Education
Australian Catholic University (ACU) is committed to preparing students for life after university, earning five stars for learner engagement, skills development, and starting salary (Good Universities Guide 2024).
The university has been ranked first in Australia, and second globally, for its ongoing efforts to promote healthy living and wellbeing through world-class research and teaching (THE 2024 Impact Rankings).
ACU rankings:
- 2nd in Australia for education
- 4th in Australia for nursing
- Top 100 in the world for sport science
- Top 150 universities in the world for psychology
1 - Shanghai Ranking, Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023
2 - Shanghai Ranking, Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2023
Research
ACU develops innovative solutions to issues impacting human dignity and the common good. Our interdisciplinary and collaborative research seeks to enable people to develop intellectually, spiritually, physically, socially, and emotionally, to enable flourishing lives, foster thriving communities and build an ethical future.
Today, ACU has 18 research institutes and centres and is globally recognised ranking #1 in Australia and in the world’s top 20 by proportion of publications in the top citation profiles across all fields of research (CWTS Leiden 2023).
When evaluated by the latest Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA), ACU ranked first or equal first for ten fields of research in Australia.
Career
Get workforce-ready before you graduate. Start building your skills and experience during your studies with our community engagement and work placement opportunities.
Use ACU’s strong links with communities and industries to graduate career-ready. Throughout the course of your studies, you'll have the opportunity to undertake professional placements, volunteer work or community service.
Student services
ACU offers a number of academic and social support services to ensure that you are in the best position to achieve your goals:
- International student advisers: they can assist with general, visa and pre-departure and orientation information.
- Academic skills support advisers: here to help you develop learning, writing, and language strategies.
- Accommodation: the Rental Advisory Service team can assist you to find accommodation suitable for your needs.
- Career development and employment service: advisers that assist in career decisions, setting personal goals, building employability skills, job searching, and crafting applications
- Qualified counsellors: available at each campus to offer free, confidential advice.
Housing services
Our Residential Life Program engages students from a range of backgrounds, with equally diverse aspirations and support needs. So no matter your experience or interests, you won’t be left out.
- Getting involved is the best way to make friends and have a great time. We offer a comprehensive program of events to enhance your experience, including Pilates, self-defence classes, pizza parties, academic skills sessions, day trips, movie nights, cultural evenings and many more.
- Of course we’d love you to participate as much as you can, but there is no pressure or obligation. You can get involved in as much, or as little, as you’d like.
Library services
One of your greatest assets in your quest for scholarly success is getting to know your library. Whether you’re browsing our online databases on a laptop at home or searching the stacks for that book you need, our campus libraries are powerful tools for teaching, learning and research.
Medical services
Australian Catholic University (ACU) has three on-campus medical centres in Brisbane, Melbourne and North Sydney. They offer comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services to ACU students, staff and the local community.
Key services
- General medicine
- Drug and alcohol-related issues
- Immunisations
- Men's health
- Referrals
- Sexual health
- Skin checks
Campus life
Each of our campuses has a local student association that is committed to enhancing your time at university. These associations organise social events, represent their student bodies at a range of forums, and work with ACU to enrich your day-to-day experience.
Take advantage of our sports, health and wellbeing facilities such as gyms, medical centres, counselling services and fitness classes to make sure the healthiest version of you is hitting the books.
Sports facilities
At all of our campuses, you’ll be able to play sport with other students. You can start your own club or join an established one. Netball, touch football, men’s and women’s AFL and rugby 7s are just some of the sports played across the University.
Also, ACU offers on each campus a range of social sporting opportunities. You can get fit, enjoy the health benefits of playing sports and have lots of fun with your friends by playing socially.
Student clubs
There are plenty of student-run clubs and societies at each of our campuses. Sign up to meet students from across the faculties, build networks and develop new skills.
