Grace Thompson
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public, not-for-profit university in Australia. It was opened on 1 January 1991 and has seven campuses across Australia, with an additional campus in Rome, Italy, and an online campus. ACU is dedicated to providing a rich learning experience with a strong focus on community engagement and developing future industry leaders through teaching entwined with traditional Catholic values. The university is committed to empowering its students to think critically and ethically and to stand up for people in need. ACU offers a range of courses, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees, as well as short courses, with a focus on health sciences, education, arts, theology, philosophy, law, and business. It has been recognised for its teaching quality and research and has a strong national and international presence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of establishment | 1 January 1991 |
| Number of campuses in Australia | 7 |
| Campuses outside Australia | 1 in Rome, Italy |
| Number of research institutes and centres | 18 |
| Ranking in QS World University Rankings 2026 | #851-900 |
| Ranking in CWTS Leiden Ranking 2024 | #895 |
| Ranking in Australian Financial Review Best Universities Ranking 2024 | #26 |
| Overall employment rate for graduates | 95% |
| Undergraduate median salary | $57,000 |
| Postgraduate median salary | $78,300 |
| Main areas of study focus | Health sciences, education and the arts, theology and philosophy, law and business |
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What You'll Learn
Australian Catholic University's (ACU)' history and amalgamation
The Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university in Australia that was opened on 1 January 1991 following the amalgamation of four Catholic tertiary institutions in eastern Australia. The university is a member of the publicly funded national system of Australian universities, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, and the International Federation of Catholic Universities. ACU has seven campuses across Australia: Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney (Blacktown, North Sydney, and Strathfield) with a Leadership Centre in Adelaide and another in Townsville. The university also has a campus in Rome, Italy, which was opened in 2015 in collaboration with the Catholic University of America.
The history of ACU can be traced back to the mid-1800s when religious orders and institutes became involved in preparing teachers for Catholic schools and nurses for Catholic hospitals. Through a series of amalgamations, relocations, transfers of responsibilities, and diocesan initiatives, more than 20 historical entities have contributed to the creation of the university. For example, in 1975, the Victorian Institute of Catholic Education operated two colleges, Mercy and Christ, which became ACU's two Melbourne campuses in 1990. In 2000, these two colleges were formally amalgamated to create the Melbourne Campus at Fitzroy (incorporating Central Hall).
The four Catholic tertiary institutions that amalgamated to form ACU in 1991 were the Signadou College of Education in the Australian Capital Territory, the McAuley College in Queensland, the Institute of Catholic Education in Victoria, and the Catholic College of Education in Sydney, New South Wales. ACU is committed to the pursuit of knowledge, the dignity of the human person, and the common good within the Catholic intellectual tradition. The university is inclusive and supportive of everyone, regardless of their faith, tradition, or circumstance.
ACU is a young university making a significant impact and is ranked in the top 10 Catholic universities. It has a high graduate employability rate, with 95% of its graduates employed. The university conducts high-impact research that delivers positive change across ACU, industry, community, and government. ACU's vice-chancellor and president, Zlatko Skrbis, is responsible for representing the university nationally and internationally and providing strategic leadership and management.
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ACU's campuses and locations
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university with seven campuses across Australia and one in Rome, Italy. ACU's Australian campuses are located in Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney (Blacktown, North Sydney, and Strathfield). The Mount St Mary Campus in Strathfield is heritage-listed. ACU also has Leadership Centres in Adelaide and Townsville, which provide opportunities for veterans, serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, and their families to pursue tertiary education.
The Rome campus, a collaboration with the Catholic University of America, is located just 5km from the Vatican. This campus offers students the opportunity to study in an ancient city and experience the rich culture and history of Rome.
Each ACU campus has a student representative council, and there is a national student body called the Australian Catholic University National Students' Association (ACUNSA) that advocates on behalf of students. The university also hosts an annual national sporting event, the ACU Games, and students compete in Australia's largest annual multisport event, the Australian University Games.
In addition to its physical campuses, ACU offers online programs through ACU Online, providing flexibility and accessibility for students who prefer to study remotely.
ACU's campuses offer a range of facilities, including galleries, lecture halls, sports facilities, and gyms that are available for hire. The university also provides off-campus and managed student accommodation options to enhance the university experience.
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ACU's academics and rankings
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university in Australia with seven campuses across the country, in addition to a campus in Rome, Italy, and an online campus. The university is inclusive and supportive of everyone, regardless of their faith, tradition or circumstance.
ACU is a young university that has made a significant impact. It is ranked in the top 10 Catholic universities and is a leader in employability, with 95% of its graduates employed. The university aims to transform lives and communities by challenging students to look beyond the classroom, solve real-world problems, and cultivate strong professional ethics. ACU offers work placements, internships, and volunteering opportunities as part of its curriculum.
In terms of rankings, ACU has been recognised in several notable university ranking systems. In the CWTS Leiden Ranking 2024, the university attained a position of #895 (28th nationally). In the Australian Financial Review Best Universities Ranking 2024, ACU was ranked #26 among Australian universities. In the 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (published in 2025), the university attained a position of #851–900 (33rd nationally). Additionally, in the US News Best Global Universities ranking, ACU was ranked based on thirteen indicators, including the percentage and number of highly cited papers in various fields such as social sciences, public health, and education.
ACU's academics are structured such that each faculty is headed by an executive dean, supported by associate deans and heads of schools. The university fosters academic collaboration and engages with local and international partners to enable the exchange of knowledge and skills. It also builds healthy social partnerships, assisting communities in shaping initiatives that directly impact them.
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ACU's courses, fees and scholarships
Courses
ACU offers a Bachelor of High Performance Sport degree, which provides extensive knowledge and skills relevant to human performance from various perspectives, including physiological, psychological, biomechanical, nutritional, and skill-based. This flexible degree can lead to careers in accounting, finance, marketing, or HRM.
The university also offers a course that prepares students to become teachers for the birth to 12 years age group, covering both early childhood and primary school education. Additionally, studying theology and philosophy will provide an understanding of the foundations of Western civilisation and the modern world.
Fees
The annual block tuition plan at ACU allows students to take up to 36 credit hours across the entire year for one price. This plan includes all required student fees, such as academic enrichment, technology, academic services, healthcare, public safety, and student activities and recreation. However, it does not include room and board or course-specific fees.
The tuition and student activity fees are $45,800, with an average additional cost for housing and food of $13,600, and textbooks costing around $700. Thus, the total direct cost is estimated to be $60,100.
Scholarships
ACU offers a range of scholarship opportunities for students. These include scholarships for international students, such as the President's International Scholarship and the Wildcat Housing Grant. Additionally, there are scholarships for first-year students, transfer students, and graduate scholarships offered by specific departments or programs.
For students studying abroad, there are special scholarships, such as the one offered to semester student RAs, who receive $4,500 for their leadership roles. Students who are Presidential Scholars or members of LYNAY receive financial vouchers for study abroad programs. Additionally, students from the Honors College can apply for a Travel Grant.
Abilene Christian University also offers unique scholarships for those with specific talents and accomplishments, such as former Scouts, National Merit scholars, or members of the Big Purple Marching Band.
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ACU's student life and support
Student life and support at the Australian Catholic University (ACU) are designed to empower students through their academic journeys and beyond. ACU offers a range of services, resources, and extracurricular activities to support students' academic, personal, and professional growth.
Academic Support
ACU provides comprehensive academic support to ensure students' success during their studies and after graduation. The University offers academic advising, where mentors guide students through complex decisions about course selection, extracurricular activities, and career paths. ACU's Career Development Centre provides tools, resources, and networking opportunities to help students determine their career paths and pursue job opportunities. The University also offers tutoring services, writing centres, and supplemental instruction sessions for challenging courses.
Student Services
Recognising that university life can be challenging, ACU provides a range of student services for support and well-being. This includes medical centres at the Brisbane and Melbourne campuses, offering high-quality healthcare. Counselling services are also available to help students navigate any difficulties they may face during their time at university. The University offers advice and support to international students, helping them adjust to university life and providing guidance when needed.
Extracurricular Activities
ACU encourages students to get involved in extracurricular activities to enhance their university experience. Students can join sports teams, fitness classes, or gyms available at various campuses. The University also offers group study spaces, libraries, and online databases to support collaborative learning. Additionally, students can join clubs and associations, such as the Australian Catholic University National Students' Association (ACUNSA), or start their own clubs. ACU hosts an annual national sporting event, the ACU Games, and students also participate in the Australian University Games.
Spiritual Formation
As a Catholic university, ACU integrates faith and reason in its educational approach. Students are challenged to look beyond the classroom, solve real-world problems, and cultivate strong professional ethics. While the University is grounded in Catholic values, it welcomes students from all backgrounds and faiths to participate in the activities and programs run by its campus ministry team.
Student Accommodation
ACU offers off-campus and managed student accommodation options to maximise the university experience. The University provides opportunities for students to visit campuses, attend Open Days, and participate in pre-university experiences to familiarise themselves with student life.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public, not-for-profit university in Australia. It was opened on 1 January 1991 and has seven campuses across Australia and one in Rome, Italy.
The university is ranked within the top 10 Catholic universities in the world. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, it was ranked #851-900.
ACU is dedicated to providing a transformative learning experience to its students, with a strong focus on community engagement and developing future industry leaders. An ACU education is grounded in the Catholic understanding of faith and reason working together in the pursuit of knowledge, promotion of human dignity, and advancement of the common good.
ACU is a leader in employability, with 93.9% of undergraduates and 95.3% of postgraduates securing a job. The median salary for undergraduates is $57,000 and $78,300 for postgraduates.
