ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027 in Australia: Full Tuition Fee Coverage for Eligible International Students
Overview
The Australian Catholic University Refugee Scholarship is designed for international students from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds who have encountered significant barriers to accessing university education. Hosted by the Australian Catholic University in Australia, this equity scholarship aims to promote educational equity, dignity, and opportunity by enabling talented students to pursue higher education and develop skills to contribute to their communities.
Who can apply
Applicants must hold one of the following Australian visa categories: a Temporary Humanitarian Stay visa Subclass 449, a Temporary Protection visa Subclass 785, a Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa Subclass 786, a Safe Haven Enterprise visa Subclass 790, or a bridging visa while having applied for a Permanent Protection visa Subclass 866. Candidates must have received an offer to commence a new course at the university as an international student in Semester 1, 2027, covering undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and Foundation Studies. Additionally, applicants must have support from a community organisation or education partner willing to provide a written recommendation and assist in identifying employment or additional funding for living expenses. Preference is given to recent senior high school graduates.
What you get
Recipients receive full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the approved course, along with the coverage of Student Services and Amenities Fees. The award does not provide a separate living allowance, accommodation funding, travel expenses, or a stipend, requiring students to arrange their own financial support for living costs.
Requirements
Recipients are expected to study full-time, although exemptions are possible in special circumstances. To retain the award, students must maintain a minimum passing grade in at least 50% of the credit points attempted each semester, remain enrolled full-time in the same approved programme, and keep satisfying applicable visa conditions without obtaining permanent residency or citizenship of Australia or New Zealand. Recipients may also need to submit an annual Impact Statement to the university scholarships office by 1 October.
How to apply
Applicants must prepare a personal statement of approximately 300 words, a recommendation letter from a supporting community organisation or education partner, up to two additional personal or character references if available, details of their most recently completed education, a copy of the course offer, and certified copies of their passport, visa, and ImmiCard if available. Candidates must apply as international students or through an appropriate Tertiary Admissions Centre where applicable. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview with a selection panel before final selection by the university global engagement department.
Key dates
Applications open on 1 October 2026. The application deadline is 11 January 2027 at 11:59 PM AEDT, ahead of studies commencing in Semester 1, 2027.