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ACU launches new scholarship to support best and brightest students from South Asia

Australian Catholic University has launched a new scholarship program that will enable high-achieving students from South Asia to pursue their studies at ACU’s campuses across Australia.

The Executive Dean’s International Scholarship will financially support the best and brightest undergraduate and postgraduate students from across the region to study at ACU from 2026.

These prestigious scholarships are designed to make study more affordable for international students, combining tuition support, travel and relocation and visa fees.

The merit-based scholarship will be open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students from Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. 

ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis said the scholarships were part of the university’s commitment to accessible education and recognition of the enormous potential of South Asia.

“South Asia is a powerhouse region that is home to a generation of ambitious young people,” Professor Skrbis said. 

“ACU is committed to supporting talented students from across the region, investing in the future leaders who will help strengthen the ties between our countries and apply their knowledge and expertise to the big issues that impact the region.” 

This scholarship is the first of its kind at ACU and reflects the university’s strong ties to South Asia through its student body, alumni, research and partnerships. 

ACU currently has almost 4,000 students from South Asia enrolled across its seven Australian campuses, with 75 per cent in health-related courses. 

Rajisa Shrestha left her home in Nepal to enrol at ACU, winning a scholarship to study in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

“I found ACU to be very affordable compared to a lot of other universities. I wanted to be very independent in Australia and to pay my own fees,” she said.

“The ACU scholarship made that possible.”

Rajisa, who was elected President of ACU’s Blacktown Student Association, said the university “feels like home”. 

“The ACU community feels like home to me and is helping me achieve my aspirations for the future.”