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.
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ACU Refugee Scholarship Undergraduate Scholarship
Aim and Benefits of ACU Refugee Scholarship Undergraduate Scholarship
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 for ACU Refugee Scholarship Undergraduate Scholarship Qualification
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 1, 2027.
* The community organisation or education partner is expected to assist the student to find work or other funding to support themself while at university. ACU will seek to work with this organisation to support the student throughout their course.
Interview date, Process and Venue for ACU Refugee Scholarship Undergraduate Scholarship
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.
Selection criteria
Applications are assessed on the strength of the following criteria:
- Written statement
- Letter of recommendation from the supporting community organisation or education partner
- Any additional personal or character letters of recommendation
- Interview (if required for shortlisted applicants)
- Preference will be given to recent senior high school graduates.
Ongoing requirements
To remain eligible for this scholarship, recipients are required to maintain the following each semester for the duration of the scholarship:
- Minimum pass grade for 50% of credit points attempted
- Study load: full-time
- Enrolment in the same course under which the scholarship is received.
- Citizenship: Cannot be a permanent resident, hold a permanent resident visa or be a citizen of Australia or New Zealand.
Other
- Recipients will be requested to submit an Impact Statement for supporters of the ACU Refugee Scholarship Program explaining how the Scholarship has assisted them. The statement should be submitted to the Scholarships Office no later than 1 October each year.
- It is the recipient’s responsibility to notify ACU immediately should their visa status change or should they be granted any other category of visa. A recipient may be asked periodically to show proof that their visa status has not changed.
Documents Required for Application
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.
**A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been verified as a true copy by an authorised person. For instructions on how to get your documents certified, please visit Service Australia: How to get certified copies.
Check also:
Mastercard Foundation Scholars' Program at ALCHE 2027
Global Korea Scholarship 2027
Application Deadline
January 11, 2027How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
Australian Catholic University (ACU) on acu.smapply.io to apply
For enquires please email [email protected]
For more information, kindly visit ACU scholarship webpage.
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