The ACU Refugee Scholarship removes tuition and student-services fees for eligible refugee or asylum-seeker applicants. It supports a new course at Australian Catholic University. Eligibility depends on specific visa categories.
Applicants need an ACU offer for Semester 1, 2027 and a supporting organisation or education partner. The closing time is 11 January 2027 at 23:59 AEDT. This guide separates the fee waiver from living-cost arrangements.
ACU Refugee Scholarship Details
This equity award targets barriers faced by refugee and asylum-seeker students. It is not an award for every applicant who wishes to migrate to Australia.
The course offer and qualifying immigration status must both be documented. Applicants should review the exact visa list before preparing the personal statement.
Host | Australian Catholic University, Australia |
|---|---|
Study | Undergraduate degree, diploma or Foundation Studies |
Entry | Semester 1, 2027; new course |
Support | Full course tuition and Student Services and Amenities Fees |
Load | Full-time, with limited exceptions |
Deadline | 11 January 2027, 23:59 AEDT |
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Always recheck the official source before submitting an application.
Benefits and Funding Conditions
The published benefit covers tuition for the course and the Student Services and Amenities Fees. Continuing eligibility conditions apply throughout the award.
The supporting organisation is expected to help identify work or other support for living expenses. Compare ACU Academic Excellence, Renouf Family funding and Deakin Sanctuary funding for other routes; none should be assumed to share this award’s visa rules.
ACU Refugee Scholarship Eligibility
Listed visas include subclasses 449, 785, 786 and 790. A bridging-visa holder who has applied for Permanent Protection subclass 866 is also within the specified wording.
The student needs community-organisation or education-partner support and a new eligible course offer. Full-time study is expected, although exceptional circumstances can be considered.
Required Documents and Preparation
Prepare an approximately 300-word statement explaining course choice and long-term goals. The statement must accurately reflect the applicant’s own circumstances, even if assistance is used.
The checklist includes the supporting reference, certified passport and visa copies, an ImmiCard if available, recent education details and the ACU offer. Up to two additional character references are welcomed.
How to Apply
Apply as an international student to ACU, or through the relevant tertiary admissions route for Australian Year 12 students. Use ACU’s scholarship portal for the award application.
Shortlisting can involve reference checks and an interview. Allow time for document certification and for the supporting organisation to complete a meaningful recommendation.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 11 January 2027 at 23:59 AEDT. The current official call opened on 1 October 2026.
Submit the completed file before that time. A course application alone does not establish that the scholarship application is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers clarify the funding and application decisions that matter for this opportunity. They distinguish confirmed terms from details that require individual confirmation.
Read the current official instructions before submitting your file. Admission and funding decisions may involve different checks, even when they share one application route.
Is living-cost support guaranteed?
The award lists tuition and student-services fees. The supporting partner helps identify other support for living expenses.
Is every refugee visa eligible?
Use the exact visa list. The label refugee alone does not establish eligibility.
Do I need a course offer?
Yes. The call requires an offer for a new eligible course commencing in Semester 1, 2027.
Is a community reference required?
Yes. A community organisation or education partner must support the application.
Can applicants receive help with the statement?
Yes, but it must accurately reflect the applicant’s situation. ACU assesses the content rather than language skills alone.
Conclusion
The ACU Refugee Scholarship can remove a major fee barrier for students meeting the precise conditions. Its value should be assessed alongside the remaining living budget.
Confirm visa eligibility and organise the partner reference early. Submit the full scholarship file before the published deadline.
