Australian Catholic University
North Sydney, Australia • Founded 1991 • World Rank #1344
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
Degrees
Each qualification level at Australian Catholic University appears below with its degrees. Research-by-thesis versus taught master's programmes differ in structure, assessment, and graduate-school positioning.
Bachelor's 14 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Communication Studies
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Information Sciences
- Media Studies
- Physical Therapy
- Religion
- Social Sciences
- Theology
- Visual Arts
- Welfare and Protective Services
Master's 8 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Theology
- Welfare and Protective Services
Doctoral 6 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Arts and Humanities
- Business and Commerce
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Theology
Diploma & Certificate 9 programs
Diploma and certificate routes deliver focused, applied training for fast entry into skilled occupations.
- Arts and Humanities
- Business Administration
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Information Sciences
- Religion
- Social Sciences
- Visual Arts
- Welfare and Protective Services
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.
Bachelor's Degree
88 programmes
These 88 programmes make up Australian Catholic University's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.
Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Business Administration Business & Management 208 weeks
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Sciences 208 weeks
Bachelor of Psychological Science Psychology 156 weeks
Bachelor of Speech Pathology Rehabilitation Sciences 208 weeks
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws Humanities & Cultural Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws Business Administration 260 weeks
Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) Legal Studies 156 weeks
Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Global Studies Legal Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Laws Legal Studies 208 weeks
Bachelor of Theology / Bachelor of Laws Philosophy & Ethics 260 weeks
Bachelor of Exercise Science / Bachelor of Business Administration Medicine & Health 208 weeks
Bachelor of Applied Public Health Public Health 156 weeks
Bachelor of Accounting and Finance Accounting 156 weeks
Bachelor of Information Technology/Bachelor of Business Administration Computer Science & IT 208 weeks
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years) Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Youth Work Social Work 156 weeks
Bachelor of Business Business Administration 156 weeks
Bachelor of Biomedical Science Natural Sciences & Mathematics 156 weeks
Bachelor of Social Work Social Work 208 weeks
Bachelor of Nursing (Enrolled Nurses) Nursing 104 weeks
Bachelor of Biomedical Science / Bachelor of Applied Public Health Natural Sciences & Mathematics 208 weeks
Bachelor of Biomedical Science / Bachelor of Laws Natural Sciences & Mathematics 260 weeks
Bachelor of Theology/ Bachelor of Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics 208 weeks
Bachelor of Psychological Science/ Bachelor of Laws Psychology 260 weeks
Bachelor of Nutrition Science Medicine & Health 156 weeks
Bachelor of Nutrition Science/Bachelor of Business Medicine & Health 208 weeks
Bachelor of High Performance Sport Natural Sciences & Mathematics 156 weeks
Bachelor of Educational Studies Education & Teaching 156 weeks
Bachelor of Allied Health Medicine & Health 156 weeks
Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Arts Psychology 208 weeks
Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Commerce Psychology 208 weeks
Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science Psychology 208 weeks
Bachelor of Philosophy/Bachelor of Laws Philosophy & Ethics 260 weeks
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice Humanities & Cultural Studies 156 weeks
Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) Accounting 156 weeks
Bachelor of Commerce (HRM and Management) Business Administration 156 weeks
Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) Advertising & Digital Marketing 156 weeks
Bachelor of Commerce (Data Analytics) Information Systems & Technology 156 weeks
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice/Bachelor of Laws Humanities & Cultural Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Human Rights Social & Cultural Studies 156 weeks
Bachelor of Human Rights/Bachelor of Laws Social & Cultural Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Human Rights/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice Social & Cultural Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science Psychology 208 weeks
Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice Psychology 208 weeks
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws Business Administration 260 weeks
Bachelor of Information Technology/Bachelor of Business Computer Science & IT 208 weeks
Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Business Business Administration 208 weeks
Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Business Nursing 208 weeks
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Global Studies Business Administration 208 weeks
Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability Social & Cultural Studies 156 weeks
Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability/Bachelor of Global Studies Social & Cultural Studies 208 weeks
Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability/Bachelor of Business Social & Cultural Studies 208 weeks
Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability Legal Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Computer Science Computer Sciences 156 weeks
Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Business Psychology 208 weeks
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Humanities & Cultural Studies 208 weeks
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Business Medicine & Health 208 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) - 360 cp Education & Teaching 234 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) - 360 cp Education & Teaching 234 weeks
Bachelor of Nursing Nursing 156 weeks
Bachelor of Arts Humanities & Cultural Studies 156 weeks
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science/Bachelor of Nutrition Science Medicine & Health 208 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Primary and Secondary) Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Primary and Special Education) Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Secondary) Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Secondary and Special Education) Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Humanities) Education & Teaching 234 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics) Education & Teaching 234 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Design Innovation and Technologies) Education & Teaching 234 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) Education & Teaching 234 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Secondary)/Bachelor of Exercise Science Education & Teaching 234 weeks
Bachelor of Theology Philosophy & Ethics 156 weeks
Bachelor of Visual Arts and Design Visual Arts 156 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Primary) Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts (Mathematics) Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Commerce Business Administration 156 weeks
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce Humanities & Cultural Studies 208 weeks
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science Medicine & Health 156 weeks
Bachelor of Information Technology Computer Science & IT 156 weeks
Bachelor of Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Sciences 208 weeks
Bachelor of Business Administration Business Administration 156 weeks
Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Business Administration Nursing 234 weeks
Bachelor of International Development Studies Social Work 156 weeks
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Global Studies Humanities & Cultural Studies 208 weeks
Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Global Studies Business & Management 208 weeks
Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Global Studies Philosophy & Ethics 208 weeks
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
23 programmes
Australian Catholic University offers 23 programmes at master's level — postgraduate programmes that deepen a specialism, usually over one to two years after a bachelor's degree.
Master of Information Technology Computer Science & IT 104 weeks
Master of Psychology (Clinical) Psychology 104 weeks
Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) Psychology 104 weeks
Master of Business Administration Business Administration 104 weeks
Master of Education Education & Teaching 78 weeks
Master of Professional Psychology Psychology 52 weeks
Master of Professional Accounting Accounting 104 weeks
Master of Public Health Public Health 104 weeks
Master of Public Health (Global Health and Advocacy) Public Health 104 weeks
Master of Teaching (Secondary)/Graduate Certificate of Religious Education Education & Teaching 117 weeks
Master of Leadership and Management in Health Care Medicine & Health 104 weeks
Master of Social Work (Qualifying) Social Work 104 weeks
Master of Dietetic Practice Medicine & Health 104 weeks
Master of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary) Education & Teaching 104 weeks
Bachelor of Arts/Master of Teaching (Secondary) Humanities & Cultural Studies 208 weeks
Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/Master of Teaching (Secondary) Humanities & Cultural Studies 234 weeks
Master of Liberal Arts (Western Civilisation) Social & Cultural Studies 78 weeks
Master of Philosophy (Information Technology) Computer Science & IT 104 weeks
Bachelor of Computer Science/Master of Data Science Computer Sciences 208 weeks
Master of Philosophy 104 weeks
Master of Teaching (Secondary) Education & Teaching 104 weeks
Master of Teaching (Primary) Education & Teaching 104 weeks
Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology Rehabilitation Sciences 104 weeks
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
4 programmes
Australian Catholic University lists 4 programmes awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.
Doctor of Philosophy 156 weeks
Doctor of Ministry Philosophy & Ethics 156 weeks
Master of Psychology (Clinical)/Doctor of Philosophy Psychology 208 weeks
Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental)/Doctor of Philosophy Psychology 208 weeks
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
31 programmes
These 31 programmes cover Australian Catholic University's associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation options — qualifications valued for fast, targeted, or pathway-oriented study.
Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) (Honours) Education & Teaching 208 weeks
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) Psychology 52 weeks
Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) Rehabilitation Sciences 208 weeks
Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) Social Work 208 weeks
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) Rehabilitation Sciences 208 weeks
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) Rehabilitation Sciences 208 weeks
Graduate Diploma in Public Health Public Health 52 weeks
Bachelor of Applied Public Health (Honours) Public Health 52 weeks
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Legal Studies 208 weeks
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Humanities & Cultural Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Business Administration 260 weeks
Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Legal Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Global Studies Legal Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Psychology 260 weeks
Bachelor of Theology / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Philosophy & Ethics 260 weeks
Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 52 weeks
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) Psychology 208 weeks
Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship Business Administration 26 weeks
Bachelor of Philosophy/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Philosophy & Ethics 260 weeks
Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) (Honours) Legal Studies 182 weeks
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Business Administration 260 weeks
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability Legal Studies 260 weeks
Bachelor of Nutrition Science (Honours) Medicine & Health 52 weeks
Bachelor of High Performance Sport (Honours) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 52 weeks
Graduate Certificate in Business Administration Business Administration 26 weeks
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Humanities & Cultural Studies 52 weeks
Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) Nursing 52 weeks
Bachelor of Theology (Honours) Philosophy & Ethics 52 weeks
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Business Administration 52 weeks
Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science (Honours) Medicine & Health 52 weeks
Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Computer Science & IT 26 weeks
No programmes match your filter in this level.
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.
- 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 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 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 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 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 #1344 globally and #32 in Australia.
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)
Joint conference hosting among International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) members brings academic communities together. Students at Australian Catholic University and the institutions below often share access to these network-level events.
Other Australian Universities Affiliated with Christian-Catholic
Same-tradition partner institutions sometimes formalise mobility agreements specifically for Christian-Catholic students. The peers below may offer exchange routes informed by shared tradition.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Climate and seasonal factors apply consistently across universities near Australian Catholic University, but campus altitude or coastline exposure can shift the experience meaningfully even within a cluster.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Looking for Education & Teaching programmes beyond Australian Catholic University? Other universities in Australia cover the same discipline. Cross-comparing modules, assessment styles, and faculty profiles is the fastest way to find the right fit.
Universities Often Compared with Australian Catholic University
Students considering Australian Catholic University frequently compare it against the universities listed below. The comparison set reflects revealed-preference data from how applicants actually build shortlists.
