Work with ACU to answer the big questions. Through the development of active international partnerships, we collaborate with our partners to find solutions for the good of all.

See what makes us a unique collaborator, explore our existing network of more than 200 partner institutions, and find out how to partner with us or request a visit to ACU

Where innovation meets tradition

ACU has a distinctive approach to higher education – one that stands out in Australia. As a young university that combines tradition with new ways of working, our teaching, research and focus on serving others reflect areas of strength, growth and the University’s mission. 

We know who we are and what we stand for, and remain open to partnering with like-minded universities and institutions around the world.

Collaboration that counts

When you partner with ACU, you become part of a global network of more than 200 universities across 40 countries. These relationships support education abroad, staff mobility, collaborative research, articulation and shared community engagement activities. 

We welcome over 250 international students from our partner universities every year, thanks to these connections. And more than 1000 of our own students engage in international learning experiences annually.

ACU also maintains strategic global partnerships to foster research and teaching cooperation, and provide opportunities for staff and students. 

Our key partnerships include:

  • Ghent University, Belgium
  • Pontifical Catholic University of Chile
  • Tongji University, China
  • Binus University, Indonesia
  • Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Italy
  • Nagoya University of Foreign Studies, Japan
  • Radboud University, Netherlands
  • Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines
  • Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan
  • Leeds Trinity University, UK
  • Fairfield University, USA
  • St John’s University, USA
  • University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, USA

Browse the full list of International Partners

Benefits of partnering with us

As Australia’s largest Catholic university, we provide our partners with access to an extensive network of industry and community connections. We have six campuses across Australia, and serve as a gateway to study and research collaborations in each region. 

Plus, we have developed innovative learning models and academic pathways that may benefit our partner institutions.

We continue to develop new, active partnerships with compatible international universities and institutions to:

  • enhance our international research collaboration
  • internationalise our curriculum
  • provide excellent international opportunities for students
  • develop transnational education
  • increase our international teaching collaboration
  • achieve sustainable growth in international student enrolments.

Partnership types

We are open to a range of partnerships and collaborations – from student exchanges to Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). 

Key student-focused partnership types include: 

  • Student exchange: Our 80-plus student exchange partnerships with universities around the world give our students the life-changing experience to study overseas for their ACU degree, and vice versa. No fees are involved for the host institution.
  • Study abroad: Study abroad partnerships let international students study at ACU on a fee-paying basis. We welcome students from partner institutions each semester, and we also encourage students from non-partner institutions to apply. 
  • Student placement: We give students the opportunity to apply the theory and skills they’ve gained while studying through hands-on experience. The student placement partnerships we form with local and overseas institutions allow us to offer professional placements, clinical placements, community engagement, practicums and more.
  • Articulation: Our articulation links with universities, colleges and other institutions give students with prior study or qualifications the chance to have their past work recognised at ACU.
  • Study tours: We welcome study tour groups from partner institutions for short-term periods. Activities can involve English classes, academic topics, and tours designed around specific student interests and expertise.

View our full list of our partnership types

Proposing an International Partnership with ACU

If you are a faculty member or representative of a university or institution seeking to establish an impactful international partnership with ACU, we welcome you to take the first step by completing our Online International Partnership Proposal Form.

Kindly note that this form is not to be completed by prospective education agents. For enquiries related to becoming a registered ACU agent, please contact ACU International.

Completing the International Partnership Proposal Form

Dedicate 15 to 30 minutes to comprehensively complete our International Partnership Proposal Form. To optimise your experience, we advise reviewing the questions beforehand to ensure you have all the essential information at your fingertips. A key point to note is that the form does not allow for midway saves, so all responses should be finalised and submitted in a single session. This approach streamlines the submission process.

Understanding the Assessment Process of Prospective Partnerships at ACU

At ACU, forging international agreements that formalise partnerships is a deliberate process, aligned with ACU's defined rules and procedures. This process entails a thorough consultation and approval procedure, emphasising our commitment to maintaining quality standards and fostering meaningful collaborations.

Once your submission is received, we will reply with further information about the assessment process and timeframes.

Request a visit to ACU

We look forward to welcoming international visitors and delegations to our campuses. ACU is committed to providing courteous and professional support, and we will endeavour to accommodate all requests.

To request a visit to ACU, submit a visit request online. Upon receipt of the visit proposal, Global and Education Pathways will assess the request and get in touch regarding the progress and outcome.

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ACU education agents

Does your company want to become an authorised ACU education agent, to advise students about studying at ACU? Email the International Agent team.

Send an email

Catholic partners

We welcome our partners in Catholic identity and mission. Learn how we work with partners, meet our executive team, and view programs and opportunities.

Read more

Take your study abroad

Learn more about overseas study opportunities with our international partners, including internships, short courses and single semesters.

See the world

Study abroad and exchange

Are you a student at one of our partner universities? Come study with ACU in Australia for a semester or a year, or a short-term program.

Study with us

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