ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027 in Australia

The ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027 at Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers an educational opportunity for eligible students from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds who have experienced barriers to higher education. The programme aims to make university study more accessible by removing tuition fee costs for selected students.

For the 2027 intake, successful applicants can receive full tuition fee coverage for their approved course, along with payment of Student Services and Amenities Fees. The scholarship supports eligible students beginning an undergraduate degree, diploma, or foundation studies course in Semester 1, 2027.

ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027 Overview

Scholarship Detail	Information
Scholarship Name	ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027
Host University	Australian Catholic University
Study Destination	Australia
Degree Levels	Undergraduate, Diploma, Foundation Studies
Scholarship Type	Tuition Fee Waiver
Tuition Coverage	Full tuition fees for the approved course
Additional Benefit	Student Services and Amenities Fees
Eligible Applicants	Students meeting the specified Australian visa and refugee-related requirements
Study Commencement	Semester 1, 2027
Application Opening Date	1 October 2026
Application Deadline	11 January 2027

Benefits of the ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027

The scholarship is designed to reduce the financial barriers that can prevent eligible students from pursuing higher education.

Its main benefits include:

Full tuition fee waiver: Covers tuition fees for the duration of the approved course, subject to the scholarship's ongoing requirements.
Student Services and Amenities Fees: Covers the applicable university services and amenities fees.
Access to higher education: Helps eligible students from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds pursue recognised qualifications.
Academic and career development: Allows recipients to develop knowledge and skills through an approved ACU programme.
Community support: ACU works with the recipient's supporting community organisation or education partner to help provide continued support throughout the course.

Is the ACU Refugee Scholarship Fully Funded?

The ACU Refugee Scholarship should be described as a tuition-fee scholarship rather than a fully funded scholarship.

It covers tuition fees and Student Services and Amenities Fees, but its published benefits do not include a monthly living stipend, accommodation allowance, or international travel costs. Applicants must make separate arrangements for these expenses.

The supporting community organisation or education partner is expected to assist students in finding employment or other financial resources to support themselves during university study.

Eligible Courses at Australian Catholic University

The ACU Refugee Scholarship supports eligible students commencing an approved programme in Semester 1, 2027.

Eligible course categories include:

Undergraduate degree programmes
Diploma programmes
Foundation Studies courses

Applicants must receive an offer to begin a new eligible course at ACU as an international student. The programme must meet the scholarship's admission and enrolment conditions.

Students should select a course that matches their academic background, interests, and future career plans.

Eligibility Criteria for ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027

Applicants must satisfy the scholarship's specific immigration, admission, and community-support requirements.

Australian Visa Requirements

Applicants must hold one of the following eligible Australian visa categories:

Temporary Humanitarian Stay visa (Subclass 449)
Temporary Protection visa (Subclass 785)
Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (Subclass 786)
Safe Haven Enterprise visa (Subclass 790)
A bridging visa while having applied for a Permanent Protection visa (Subclass 866)

Applicants must also meet the university's other eligibility conditions.

Academic and Other Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

Have support from a community organisation or education partner that can provide a written reference.
Apply for an eligible undergraduate degree, diploma, or Foundation Studies course.
Plan to study full-time, unless an exemption is approved in special circumstances.
Have received an offer to commence a new course at ACU as an international student in Semester 1, 2027.
Meet the applicable admission requirements and scholarship conditions.

Applicants must also comply with ongoing requirements, including maintaining a passing grade in at least 50% of the credit points attempted each semester, studying full-time unless an exemption applies, and remaining enrolled in the approved course.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the necessary supporting documents before submitting their scholarship application.

The application requirements include:

A written statement of approximately 300 words explaining the applicant's circumstances, motivation, and educational goals.
A recommendation letter from the supporting community organisation or education partner.
Certified copies of passport and relevant Australian visa documents.
An ImmiCard, if available and applicable.
Details of the applicant's most recent educational qualifications.
A copy of the offer to study at Australian Catholic University.
Additional personal or character references, if available and relevant.

Applicants should ensure that all documents are accurate and complete. The university may request additional information or an interview from shortlisted candidates.

How to Apply for the ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027

Eligible applicants should follow the university's application procedure carefully.

Choose an eligible course: Identify an undergraduate degree, diploma, or Foundation Studies programme at ACU.
Apply for admission: Complete the university's admission process and obtain an offer for Semester 1, 2027.
Arrange community support: Contact a suitable community organisation or education partner that can provide the required written reference.
Prepare your documents: Gather your visa documents, academic records, personal statement, and recommendation letter.
Complete the scholarship application: Provide the requested information and supporting evidence.
Review your application: Check that you satisfy all visa, course, study-load, and documentation requirements.
Submit before the deadline: Ensure your application is submitted within the published application period.

Selection is based on the written statement, supporting recommendation, and any additional references or interview requirements. Preference is given to recent senior high school graduates.

ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027 Application Deadline

The application period opened on 1 October 2026, and the published closing date is 11 January 2027 at 11:59 PM Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

Applicants should begin preparing their documents well before the deadline, particularly if they need to arrange a community organisation's reference or obtain an admission offer.

Can Pakistani Students Apply?

Pakistani nationality alone does not make a student eligible for the ACU Refugee Scholarship.

Pakistani students may be considered only if they meet the specified Australian visa requirements, have the required community support, and satisfy the academic and enrolment conditions.

Students currently living in Pakistan who do not hold one of the specified Australian humanitarian or protection-related visa statuses should not assume they qualify for this award. They can instead explore other Australian scholarships specifically designed for international students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the ACU Refugee Scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers full tuition fees for the approved course and Student Services and Amenities Fees, subject to the applicable conditions.

Does the scholarship provide a monthly stipend?

No monthly living stipend is listed among the scholarship benefits. Students must arrange funding for accommodation, food, transport, and other living expenses.

Which study levels are eligible?

Eligible applicants can enrol in an undergraduate degree, diploma, or Foundation Studies course at Australian Catholic University.

Is the scholarship open to all international students?

No. Applicants must meet the specified Australian visa requirements and other eligibility conditions related to community support, admission, and enrolment.

What is the deadline for the 2027 scholarship?

The published deadline is 11 January 2027 at 11:59 PM AEDT.

Is a separate scholarship application required?

Applicants should complete the dedicated ACU Refugee Scholarship application and provide the required supporting documents.

Final Thoughts

The ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027 offers valuable financial assistance to eligible students from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds who wish to pursue higher education in Australia. By covering tuition fees and Student Services and Amenities Fees, the programme helps reduce the cost of university study.

However, applicants should understand that living expenses, accommodation, and travel costs are not listed as covered benefits. Checking the visa requirements, obtaining community support, preparing the required documents, and submitting a complete application before the deadline are essential steps in the application process. Apply Now