ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027: Full Tuition for Refugee and Asylum Seeker Students in Australia

For students who have spent years navigating displacement, visa uncertainty, and interrupted education, the path to a university degree can feel permanently out of reach.

Australian Catholic University built this scholarship for exactly those students.

Many talented students never reach university because of the barriers that come with being a refugee or an asylum seeker. The ACU Refugee Scholarship is built for them. It pays the full tuition fees for an eligible course at Australian Catholic University. It is open to international students who hold certain Australian visas. Applications opened on 1 October 2026 to 11 January 2027 at 11:59 PM AEDT.

Quick Facts

Last Information Checked: 20 October 2026

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees. The scholarship pays the full tuition for the length of your approved course as long as you keep meeting the scholarship rules
• Student Services and Amenities Fees. These fees are also covered
• Support during study. Your community organisation or education partner is expected to help you find work or other funding while you study

Who Can Apply

You must meet all of these conditions.

1. A listed visa. You must hold one of these Australian visas.

• You must have an offer to start a new course at ACU as an international student in Semester 1, 2027.
• You must choose an eligible undergraduate degree, diploma, or Foundation Studies course at ACU.
• You must study full-time. Exceptions may be considered in special cases.
• Have support from a community organisation or education partner willing to provide a written recommendation.
• You must apply to ACU as an international student. Students applying as Australian Year 12 graduates may apply through an appropriate Tertiary Admissions Centre.

Who Cannot Apply?

• Australian permanent residents or holders of permanent resident visas.
• Citizens of Australia or New Zealand.

Documents You Need

• A personal statement of about 300 words. Explain why you chose your ACU degree and how it supports your long term career goals
• A recommendation letter from your community organisation or education partner
• Up to two extra personal or character reference letters if you have them
• A certified copy of your passport
• A certified copy of your visa
• A certified copy of your ImmiCard if you have one
• Details of your most recently completed education
• A copy of your ACU course offer

How Applicants Are Chosen

ACU looks at these things:

• The quality and relevance of your personal statement
• The recommendation from your supporting organisation
• Any extra reference letters
• An interview if needed

Recent senior high school graduates receive preference. The ACU Scholarships Office shortlists applicants. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview with a selection panel. ACU Global Engagement makes the final choice.

ACU reads the content of your personal statement and does not judge your language skills. So write clearly and honestly about your experiences and goals. Explain why your course fits your career plans and what this scholarship will help you achieve.

How To Make Your Application Stronger

• Write a personal statement that reflects your real situation interests and plans
• Explain why your chosen course is the right one for your goals
• Ask a community organisation or education partner that knows you well to write a detailed letter. It should show its commitment to support you through university
• Check every document for accuracy and certification
• Make sure the details match across all your documents

How To Apply

1. Check that you meet every eligibility rule above.
2. Apply to ACU as an international student.
3. Get an offer for a course starting in Semester 1 2027.
4. Ask your community organisation or education partner to write your recommendation letter.
5. Write your personal statement of about 300 words.
6. Get certified copies of your passport and visa. Add your ImmiCard if you have one.
7. Gather your education details and your ACU course offer.
8. Complete the scholarship application and upload everything.
9. Submit before 11 January 2027 at 11:59 PM AEDT.

Visit Here to Apply

Rules for Keeping the Scholarship

• Pass at least 50 percent of the credit points you attempt each semester
• Stay enrolled full time in the same approved course
• Keep meeting the visa rules. You cannot become a permanent resident or a citizen of Australia or New Zealand and keep the scholarship
• Tell ACU right away if your visa status changes

Mistakes To Avoid

• Applying before you have an ACU offer
• Applying to ACU as the wrong kind of student
• Sending copies that are not certified
• Missing the recommendation letter from your community organisation or education partner
• Not planning for your living costs. Talk with your partner organisation early about work or other funding
• Waiting until the last day to submit
• Forgetting to tell ACU about a change in your visa

Key Dates

• 1 October 2026: Applications open
• 11 January 2027 at 11:59 PM AEDT: Application deadline
• Semester 1 2027: Study starts
• 1 October each year: Possible deadline for the annual Impact Statement