Australian Catholic University (ACU) Refugee Scholarship 2026

Established in 2016, this scholarship supports international refugee or asylum seeker students who have faced significant barriers to accessing higher education. It aims to ease financial pressure and help recipients thrive in their studies by providing ongoing support.

Summary:

1. Application Deadline: 11 Jan 2026 11:59 PM (AEDT)
2. Value: Full tuition fee waiver + Student Services & Amenities Fees
3. Study Level: Undergraduate, Diploma, Foundation Studies
4. Sponsor: Australian Catholic University
5. Eligible Country: International students

Eligibility Criteria for Australian Catholic University (ACU) Refugee Scholarship 2026

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

1. Citizenship: hold one of the following:
2. Temporary Humanitarian Stay visa (Subclass 449)
3. Temporary Protection visa (Subclass 785)
4. Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (Subclass 786)
5. Safe Haven Enterprise visa (Subclass 790)
6. Anyone on a bridging visa and who has applied for a Permanent Protection visa (subclass 866).
7. Have the support of a community organisation or education partner* who can provide a written reference.
8. Course: any ACU Undergraduate Degree, Diploma or Foundation Studies course.
9. Study load: full-time (exemptions can apply in special circumstances)
10. Have received an offer to commence a new course at ACU as an international student in Semester 1, 2026.

* 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.

Benefits of Australian Catholic University (ACU) Refugee Scholarship 2026

This scholarship will cover:

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

How to Apply

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

1. A written statement* of approximately 200 words outlining:
2. why you wish to study at ACU.
3. how this scholarship could financially support you whilst studying.
4. 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.
5. Certified** copy of passport
6. Certified** copy of visa
7. Certified** copy of Immicard (ID) (if available)
8. Details of your most recent completed education
9. 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.

For more information, kindly visit Australian Catholic University scholarship webpage.

Application Deadline

January 11, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Australian Catholic University (ACU) Refugee Scholarship 2026