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 significant financial support. The scholarship is designed for students who have experienced barriers to accessing university education and aims to promote educational equity, dignity, and opportunity.
The programme covers the full cost of tuition fees for the duration of an eligible course, subject to ongoing scholarship requirements. It also covers the Student Services and Amenities Fees, helping recipients reduce the financial burden associated with university study.
Applications open on 1 October 2026, and eligible students planning to begin their studies in Semester 1, 2027 are encouraged to prepare their applications early.
ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027 Overview
- Host institution: Australian Catholic University
- Scholarship location: Australia
- Scholarship type: Equity scholarship
- Study level: Undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and Foundation Studies
- Eligible applicants: International students from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds
- Funding: Full tuition fee coverage and Student Services and Amenities Fees
- Study mode: Full-time, with exemptions possible in special circumstances
- Study commencement: Semester 1, 2027
- Application opening date: 1 October 2026
- Application deadline: 11 January 2027 at 11:59 PM AEDT
About the ACU Refugee Scholarship
The ACU Refugee Scholarship supports students whose refugee or asylum seeker circumstances have created significant obstacles to higher education. Through this initiative, Australian Catholic University seeks to help talented students access university qualifications and develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
The scholarship is particularly valuable for students who have secured admission to ACU but face financial challenges that could prevent them from commencing or completing their studies.
Successful applicants receive tuition fee coverage for the duration of their approved course, provided they continue to meet the scholarship’s academic, enrolment, and eligibility conditions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all the following conditions to be considered.
Visa and citizenship status: Applicants must hold one of the following Australian visa categories:
- Temporary Humanitarian Stay visa (Subclass 449).
- Temporary Protection visa (Subclass 785).
- Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (Subclass 786).
- Safe Haven Enterprise visa (Subclass 790).
- A bridging visa while having applied for a Permanent Protection visa (Subclass 866).
University admission: Applicants must have received an offer to commence a new course at ACU as an international student in Semester 1, 2027.
Eligible courses: The scholarship supports any eligible ACU undergraduate degree, diploma, or Foundation Studies course.
Study commitment: Recipients are expected to study full-time, although exemptions may be considered in special circumstances.
Community support: Applicants must have support from a community organisation or education partner willing to provide a written recommendation. This organisation is expected to help the student identify employment or additional funding to support their living expenses while studying.
Scholarship Benefits
The ACU Refugee Scholarship provides two principal financial benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the approved course, subject to continued eligibility.
- Coverage of Student Services and Amenities Fees.
The scholarship does not explicitly provide a separate living allowance, accommodation funding, travel expenses, or a stipend. Applicants should therefore arrange additional financial support for living costs, including housing, food, transport, and other personal expenses.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents and information:
- A written personal statement of approximately 300 words explaining why they selected their chosen ACU degree and how it supports their long-term career goals.
- A recommendation letter from their 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 visa.
- A certified copy of their ImmiCard, if available.
- Details of their most recently completed education.
- A copy of their ACU course offer.
Applicants must apply to ACU as international students or through an appropriate Tertiary Admissions Centre where applicable to Australian Year 12 students.
Selection Criteria and Process
Applications are assessed based on the quality and relevance of the personal statement, the recommendation from the supporting organisation, any additional references, and an interview where required.
Preference will be given to recent senior high school graduates. The ACU Scholarships Office will shortlist applicants, and shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview with a selection panel. Final recipients will be selected by ACU Global Engagement.
Applicants are encouraged to present a clear explanation of their educational ambitions, career plans, and the role the scholarship would play in helping them achieve their goals.
How to Strengthen an Application
Applicants should ensure that their personal statement reflects their genuine circumstances, academic interests, and future ambitions. The statement should explain why the chosen course is appropriate and how the qualification could support their intended career.
They should also obtain a detailed recommendation from a community organisation or education partner that understands their circumstances and can demonstrate its commitment to supporting them throughout university.
All documents should be checked for accuracy, certification requirements, and consistency with the information provided in the application. ACU assesses the content of personal statements rather than language skills, so applicants should focus on presenting their experiences and goals clearly and authentically.
Ongoing Scholarship Requirements
Recipients must maintain a minimum passing grade in at least 50% of the credit points attempted each semester, remain enrolled full-time in the approved course, and continue studying in the same programme for which the scholarship was awarded.
Recipients must also remain eligible under the applicable visa conditions and cannot be permanent residents, hold permanent resident visas, or be citizens of Australia or New Zealand.
Scholarship recipients may be required to submit an annual Impact Statement to the ACU Scholarships Office by 1 October, explaining how the award has assisted them. Any change in visa status must be reported to ACU immediately.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should review the eligibility requirements, secure an offer for an eligible ACU course commencing in Semester 1, 2027, and prepare all required supporting documents before submitting an application.
Application deadline: 11 January 2027 at 11:59 PM AEDT.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
