Australian Catholic University Refugee Scholarship 2026

This scholarship supports international students from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds who have faced significant barriers to accessing higher education. The scholarship represents ACU’s commitment to opportunity, dignity, and hope — enabling talented students to pursue their academic ambitions and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJuly 1, 2026
• Study LevelUndergraduate
• SponsorAustralian Catholic University
• School to studyAustralian Catholic University (ACU)
• Course to study
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

This scholarship will cover:

• The full cost of your tuition fees for the duration of your course (refer to the ongoing requirements section below).
• The Student Services and Amenities Fees.

Requirements

This scholarship is open to those who meet all the following criteria:

• Citizenship: hold one of the following:
  • Temporary Humanitarian Stay visa (Subclass 449)
  • Temporary Protection visa (Subclass 785)
  • Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (Subclass 786)
  • 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 2, 2026.

Selection Process

• Applicants will be shortlisted by the Scholarships Office.
• Those shortlisted may be required to attend an interview with a selection panel.
• The recipients will be selected by ACU Global Engagement.

Application Documents

Applicants will be required to provide the following as part of the application:

• A written statement* of approximately 300 words outlining:
  • what inspired you to choose this degree at ACU
  • 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). Shortlisted applicants’ references may be contacted by ACU.
• 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.

NOTE: Applicants must apply as an international student, to ACU or via a Tertiary Admissions Centre (Australian year 12 students).

 * Statements are assessed on content, not language skills. If you access assistance from advisors, tutors or AI technology to complete your personal statement, please ensure that your submission accurately reflects your personal situation with regards to the criteria.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For more information, kindly visit the ACU scholarship webpage.