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Official emblem of Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University

North Sydney, Australia • Founded 1991 • QS 2027 #851-900

Updated May 2026 · Source: acu.edu.au

Overview

English Name: Australian Catholic University
Acronyms: ACU
Founded: 1991
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Religious Affiliation: Christian-Catholic
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #851-900 Times Higher Education 2026 #401-500 ARWU (Shanghai) 2026 #501-600 CWTS Leiden 2025 #12 SCImago 2026 #1344
Motto: Qualify for life
Approach to Australian Catholic University campus
1 / 5

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

Mailing address, phone, email, and social channels for Australian Catholic University are listed below.

Address: 40 Edward Street
Postal Code: 2060
Phone: +61 (0)2 9739 2437
Fax: +61 (0)2 9739 2001
Social Media:

Academic Details

The numbers behind Australian Catholic University: student body, academic staff, and recognising bodies.

Academic Year: February to November (February-June; July-November)
Recognition: Department of Education and Training of Australia
Accrediting Agency: Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate with matriculation or Australian Year 12 Equivalent.
Student Enrollment: 20,000-24,999
Academic Staff Range: 600-699
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
Universities Australia Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU)

Academic Structures

Australian Catholic University's academic structure — schools, colleges, and divisions — is listed below.

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
Business (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Business Administration
  • Commercial Law
  • Finance
  • Management
  • Marketing
Education (Faculty) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Adult Education
  • Continuing Education
  • Education
  • Primary Education
  • Religious Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Special Education
Health Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Health Sciences
  • Midwifery
  • Nursing
  • Physical Therapy
Theology and Philosophy (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Philosophy
  • Theology

Programs Offered

Below are Australian Catholic University's active programmes, grouped by degree level, with search.

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

Bachelor of Allied Health
Medicine & Health · 156 weeks
Bachelor of Applied Public Health
Public Health · 156 weeks
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce
Humanities & Cultural Studies · 208 weeks
Bachelor of Biomedical Science / Bachelor of Applied Public Health
Natural Sciences & Mathematics · 208 weeks

Showing 10 of 88.

Honours Degree 27 programmes

Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Legal Studies · 260 weeks
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Humanities & Cultural Studies · 260 weeks
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours)
Natural Sciences & Mathematics · 52 weeks
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Business Administration · 260 weeks
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours)
Business Administration · 52 weeks
Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Business Administration · 260 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (Honours)
Education & Teaching · 208 weeks

Showing 10 of 27.

Master's Degree 23 programmes

Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Humanities & Cultural Studies · 234 weeks
Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Humanities & Cultural Studies · 208 weeks
Bachelor of Computer Science/Master of Data Science
Computer Sciences · 208 weeks

Showing 10 of 23.

Doctorate 4 programmes

Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy
Psychology · 208 weeks
Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)/Doctor of Philosophy
Psychology · 208 weeks

Postgraduate Certificate 3 programmes

Postgraduate Diploma 1 programme

How to apply to Australian Catholic University

A five-step path through the application process at Australian Catholic University.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

A short Q&A covering Australian Catholic University's essentials — founding, location, and structure.

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.

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