Ruqayyah Snyder
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university in Australia. It is one of the top 10 Catholic universities in the world and is also a leader in employability, with 95% of its graduates employed. ACU has seven campuses across Australia and one in Rome, Italy, with an online campus as well. The university is inclusive and supportive of everyone, regardless of their faith, tradition, or circumstance. ACU offers a wide range of courses and assessments, all of which are delivered in English. The university is committed to preparing students for life after university and is highly regarded by its students, who have given it five stars for learner engagement, skills development, and starting salary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of University | Public |
| Ranking | #851-900 in QS World University Rankings 2026 |
| Campuses | 7 in Australia (Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney), 1 in Rome, Italy, and an online campus |
| Student Bodies | Australian Catholic University National Students' Association (ACUNSA) |
| Student Engagement | Annual national sporting event, the ACU Games |
| Student Support | Offers pathway programs for students who don't meet entry requirements, including the Foundation Studies Program for international students |
| Employability | Leader in employability with 95% of graduates employed |
| Courses | Theology and Philosophy, Health Sciences, Nursing, Exercise and Sports Science, Biomedical Science, Nutrition Science |
| Curriculum | Grounded in Catholic understanding of faith and reason, promoting human dignity and the common good, with a focus on real-world problem-solving and professional ethics |
| Research | High-impact research with social, cultural, and economic benefits, ranked first or equal first in 10 fields in Australia by Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) |
| Controversies | Removal of rainbow flags from campuses, removal of Kate Galloway AM from her position due to pro-choice views, job cuts |
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What You'll Learn
Australian Catholic University's (ACU) global rankings
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a young university that is making a significant impact. It is inclusive and supportive of everyone, regardless of faith, tradition, or circumstance. ACU is ranked in the top 10 Catholic universities and is a leader in employability, with 95% of its graduates employed.
In the QS World University Rankings 2026, ACU is ranked #851-900. It is also ranked #362 in Best Global Universities, and #416 in US News & World Report's Best Global Universities. ACU is ranked #27 in Best Global Universities in Australia/New Zealand and #24 in Best Global Universities in Australia. The university is ranked #31 in Australia and #1034 globally in the 2025 EduRank ratings, scoring in the top 50% across 110 research topics.
ACU is ranked highly in several specific subjects. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, ACU is ranked first in Australia and second globally for good health and wellbeing. It is also ranked in the top 20 in Australia for decent work and economic growth. In the 2024 CWTS Leiden Rankings, ACU is ranked first in Australia for Biomedical and Health Sciences and Social Sciences and Humanities publications. In the 2025 EduRank ratings, ACU is ranked 30th in Australia and 837th globally for Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. In the same ratings, ACU is ranked 28th in Australia and 946th globally for Medicine.
ACU is also ranked highly in several other subjects in the 2025 EduRank ratings, including Psychology, Biology, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Economics, and Business.
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ACU's academic reputation and research
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university in Australia with seven campuses across the country and one in Rome, Italy. The university is considered a young institution making a significant impact. It is ranked among the top 10 Catholic universities and is a leader in employability, with 95% of its graduates employed. ACU's academic reputation is grounded in the Catholic understanding of faith and reason working together in pursuit of knowledge, the promotion of human dignity, and the advancement of the common good. The university aims to transform lives and communities by challenging students to look beyond the classroom and solve real-world problems.
ACU's research activities are focused on developing innovative solutions that impact human dignity and the common good. The university fosters academic collaboration and engages with local and international partners to enable the exchange of knowledge and skills. ACU's research is ethically informed and aims to deliver positive change within the institution, industry, community, and government. The university's Faculty of Theology and Philosophy ranks globally for divinity and religious studies, theology, and philosophy. ACU's research in philosophy has been described as "meteoric" by Timothy Williamson, a professor of philosophy at Oxford and Yale.
In the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluation, ACU ranked first or equal first in ten fields of research in Australia. The university also ranked first in Australia and second globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 Impact Rankings for its efforts to promote healthy living and well-being through research and teaching. ACU's research activities are closely tied to its commitment to fostering thriving communities and a supportive and inclusive campus environment.
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ACU's English language requirements
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university in Australia. It has seven campuses across Australia, in Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney (Blacktown, North Sydney, and Strathfield), with a Leadership Centre in Adelaide and another in Townsville. ACU also has a campus in Rome, Italy, and an online campus.
ACU offers English language courses and pathway programs to help students improve their English proficiency and meet the English language requirements for their chosen degree program. The university's English Language Centre, located on the Melbourne and Sydney campuses, offers courses to prepare students for academic life, improve their communication skills, and enhance their career prospects.
English Language Requirements at ACU:
ACU has specific English language requirements for international students whose first language is not English. These requirements ensure that students have the necessary proficiency to succeed in their chosen degree program. Here are the key details about ACU's English language requirements:
- Assessment of English Proficiency: Students whose first language is not English must provide evidence of their English proficiency. This can be demonstrated through recent assessments, tests, or qualifications. For example, students can take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam or the ACU English Test. The IELTS is a widely recognised test, and ACU offers preparation courses to help students achieve the required score. The ACU English Test is offered throughout the year at the Brisbane, Melbourne, and North Sydney campuses.
- Minimum English Language Requirements: ACU has minimum English language requirements that vary by faculty and course. Students can refer to the university's website to find the specific requirements for their chosen program. The requirements outline the expected scores or grades for assessments such as IELTS or the ACU English Test.
- Versant English Placement Test: ACU offers the Versant English Placement Test, a 50-minute online test, to help students assess their English language level and determine the length of any necessary English study. This test is not used as evidence of English proficiency for admissions but can guide students in their preparation.
- English Language Course Options: ACU provides various English language course options to help students meet the required proficiency levels. These courses are designed to improve English skills, build academic proficiency, and prepare students for university life. Students can enrol in these courses at different times throughout the year and access a range of student services, including academic skills support and counselling.
- Pathway Programs: ACU offers pathway programs such as the Tertiary Preparation Program (TPP) and the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. These programs help students transition into undergraduate or postgraduate degree programs by teaching them essential skills such as academic writing, tutorial participation, and oral presentations.
- Evidence of English Proficiency for Admissions: When applying for a degree program at ACU, international students must provide certified copies of their passports and evidence of their English proficiency, such as IELTS results. If applying for both an English language course and a degree program simultaneously, students must submit all the necessary documents for each application.
In summary, ACU's English language requirements are designed to ensure that international students have the necessary English proficiency to succeed in their chosen degree programs. The university offers a range of English language courses, pathway programs, and support services to help students meet these requirements and improve their academic and professional skills. Prospective students can refer to ACU's website and seek guidance from ACU education agents worldwide for detailed information on specific course requirements and application processes.
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ACU's campus locations
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a public university in Australia with seven campuses across the country and one in Rome, Italy. ACU also has an online campus. The university's main campus is in Melbourne, and its other Australian campuses are located in Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, and Sydney (Blacktown, North Sydney, and Strathfield). The Mount St Mary Campus in Strathfield is heritage-listed. ACU's campus in Rome, Italy, is a collaboration with the Catholic University of America and was opened in 2015.
Each ACU campus has a student representative council, and there is a national student body called the Australian Catholic University National Students' Association (ACUNSA). 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.
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 is committed to preparing students for life after graduation, and its multicultural campuses offer a diverse and inclusive environment with various extracurricular activities.
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ACU's student life and extracurricular activities
Student life and extracurricular activities play a crucial role in the overall university experience at Australian Catholic University (ACU). ACU offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to enrich the student experience and prepare students for the challenges of tomorrow.
Student Life at ACU
ACU provides a vibrant and supportive community for its students. The university recognises the importance of student accommodation, where students can receive academic support and form lifelong friendships within a diverse and close-knit community. Living in student accommodation allows students to immerse themselves in university life and engage with peers from various backgrounds.
Extracurricular Activities
ACU offers numerous extracurricular opportunities for students to develop their skills and build a well-rounded portfolio. The university encourages hands-on workshops, facility tours, and student-led research projects. For instance, ACU students can participate in workshops related to law and criminology, business, and teaching. They can also take part in research projects that address societal challenges, such as tackling homelessness and supporting people with refugee experiences.
Industry Engagement
The university also facilitates industry engagement and collaboration. ACU has partnerships with Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training, enabling high-achieving Vietnamese students to further their studies. Additionally, ACU hosts hackathons backed by prominent companies like AWS, Microsoft, and Data3, offering students opportunities for coding, collaboration, and innovation.
Community Engagement
Community engagement is a key focus for ACU. The university works closely with community partners to address social issues and make a positive impact. ACU's commitment to community engagement has been recognised through the prestigious Carnegie Community Engagement Classification in Australia. This engagement extends to celebrating cultural diversity and recognising the deep spiritual connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with their Country.
Student Achievements
ACU students and alumni have accomplished notable achievements. Nicola Parkes, the 2019 Young Alumni of the Year, has dedicated her life to supporting youth and people with refugee experiences. Abiola Ajetomobi, another ACU community member, has become a leader in helping newcomers settle in Melbourne. These are just a few examples of how ACU empowers its students to make a difference in their communities and the lives of others.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a young university making a significant impact. It is one of the top public universities in Melbourne, Australia, and is ranked in the top 10 Catholic universities.
ACU is committed to preparing students for life after university. Its students have given it five stars for learner engagement, skills development, and starting salary. It ranked first or equal first for ten fields of research in Australia in the latest Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings.
ACU has a diverse student community and offers various extracurricular activities, providing students with a holistic and impactful higher education experience. Each ACU campus has a student representative council, and there is a national student body called the Australian Catholic University National Students' Association (ACUNSA). The university also hosts an annual national sporting event – the ACU Games.
For most undergraduate courses, students must have the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate to gain direct entry, from a recognised high school qualification. If English is not a student's first language, they will need to demonstrate their proficiency with evidence such as a recent assessment, qualification, or test.
