
ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027: Study in Australia Free
The ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027 offers eligible international students from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds an opportunity to pursue higher education in Australia without paying tuition fees for the duration of their eligible course. Offered by Australian Catholic University (ACU), the scholarship is designed to support students who have faced significant barriers to accessing education and want to build a better future through university study.
The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for the approved course, subject to ongoing eligibility requirements, as well as Student Services and Amenities Fees. Eligible applicants can apply for undergraduate degrees, diplomas, or foundation studies commencing in Semester 1, 2027.
Applications open on 1 October 2026 and close on 11 January 2027. Applicants must meet specific Australian visa requirements, obtain support from a community organisation or education partner, and receive an offer to commence an eligible ACU course.
For eligible students seeking financial assistance to access higher education, the ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027 represents an important opportunity to pursue academic and professional goals.
ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027: At a Glance
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship name | ACU Refugee Scholarship |
| Host institution | Australian Catholic University |
| Country | Australia |
| Study level | Undergraduate, diploma and foundation studies |
| Eligible applicants | International students from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds |
| Tuition coverage | 100% of eligible course tuition fees |
| Additional benefit | Student Services and Amenities Fees |
| Study intake | Semester 1, 2027 |
| Application opening | 1 October 2026 |
| Application deadline | 11 January 2027 |
| Study mode | Full-time, subject to approved exceptions |
| Application method | Online |
| Official application | ACU Refugee Scholarship Portal |
About the ACU Refugee Scholarship
Australian Catholic University established the ACU Refugee Scholarship to help students from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds overcome financial and educational barriers.
People who have experienced displacement, uncertainty about their immigration status, or interruptions to their education can face significant challenges when trying to access university. Tuition fees can make these challenges even more difficult.
The ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027 seeks to address this barrier by providing tuition assistance to eligible students commencing an approved course at ACU.
The programme reflects the university’s commitment to educational access, dignity, opportunity, and community participation. Through higher education, recipients can develop professional skills, pursue meaningful careers, and contribute to their communities.
Applicants should note that the scholarship is an equity award for eligible students with specific visa circumstances. It is not a general scholarship open to every international student.
What Does the ACU Refugee Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship provides two main financial benefits.
1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage
The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees for the duration of the eligible course, provided recipients continue to satisfy the university’s ongoing scholarship requirements.
This can significantly reduce the cost of obtaining a university qualification in Australia.
2. Student Services and Amenities Fees
The award also covers Student Services and Amenities Fees, helping recipients manage an additional university-related expense.
Important Financial Information
Although the ACU Refugee Scholarship provides full tuition coverage, applicants should not assume that it pays for every expense associated with studying in Australia.
The published scholarship description does not list accommodation, food, personal expenses, flights, or general living costs as covered benefits. The supporting community organisation or education partner is expected to assist students in finding employment or other funding to support themselves during their studies.
Students should therefore prepare a realistic budget before accepting an offer.
Who Can Apply for the ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027?
Applicants must satisfy all the scholarship’s eligibility requirements.
1. Eligible Visa Status
Applicants must hold one of the following visa types or meet the specified bridging visa condition:
- Temporary Humanitarian Stay visa (subclass 449).
- Temporary Protection visa (subclass 785).
- Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (subclass 786).
- Safe Haven Enterprise visa (subclass 790).
- A bridging visa while having applied for a Permanent Protection visa (subclass 866).
Applicants should confirm that their current immigration circumstances meet the university’s requirements.
2. Community Organisation Support
Applicants must have support from a community organisation or education partner that can provide a written recommendation.
The organisation is expected to assist the student in identifying employment or other funding opportunities and work with ACU to support them throughout the course.
3. Eligible Academic Programmes
The scholarship applies to eligible ACU undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and foundation studies.
Applicants must have received an offer to commence a new course as an international student in Semester 1, 2027.
4. Full-Time Study
Recipients are generally expected to study full-time. Exceptions may be available in special circumstances, subject to the university’s requirements.
Preference will be given to recent senior high school graduates, although applicants must still satisfy the relevant eligibility and selection criteria.
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Required Documents for the Application
Applicants should prepare the following documents before submitting their applications:
- A written statement of approximately 300 words explaining their motivation for choosing the degree and how it supports their long-term career goals.
- A recommendation letter from a supporting community organisation or education partner.
- Up to two additional personal or character recommendation letters, if available.
- A certified copy of their passport.
- A certified copy of their visa.
- A certified copy of their ImmiCard, if available.
- Details of their most recently completed education.
- A copy of their ACU course offer.
Applicants must apply to ACU as international students or through an appropriate Tertiary Admissions Centre where applicable.
The written statement is assessed on its content rather than language skills. Applicants using assistance from advisers, tutors, or AI tools should ensure the final statement accurately reflects their personal circumstances and experiences.
How Are Scholarship Recipients Selected?
The ACU Scholarships Office will review applications and shortlist candidates. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to attend an interview with a selection panel.
The final recipients will be selected by ACU Global Engagement.
Selection is based on the written statement, the supporting organisation’s recommendation, any additional references, and an interview where required.
Applicants should clearly explain their educational ambitions, career plans, and reasons for choosing their intended course. A strong application should also demonstrate that the applicant has appropriate institutional or community support.
Ongoing Requirements for Scholarship Recipients
Receiving the ACU Refugee Scholarship does not remove the need to meet continuing academic and eligibility conditions.
Recipients must generally:
- Achieve at least a passing grade in 50% of the credit points attempted each semester.
- Maintain full-time enrolment, unless an approved exception applies.
- Remain enrolled in the course for which the scholarship was awarded.
- Continue to meet the scholarship’s citizenship and visa-related conditions.
Recipients must notify ACU if their visa status changes or they receive another category of visa. The university may request evidence confirming that their circumstances remain eligible.
Students may also be required to submit an annual scholarship Impact Statement by 1 October, explaining how the award has assisted them.
How to Apply for the ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027
Follow these steps to apply:
Step 1: Visit the official scholarship application portal.
Step 2: Apply for an eligible ACU course as an international student and obtain the required offer for Semester 1, 2027.
Step 3: Contact a suitable community organisation or education partner to obtain a written recommendation.
Step 4: Prepare the written statement, certified identity and visa documents, education details, and course offer.
Step 5: Complete and submit the scholarship application through the official portal before the deadline.
Application deadline: 11 January 2027 at 11:59 PM AEDT.
Apply here: ACU Refugee Scholarship — Official Application Portal
For enquiries, contact International@acu.edu.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ACU Refugee Scholarship fully funded?
It covers full tuition fees and Student Services and Amenities Fees for the eligible course, subject to ongoing conditions. It does not explicitly cover all living expenses, so it should not be described as covering every study-related cost.
Can all international students apply?
No. Applicants must meet the specified visa requirements and other eligibility conditions.
What qualifications are eligible?
The scholarship covers eligible undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and foundation studies at ACU.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on 11 January 2027 at 11:59 PM AEDT.
Is a recommendation letter required?
Yes. Applicants must provide a written recommendation from a supporting community organisation or education partner.
Final Thoughts
The ACU Refugee Scholarship 2027 offers eligible students from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds an opportunity to pursue higher education in Australia with full tuition fee support and coverage of Student Services and Amenities Fees.
Applicants should carefully review the visa requirements, secure community organisation support, obtain an eligible course offer, and prepare the required documents before applying. They should also plan for living expenses that are not explicitly covered by the award.
With applications opening on 1 October 2026 and closing on 11 January 2027, eligible students should begin preparing early and use the official ACU application portal to confirm the latest requirements.
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