Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University (ACU) was formed in 1991 through the amalgamation of four Catholic tertiary institutions with experience and traditions going back to the mid-1800s. ACU is a public university, funded by the Australian Government. The awards are equivalent to those of other public universities in Australia and are recognised worldwide.

We have courses that are important to society as well as relevant to a variety of careers. We have staff who are keen to assist international students and to make their stay in Australia as rewarding as possible. We have close to 14 000 students with a high staff-to-student ratio. There are international students from over 75 countries, who enjoy the warm and supportive environment. Many students who are not Catholic attend the University.

Whatever your beliefs we will respect them in the spirit of tolerance that characterises our University.

We are proud to say that we are a growing University of small campuses, with friendly staff and students in a country that is renowned internationally for its safety and tolerance. Thanks to this environment, the University enjoys high course completion and satisfaction rates.

The University is represented at careers markets and tertiary information days. Information on the courses offered on the Sydney (Strathfield and North Sydney) and Canberra campuses of the University is further detailed on ACU's website.

Contact details

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Open Days, exhibitions and interview sessions

In Australia
Australian Catholic University will be holding the following Open Days at:
North Sydney: 5pm-8pm – Wednesday 10 September 2008
Strathfield: 9am-6pm – Saturday 13 September 2008
Canberra: Saturday 30 August 2008

Overseas
Australian Catholic University participates in a range of exhibitions and interview sessions overseas. For more information on when staff from ACU will be visiting your city, email international.admissions@acu.edu.au.

For details of ACU's overseas agents/representatives email international.admissions@acu.edu.au.

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Important dates for 2009

The academic year at ACU is divided into two main sessions:
• Semester 1 (between February and June)
• Semester 2 (between July and November).

It is possible to start many courses in Semester 1 or Semester 2. Refer to the course search or check the International Undergraduate Prospectus to see when you can commence each course.

Orientation sessions are held before both Semester 1 and 2:
• Semester 1 orientation commences 2 weeks before lectures and
• Semester 2 orientation commences 1 week before lectures.

Academic calendar
For important dates concerning teaching periods, study breaks and vacation periods check the main University Calendar.

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Admission requirements

Read Admission and selection for general information.

Admission requirements are the minimum qualifications you need before you can be selected for admission to a course of study.

As an international student attempting one of the following qualifications, you will apply for admission through UAC International and will generally be selected on the basis of your performance in these studies (that is, your UAI or equivalent):
• an Australian Year 12 qualification (either offshore or in Australia)
• an International Baccalaureate in Australia
• a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 3.

When assessing your application, Australian Catholic University may take any or all of your qualifications or attempts at study into account.

Limited UAI
The University accepts the NSW Limited UAI for admission purposes - read UAI.

Additional selection criteria
In addition to achieving the standard of performance required for admission, for certain courses you must also satisfy additional selection criteria. These criteria include portfolio, interview, audition, questionnaire or test and are taken into account either instead of, or in conjunction with, your UAI or equivalent.

Details of additional selection criteria and how applicants can meet these requirements are outlined in the course descriptions. For course descriptions, use the course search.

If you are undertaking your Year 12 studies offshore and are applying to a course that has additional selection criteria that you will find difficult to meet, email international.admissions@acu.edu.au.

Offers made to applicants who have a UAI (or equivalent) below the published cut-off

Australian Catholic University has a number of alternative pathways for admission, which may allow applicants to receive an offer to a course even though they have a UAI or equivalent below the published cut-off. They are:
• Elite Athlete Scheme
• Disadvantaged Schools Entry Scheme

Elite Athlete Scheme
2008 Year 12 applicants who have demonstrated exceptional sporting skills (including an internationally competitive history) may be selected for admission to 105500 B Exercise Science on the basis of a questionnaire and interview.

For an application form visit www.acu.edu.au/forms or call Strathfield campus Student Centre on +61 1300 ASK ACU, or North Sydney campus Student Centre on +61 1300 ASK ACU. The closing date for applications is 31 October 2008.

Disadvantaged Schools Entry Scheme
The University recognises applicants from ACT and NSW schools that have been designated as disadvantaged. Applicants from these schools will receive bonus points where they include Australian Catholic University preferences.

This adjustment will be made automatically before offer rounds commence. Eligible applicants are not required to submit an application for this adjustment. Ask your careers adviser whether your school has been included in the scheme.

International applicants applying for admission on the basis of qualifications other than those listed above must apply directly to the University, not through UAC International. For details visit www.acu.edu.au/international.

Students under 18 years of age

Before you are granted a student visa, the Australian Government must be satisfied that you have appropriate accommodation, support and general welfare arrangements in place for the period that you will be under 18 years of age while in Australia.

ACU does not accept responsibility for welfare arrangements for international students who are under 18 years of age.

For information on what arrangements need to be in place, visit www.immi.gov.au/students/students/573-1/eligibility-student-18.htm.

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Areas of study

Australian Catholic University offers a wide range of undergraduate courses in:
• Business and Informatics
• Environmental Science
• Exercise Science
• Health Studies
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Social Work
• Teacher Education
• Theology
• Visual Arts and Design

For course descriptions, visit the course search. For information on course structure, visit www.acu.edu.au/courses.

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Tuition fees

For information about tuition fees use the course search.

Australian Catholic University tuition fees are comparable with those of other Australian universities. Tuition fees may increase by up to three percent per year for the minimum duration of the course. No guarantee is made for tuition fee increases beyond the minimum duration.

In addition to tuition costs the tuition fees cover:
• reception at the airport nearest to the campus (for degree courses only)
• assistance with finding accommodation (for degree courses only)
• orientation program
• access to all student services and facilities that are available to local students
• study skills assistance.

Students should also check the individual course descriptions for any additional items that may need to be purchased. These will usually only apply to small items such as special uniforms required for nursing courses. For further information regarding fees and additional course expenses students should contact the International Education Office or the appropriate course authority at the University.

In order for Australian Catholic University to issue a Confirmation of Enrolment applicants must pay the fee amount indicated in the 'Offer of Place' letter. For more information, visit www.acu.edu.au/international/fees_living_costs.

Fees policy
For information regarding the Australian Catholic University refund policy, visit www.acu.edu.au/international/refund_policy.

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Living expenses

Read Money matters for general information about living expenses.

The cost of living varies from city to city. Students require a minimum of approximately A$14 000 per year for living expenses. This covers accommodation, food and transport, but does not allow for luxuries.

For further information regarding living costs see our International Student Guide, at www.acu.edu.au/international/international_student_guide or www.acu.edu.au/international/fees_living_costs.

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Scholarships

Read Money matters for general information about scholarships. Australian Catholic University does not currently offer scholarships to undergraduate international students undertaking their first year of study.

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Sponsored students

Read Money matters for general information about sponsored students.

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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Read Government requirements for general information.

OSHC WorldCare is Australian Catholic University's preferred OSHC provider for all newly commencing international students.

For more information visit www.oshcworldcare.com.au. Australian Catholic University requires students to pay the full cover for the length of their course with their first semester tuition fee.

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Working while studying

Read Government requirements for general information.

International students who wish to seek employment in Australia must first apply for a work visa. Applications for work visas cannot be submitted until after students have arrived in Australia and started their classes. Although many international and local students are successful in obtaining casual and part-time employment to help subsidise their living costs while studying, students should not rely on this when calculating a budget.

For more information visit www.acu.edu.au/international/fees_living_costs.

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Preparing for student life

Before coming to study at Australian Catholic University learn more about life in Australia and at Australian Catholic University by visiting www.acu.edu.au/international.

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Acceptance, orientation, enrolment and deferment

Read Acceptance, orientation, enrolment and deferment for general information.

Acceptance

If applicants are successful through UAC International, Australian Catholic University will send an 'Offer of Place' letter which will outline the course details including fees payable. Applicants wishing to accept their offer should sign and return the Offer Acceptance and Payment Advice form together with evidence of payment of the indicated fees.

For more information visit www.acu.edu.au/international/how_to_apply.

Orientation

The focus of Orientation is to familiarise new students with issues of studying and living in Australia. Information is included on Australian study methods, Australian social customs and general procedures to be followed by international students. There are also social functions to allow new students to meet.

Orientation Week for Semester 1 2009 starts 4 February. For more information visit www.acu.edu.au/international/services_facilities.

Enrolment

Students manage their own enrolments via Australian Catholic University's online enrolment process, Student Connect – Managing Your Studies. Assistance with this process is available during Orientation and through Student Centres. For more information visit http://my.acu.edu.au/student/managing_your_studies/enrolment.

Deferment

Students seeking deferment may do so by contacting the International Admissions Office. For details visit www.acu.edu.au/international/contact_us.

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Student support

At Australian Catholic University we have many services to help you achieve your personal, academic and career goals, including:
• international student advisers
• airport reception program
• counselling services
• academic skills advisers.

For more information visit www.acu.edu.au/international/services_facilities.

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Accommodation

Students may choose to live alone, share with a friend, or board at a hostel. Although every effort is made to help students find suitable accommodation, the University provides no guarantees about the type of accommodation. Contact the International Education Office for more information.

Accommodation information for each campus can be accessed from the Australian Catholic University website, visit www.acu.edu.au/international/accommodation.

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Campus services and facilities

Australian Catholic University provides a broad range of services and facilities for students. For more information on these services visit, www.acu.edu.au/international/services_facilities.

Careers advice and counselling services

Student Counsellors are located on each campus to provide counselling, careers advice and welfare services such as accommodation, budgeting and employment.

Chaplaincy

Campus ministers are available to care for the spiritual and liturgical needs of students.

Learning assistance

The Academic Skills Unit helps students to raise their academic performance by facilitating learning development through individual consultation or workshop programs.

Library/computing services

At each campus, the libraries hold a substantial and growing collection of books and audio-visual items in support of courses. Computer laboratories are available on each campus for student use.

Student organisations

The Student Association offers a wide range of services to students to assist them during their time at Australian Catholic University. These services include liaising with academic staff and upper management about issues relating to their studies, organising social events both on and off campus at various times during the year and being available to answer any questions that might arise. It also provides facilities for relaxation.

Students with disabilities

For information about support services and facilities call the Disabilities Adviser in Sydney on +61 2 9701 4300 and in Canberra on +61 2 6209 1170.

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FAQs and further information

For more information about studying at Australian Catholic University as an international student visit www.acu.edu.au/international/faqs.

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