overcome barriers to higher education and pursue undergraduate, diploma or foundation studies starting Semester 1, 2027.
The scholarship is offered by Australian Catholic University and is administered through the ACU Scholarships Office and ACU Global Engagement. ACU expects recipients to have the support of a community organisation or education partner and to meet ongoing academic and visa-related requirements as outlined by the university.
ACU Refugee Scholarship Benefits
- The full cost of your tuition fees for the duration of your course (refer to the ongoing requirements section below) will be covered.
- The Student Services and Amenities Fees will also be covered.
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ACU Refugee Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Citizenship: hold one of the following: Temporary Humanitarian Stay visa (Subclass 449)
- Citizenship: hold one of the following: Temporary Protection visa (Subclass 785)
- Citizenship: hold one of the following: Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (Subclass 786)
- Citizenship: hold one of the following: Safe Haven Enterprise visa (Subclass 790)
- Anyone on a bridging visa and who has applied for a Permanent Protection visa (subclass 866).
- Have the support of a community organisation or education partner* who can provide a written reference.
- Course: any ACU Undergraduate Degree, Diploma or Foundation Studies course.
- Study load: full-time (exemptions can apply in special circumstances)
- Have received an offer to commence a new course at ACU as an international student in Semester 1, 2027.
Documents Required
- Completed Application Form
- CV or resume
- Valid Passport
- A certified copy of their visa.
- A certified copy of their ImmiCard, if available.
- A copy of their ACU course offer.
- A recommendation letter
- A written personal statement of about 300 words
- Other Relevant Supporting Documents
How to Apply for ACU Refugee Scholarship?
- A written statement* of approximately 300 words outlining what inspired you to choose this degree at ACU and how this course aligns with your long-term career goals.
- A letter of recommendation from a community organisation or education partner who will provide a reference. Additional personal or character letters of recommendation are welcome (up to 2 maximum).
- Certified** copy of passport
- Certified** copy of visa
- Certified** copy of Immicard (ID) (if available)
- Details of your most recent completed education
- A copy of your ACU course offer.
Don’t miss this deadline
Applications close on Monday, 11 January 2027. We’ll email you 7, 3 and 1 days before.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the ACU Refugee Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply using information published by Australian Catholic University.
Who is eligible to apply for the ACU Refugee Scholarship?
Eligibility is limited to applicants who hold one of the specified visa categories (Subclass 449, 785, 786, 790, or a bridging visa while applying for Subclass 866 Permanent Protection), have the support of a community organisation or education partner able to provide a written reference, and have an offer to commence an ACU undergraduate, diploma or foundation studies course in Semester 1, 2027.
What does the scholarship cover?
The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for the duration of the approved course and payment of Student Services and Amenities Fees. These benefits are subject to the ongoing requirements described by ACU; other costs such as living expenses, travel, and accommodation are not listed as covered by the scholarship in the official description.
What are the application requirements?
Applicants must submit a written statement of approximately 300 words outlining motivation and course alignment, a letter of recommendation from a supporting community organisation or education partner, certified copies of passport and visa (and Immicard if available), details of most recent education, and a copy of their ACU course offer. Additional personal character references (up to two) are accepted.
When is the application deadline?
The official ACU program listing shows the application deadline as 11 January 2027, with the program opening on 1 October 2026. Applicants should ensure they apply before 11 January 2027 11:59 PM (AEDT) as stated in the program details.
What study levels are eligible for the scholarship?
The scholarship is available for any ACU Undergraduate Degree, Diploma or Foundation Studies course. It is aimed at future or commencing students who have received an offer to start a new course at ACU as an international student in Semester 1, 2027.
Are there ongoing requirements to retain the scholarship?
Yes. Recipients must maintain a minimum pass grade for at least 50% of credit points attempted each semester, remain enrolled full-time in the same course for which the scholarship was awarded, and continue to be eligible under the relevant visa requirements (not be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident).
Is work or additional financial support required?
ACU expects the community organisation or education partner to assist the student to find work or other funding to support themselves while at university. The official listing notes recipients are expected to arrange additional financial support for living expenses, as the scholarship covers tuition and student services fees but does not state that it covers living costs.
Will shortlisted applicants be interviewed?
Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview with a selection panel. The ACU Scholarships Office will shortlist applicants and ACU Global Engagement will select the final recipients; references provided may be contacted as part of the assessment process.
What selection criteria are used to assess applications?
Applications are assessed on the strength of the written statement, the letter of recommendation from the supporting community organisation or education partner, any additional personal or character references, and an interview if required. Preference will be given to recent senior high school graduates.
Who can I contact for enquiries about the scholarship?
For enquiries the official program page lists the contact email International@acu.edu.au. Applicants can use this address to ask questions about eligibility, application documents, or other scholarship-related matters.
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