Australian Catholic University (ACU).
The Australian Catholic University (ACU) Refugee Scholarship 2027 offers eligible international students from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds an opportunity to pursue higher education in Australia with substantial tuition fee support. The scholarship is designed to help students whose circumstances have created significant barriers to accessing university education.
Applications open on October 1, 2026, for students planning to commence an eligible course in Semester 1, 2027. The programme provides full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the approved course, subject to recipients meeting the scholarship’s ongoing requirements. It also covers Student Services and Amenities Fees, reducing some of the costs associated with university study.
The scholarship is particularly relevant to students who have secured an offer to study at Australian Catholic University but need financial assistance to begin or continue their education. Applicants must meet specific Australian visa requirements and obtain written support from a community organisation or education partner.
The ACU Refugee Scholarship is an equity focused initiative intended to expand access to higher education for international students from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds. Through this scholarship, Australian Catholic University aims to support talented students in overcoming financial barriers and developing the academic knowledge and professional skills needed to contribute to their communities.
The programme supports eligible undergraduate degrees, diplomas and Foundation Studies courses at ACU. Successful applicants are expected to study full time, although exceptions may be considered in special circumstances.
Applicants must have an offer to commence a new eligible course as an international student in Semester 1, 2027. The scholarship is conditional on continued eligibility, satisfactory academic progress and compliance with the university’s enrolment requirements.
Successful applicants may receive the following benefits:
• Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the approved course.
• Coverage of Student Services and Amenities Fees.
• Reduced financial pressure associated with university tuition.
• Access to eligible undergraduate degrees, diplomas and Foundation Studies programmes.
• An opportunity to pursue higher education in Australia.
• Support from the university and a community organisation or education partner throughout the study period.
Important funding information: The scholarship does not explicitly cover accommodation, meals, international travel, personal expenses or a separate living stipend. Applicants must make arrangements for these costs independently, with support from their community organisation or education partner where possible.
The scholarship applies to eligible courses offered by Australian Catholic University in the following categories:
• Undergraduate degree programmes.
• Diploma programmes.
• Foundation Studies courses.
Applicants should confirm that their intended programme is available for commencement in Semester 1, 2027, and that they have received the required offer of admission from ACU.
Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:
• Be an international student from a refugee or asylum seeker background who holds an eligible Australian visa.
• Hold one of the following visa types: Temporary Humanitarian Stay visa, Subclass 449; Temporary Protection visa, Subclass 785; Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa, Subclass 786; Safe Haven Enterprise visa, Subclass 790; or a bridging visa while having applied for a Permanent Protection visa, Subclass 866.
• Have received an offer to commence a new eligible course at ACU as an international student in Semester 1, 2027.
• Be applying for an eligible undergraduate degree, diploma or Foundation Studies course.
• Be prepared to study full time, unless an exemption is approved under special circumstances.
• Have support from a community organisation or education partner able to provide a written recommendation.
• Be able to arrange additional financial support for living expenses while studying.
• Continue to meet the scholarship’s visa, enrolment and academic requirements throughout the award period.
Applicants who are Australian or New Zealand citizens, or who hold Australian permanent residency or a permanent resident visa, are not eligible under the scholarship’s ongoing conditions.
Applicants should prepare the following documents and information:
• A personal statement of approximately 300 words explaining why they selected their chosen ACU degree and how it aligns with their long term career goals.
• A recommendation letter from a supporting community organisation or education partner.
• Up to two additional personal or character reference letters, if available.
• A certified copy of their passport.
• A certified copy of their eligible Australian visa.
• A certified copy of their ImmiCard, if available.
• Details of their most recently completed education.
• A copy of their offer of admission to an eligible ACU course.
Applicants should ensure that all required documents are accurate and that certified copies meet the university’s requirements. The personal statement is assessed on its content rather than language ability, so applicants should clearly explain their educational ambitions and how the chosen course supports their future plans.
Applications are assessed on the strength of the submitted personal statement, the recommendation from the supporting organisation or education partner, any additional references and an interview where required.
Preference will be given to recent senior high school graduates. The ACU Scholarships Office will review applications and shortlist candidates. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to attend an interview with a selection panel, while final recipients will be selected by ACU Global Engagement.
Applicants should explain their educational goals honestly and demonstrate why the scholarship would make a meaningful difference to their ability to pursue university study.
Recipients must continue meeting the university’s requirements to retain the scholarship throughout their approved course.
• Maintain at least a passing grade in 50 percent of the credit points attempted each semester.
• Remain enrolled full time, unless an approved exception applies.
• Continue studying in the same course for which the scholarship was awarded.
• Remain eligible under the applicable visa conditions.
• Notify ACU promptly if their visa status changes.
• Submit an annual Impact Statement to the ACU Scholarships Office by October 1 when requested.
Failure to meet these conditions may affect continued scholarship eligibility.
Interested applicants should follow these steps:
Australian Catholic University (ACU).
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