Australian Catholic University
North Sydney, Australia • Founded 1991 • QS 2027 #851-900
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 1991, the Australian Catholic University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of North Sydney (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants), New South Wales.
This institution also has branch campuses in Ballarat, Blacktown, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney and Strathfield. Officially recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Australia, Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a large-sized coeducational Australian higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Catholic religion.
Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 33-year-old Australian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this Australian higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. ACU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
The geographic and contact details below cover where Australian Catholic University is and how to reach its administrative offices. Campus emergency contact is typically distinct from general inquiries.
Academic Details
Australian Catholic University's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.
Academic Structures
Australian Catholic University's teaching units laid out by faculty and school. Deep hierarchies (faculty to school to department) versus flat structures affect administrative complexity for students.
Unit 4 items
- Faculty of Education and Arts
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Law and Business
- Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Department of Education and Training of Australia.
Adelaide (Campus) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Ballarat (Campus) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Brisbane (Campus) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Canberra (Campus) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Melbourne (Campus) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
North Sydney (Campus) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Strathfield (Campus) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Arts and Sciences (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
- Chemistry
- History
- Information Technology
- Literature
- Modern Languages
- Music
- Physics
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Social Work
- Theology
- Visual Arts
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business (Faculty) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Commercial Law
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Faculty) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Adult Education
- Continuing Education
- Education
- Primary Education
- Religious Education
- Secondary Education
- Special Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Physical Therapy
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Theology and Philosophy (Faculty) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Philosophy
- Theology
Common Career Paths
- Religious Educator
- Pastoral Counsellor
- Faith Community Leader
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Australian Catholic University's catalogue, with name search and level grouping. Capstone or dissertation requirements vary across programmes — confirm what you'll be assessed on before applying.
146 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Australia
Bachelor's Degree 88 programmes
Showing 10 of 88.
Honours Degree 27 programmes
Showing 10 of 27.
Master's Degree 23 programmes
Showing 10 of 23.
Doctorate 4 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 3 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 1 programme
How to apply to Australian Catholic University
A practical five-step guide to applying to Australian Catholic University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
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1
Research programmes at Australian Catholic University
Australian Catholic University's catalogue includes 146 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Australian Catholic University's admissions process.
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3
Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through Australian Catholic University's official website at www.acu.edu.au. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +61 (0)2 9739 2437. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Australian Catholic University
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Australian Catholic University as a study destination.
How old is Australian Catholic University?
The institution opened in 1991 (approximately 35 years ago).
In which city is Australian Catholic University?
Australian Catholic University is based in North Sydney, Australia.
Is Australian Catholic University public or private?
Australian Catholic University operates as a public institution.
How many students study at Australian Catholic University?
Australian Catholic University has approximately 20,000-24,999 students.
Where does Australian Catholic University stand in university rankings?
Australian Catholic University is ranked QS 2027 #851-900.
What qualification levels does Australian Catholic University offer?
Australian Catholic University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
Does Australian Catholic University have a religious affiliation?
Yes, Australian Catholic University is affiliated with Christian-Catholic.
What is Australian Catholic University's academic structure?
Australian Catholic University has 4 academic units.
Is Australian Catholic University officially recognised?
Australian Catholic University is accredited by Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).
How do I find Australian Catholic University online?
You can find Australian Catholic University online at www.acu.edu.au.
Top-Ranked Universities in Australia
Faculty awards and national-leader status concentrate at the top Australia universities. Australian Catholic University's faculty distinctions compared to leaders signal where the institution sits in academic networks.
Members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU)
Other members of International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) are listed below.
Other Australian Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Other Christian-Catholic-affiliated institutions in Australia appear below.
Faculties at nearby universities
Below are universities in the same area as Australian Catholic University.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Other institutions in Australia teaching Education & Teaching are listed below for comparison with Australian Catholic University.
Universities Compared with Australian Catholic University
Universities of a similar scale and standing to Australian Catholic University are listed below.
Studying in Australia: guides and resources
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