History
Australian Catholic University (ACU) was opened on 1 January 1991 following the amalgamation of four Catholic tertiary institutions in eastern Australia:
- Catholic College of Education Sydney in New South Wales
- Institute of Catholic Education in Victoria
- McAuley College of Queensland
- Signadou College of Education in the Australian Capital Territory.
Education
Study isn't just about learning. It's also about contributing to a greater purpose. Crafting a meaningful career. Making an impact, for good.
Our courses will equip you to make today's ambitions tomorrow's reality. All you need to do is bring your curiosity, your desire to make an impact, and your past experiences. We'll supply the strong industry ties, a focus on practical learning, and a commitment to helping you develop as a whole person.
Research
At ACU, our research and enterprise activities embrace the full life cycle of research, from knowledge creation to its translation and application towards real world outcomes that provide social, cultural and economic benefit.
Career
As a careers advisor, you hold futures in your hands. We want to help you guide your students into the best future for them – so here you’ll find all of the information you need about our courses, admission pathways and more.
Short Courses
Computer Science & IT (1)
- Short Course Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences)
Medicine & Health (1)
- Short Course Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences)
University Ranking
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2024
401 -150
2023
251
2022
251
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University
2023
501
2022
501
2021
501
ARWU World University rankings is the first world university ranking. It ranks the world's top 1000 colleges and universities based on objective indicator. They look at the number of award-winning (Fields Medals and Nobel Prize) scientists who are located there, how much of their research is cited and referenced around the world, and how much they've contributed to different academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, ARWU ranks the universities accordingly.
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2024
801
2023
801
2022
801
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2024
-
2023
416 63
2022
479
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Student services
Studying is rewarding and worthwhile, but sometimes you may need help. Our student services can help you navigate your way through some of the more challenging parts of uni life.
Student services
- Academic skills development
- Campus ministry
- Career development
- Connect2Uni
- Distribution of SSAF funds
- Counselling
- Disability support
- Medical centres
- International student services
- Student advocacy
- Student safety
- Student Veterans Support Program
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
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
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
Across our campuses, you’ll find public art galleries exhibiting student work, moot courts where our law students hone their arguments and prepare for international competitions, and health science simulation labs where students get a full range of experiences before they go on placements.
Sports facilities
- We have state of the art gyms on two of our campuses and run a range of fitness classes on every campus.
- Located on the Lower Ground of the Mary Glowery Building, our newly refurbished facility features a purpose built group fitness studio, functional training equipment, and cardio equipment.
Student clubs
Our student associations are the lifeblood of ACU Student Life. They are run for students, by students and ensure that your voice is heard at the highest levels of the university.
There are three types of student association at ACU:
- ACU National Student Association (ACUNSA)
- ACU Postgraduate Student Association (ACUPGA)
- local campus associations.
Each of these groups has a particular role in supporting and representing our student bodies.
