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This policy provides the framework for admission to all coursework programs and units at Australian Catholic University (ACU).

This Policy applies to admission to all undergraduate, graduate entry and postgraduate coursework programs, and non-award study of units, whether by application through a Tertiary Admissions Centre or directly to Australian Catholic University. It applies to domestic and international admission to both Commonwealth-supported places and fee-paying places.

ACU Glossary of Terms. In addition, the following words and expressions have the meanings listed below:

Adjustment factors these are additional points that may be used in combination with an applicant’s Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) to derive a person’s course Selection Rank. Adjustments do not change an applicant's ATAR, but change their Selection Rank for a particular course or courses.

Admission: admission to candidature for an award.

Admission pathway: any one of the options available to a prospective student that will enable them to meet the entry requirements of their chosen course(s)

Admission prerequisite: a requirement that must be met by an applicant in order to be eligible for consideration for admission to the course.

ATAR related thresholds:

  • Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made: the lowest unadjusted ATAR of an applicant to which an offer of a place was made in the relevant year or year-to-date.
  • Lowest Selection Rank to which an offer was made: the lowest Selection Rank of an applicant to which an offer of a place was made in the relevant year or year-to-date (including the consideration of any adjustments the applicant may have been eligible for).
  • Minimum ATAR (or Selection Rank) required for consideration to enter in the next intake: where a threshold minimum ATAR or Selection Rank must be achieved to be considered for admission to a course or institution.
  • Guaranteed Entry ATAR (or Selection Rank): where achievement of a specified ATAR or Selection Rank (as appropriate) will guarantee acceptance into a course or institution, subject to any non-ATAR criteria being met, such as a prerequisite study or English language proficiency.

Audit: where a participant is permitted to attend a unit on payment of the prescribed fee but does not complete assessment requirements.

Course: an approved program of study leading to an accredited higher education award of the University.

At school offer: where an offer of enrolment is made to a current secondary school student prior to release of ATARs or equivalent (e.g. OP in Queensland, IB) Such offers are generally conditional on other requirements being met, such as successful completion of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or achievement of a specified minimum ATAR.

Non-award: refers to individual units undertaken which do not count towards an award program at ACU.

Offer: formal notification from the University or the relevant Tertiary Admissions Centre on behalf of the University offering a place in a nominated course.

Offer rounds: refers to the series of dates on which offers of higher education places are issued to prospective students by the tertiary admission centres and institutions throughout the year.

Recommended Studies: subjects which are not a requirement for entry, but which applicants are recommended to have completed to assist them to undertake a course.

Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC): the admission authority established in each Australian state/territory to coordinate the admission processes of participating institutions for undergraduate and, in some cases, postgraduate courses. The authorities are:

  • NSW/ACT: Universities Admissions Centre (UAC)
  • Qld: Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)
  • Vic: Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)

4.1 Academic Board will:

  1. determine the minimum entry requirements to be met for entry to any award course.
  2. determine the minimum eligibility rank for undergraduate courses (See schedule 1).
  3. approve entry requirements for individual courses in accordance with the Course Approval, Amendment and Review Policy.
  4. ensure that the entry requirements for any course will be as consistent as possible across different State/Territory jurisdictions and/or campuses.

4.2 Different minimum selection ranks may apply for the same course offered on different campuses due to varying levels of demand.

4.3 An Executive Dean may apply to the Academic Board to vary the minimum eligibility rank for a particular program via a variation to the admissions requirements in the course rules of that program.

4.4 For the purpose of admission to ACU, the minimum eligibility rank is calculated using the unadjusted ATAR or OP supplemented by any adjustment factors allocated under approved schemes outlined in Section 15.

5.1 The Provost is responsible for determining the allocation of Commonwealth-Supported Places (CSP) across all courses.

5.2 The commencing places available in all coursework award programs, both CSP and fee-paying, in any given year or semester, will be determined by the Provost in accordance with the enrolment plan and Enrolment Plan Policy.

6.1 The authority to admit students to coursework programs is delegated to the Academic Registrar for domestic applicants and the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global and Educational Pathways) for international applicants.

6.2 Designated officers are authorised to act on behalf of the University, in accordance with approved delegations, to admit applicants to these programs.

7.1 Administration of domestic admission processes is the responsibility of the Admissions Sections, Student Administration.

7.2 Administration of international admission processes is the responsibility of the International Admissions and Student Relations Section, ACU International.

7.3 Applications will be administered in accordance with this Policy and related policies, procedures and protocols.

8.1 Applications through a Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) must adhere to the processes, closing dates and payment schedules published by that TAC.

8.2 Direct applications to ACU must adhere to the processes, closing dates and payment schedules published by ACU.

8.3 To gain entry to a course an applicant must:

  1. have applied through the relevant TAC or directly to ACU, in accordance with required timelines and the application procedures for that course;
  2. have satisfied all minimum entry requirements of the University;
  3. if intending to undertake study on a student visa, satisfy the University that they meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant, Genuine Student and Financial Capacity requirements of the relevant Australian Government department;
  4. meet any specific admission prerequisite requirements for the course, as approved in the relevant course rules;
  5. for undergraduate courses:
    1. have completed the required studies at Year 12 level or equivalent, including the specific State/Territory requirements as outlined in Schedule 3;
    2. have obtained an entry rank equal to or above the minimum selection rank for that course in the relevant TAC offer round;
    3. have been offered a place within the course and enrol within the prescribed time.

8.4 Applicants may also be considered on the basis of demonstrated equivalent knowledge, work and/or life experience.

8.5 The University may refuse admission to a qualified applicant if:

  1. the limit on available places is exceeded; or
  2. there are not appropriate and sufficient personnel, resources or number of applicants to enable the course to be offered; or
  3. there are other restrictions or limitations applying to the course; or
  4. the applicant has been subject to termination or exclusion from ACU or another university; or
  5. other matters that the University considers relevant to an applicant’s reasonable prospect of success.

9.1 Proficiency in English is required for entry to all courses. Proficiency may be specified differently in various State/Territory jurisdictions.

9.2 Non-current year 12 applicants without a previous pass in Year 12 English must attain the equivalent by satisfying approved alternative criteria. These criteria include English completed as part of any senior secondary school studies deemed by ACU to be equivalent to Australian year 12. Approved alternatives are outlined in the relevant state-based TAC English Proficiency schedules.

9.3 Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate their English proficiency, as set out in Schedule 3. Any such English language proficiency result must have been completed no earlier than two years prior to commencement of the course of study to which the student seeks admission.

10.1 Where an admission prerequisite includes the requirement of interview, folio, audition or other performance or demonstration of practical skill or other attribute, an applicant must comply with the criteria and directions provided in relation to any such requirement.

10.2 Where submission of additional information is required, for example regarding relevant experience or previous study, an applicant must comply with the directions provided in relation to any such requirement.

10.3 Where entry to a graduate entry or postgraduate course has a prerequisite of completion of an appropriate degree or other qualification, such degree or other qualification must normally have been completed within the preceding 10 years.

10.4 An applicant may only be admitted to a graduate entry or postgraduate course on the basis of completion of a prerequisite degree or other qualification more than 10 years previously:

  1. on the basis of subsequent development and life or work experience in the discipline, and as approved by the Head of School or equivalent or nominee; or
  2. as provided for in the course rules for that program.

11.1 Academic Board may approve the categories of adjustment factors available for admission to ACU.

11.2 Academic Board will determine the maximum number of adjustment factors than may be applied to an applicant’s selection rank.

11.3 The University offers adjustment factors for applicants to undergraduate courses, as detailed in Schedule 4.

11.4 The Adjustment factors normally involve additional points added to an applicant’s ATAR or equivalent, for the purposes of determining eligibility for admission to courses offered by ACU only.

11.5 The allocation of adjustment factors does not affect an applicant’s OP or ATAR but supplements the applicant’s rank for the purpose of assessing their eligibility for admission to the course. A rank is not the same as an OP or ATAR and one additional point does not equate to one OP or ATAR point.

11.6 Adjustment factors are also allocated to applicants under the University’s Equity and Access Schemes, as detailed Schedule 5.

11.7 Where adjustment factors are granted for similar reasons, a cap on the number of additional points will apply, as detailed in Schedules 4 and 5. An overall maximum number of additional points is applied to an applicant’s selection rank from the combination of all adjustment factors they are eligible for.

12.1 An application for admission must be accompanied by documentation of all qualifications attempted or completed and proof of completion, where applicable. For applications through a TAC, documentation must be submitted according to TAC processes. For direct applications to ACU, documentation must be submitted according to ACU processes.

12.2 ACU and TACs will normally obtain results for studies at Australian universities through the available automated systems. Where this is not possible, applicants will be required to provide verified evidence of results.

12.3 Incomplete applications will not be processed.

13.1 With the exception of equity and/or specific entry places offered in accordance with Section 15 of this Policy, the selection of applicants for admission is based on academic merit and satisfaction of any other admission requirements.

13.2 Where the entry requirements include satisfying criteria associated with interview, written statement, folio, audition or other demonstration of defined attributes, selection is based on both academic merit and those criteria.

13.3 Non-current Year 12 applicants are assessed on the basis of their Year 12 or other studies and are given an equivalent ranking to enable comparable selection.

14.1 The selection of applicants for admission is based on the satisfaction of the minimum entry requirements for postgraduate study and any other admission requirements as defined in the course rules.

15.1 The University has established a number of access and equity schemes which provide for consideration of additional criteria in assessing applicants and their potential for success in university study. These schemes are identified in Schedule 5.

15.2 Specific entry provisions may also apply for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants. These applicants will be referred to the Indigenous Higher Education Unit on the campus at which they wish to study.

15.3 Applicants whose educational qualifications do not satisfy the requirements for admission to a particular course but who have equivalent, demonstrated knowledge, skills and/or competencies, may be granted admission to the course, subject to approval by the Admissions Sections, Student Administration, in consultation with the relevant Course Coordinator, Head of School or equivalent.

16.1 All applicants will be advised in writing regarding the outcome of their application for a place either by ACU, or by the relevant TAC. A verbal indication regarding eligibility is not a formal offer of place and is not binding.

16.2 All offers of a place will specify the course and/or specialisation (where applicable), funding status (CSP or fee-paying), study mode and location for which the offer is made.

16.3 All offers of a place will provide links to relevant policies, procedures and guidelines relating to enrolment, academic integrity, tuition fees, charges and refunds.

16.4 All offers will detail any particular conditions of enrolment and/or participation in the course, such as health requirements for students undertaking clinical work, requirements for security checks, particular requirements for work placements and any language requirements.

16.5 All offers of a place will be conditional upon the provision of proof of completion of admission requirements and/or upon other factors detailed in the letter of offer.

16.6 Failure to meet any condition of offer by the specified date may result in the withdrawal and cancellation of the offer.

16.7 Students may only undertake study in the course in the study mode and/or at the location for which an offer is made. Individual units may only be taken in a different mode/location if approved by the Course Coordinator, or as documented in the relevant Course Enrolment Guide.

16.8 An offer of a place in a postgraduate coursework program will remain valid for one academic year.

16.9 Once an offer of a place has been accepted through enrolment via the student system, the student will be subject to the Academic Regulations and other student-related policies, procedures and guidelines.

17.1 An applicant who receives an offer for an undergraduate course at ACU can defer commencing that course for up to one year, unless the Executive Dean determines otherwise for a particular program. Executive Deans may choose not to grant deferments in any course or any admission cycle.

17.2 An applicant who receives an offer for a postgraduate course at ACU can defer commencing that course for up to one year, unless the Executive Dean determines otherwise for a particular program. Executive Deans may choose not to grant deferments in any course or any admission cycle.

17.3 In exceptional circumstances, and as approved by the designated officer, an undergraduate student may apply to defer for up to two years. Documentary evidence detailing the circumstances will be required to support the application.

17.4 An undergraduate applicant whose application to defer admission has been approved will receive written confirmation of their deferment and be guaranteed a place, in the following academic year, in the course and at the location for which the original offer was made, provided that the course is available to commencing students.

17.5 A postgraduate applicant whose application to defer admission has been approved will receive written confirmation of their deferment and be guaranteed a place, within twelve months of the original commencement date in the course and at the location for which the original offer was made, provided that the course is available to commencing students.

17.6 Where an applicant’s deferred place is for a program that is subsequently discontinued or withdrawn after an offer has been made, the applicant will be advised of an alternative program, or programs, available.

17.7 Deferment in an undergraduate course will not be granted where the applicant intends to undertake another course of tertiary study at ACU or any other university or post-secondary education provider during the period of deferment.

17.8 A deferment will lapse if the applicant does not apply to take up the deferred place or the applicant does not complete enrolment requirements by the date specified by the University.

17.9 If a deferment lapses, the applicant will be required to make a new application for admission according to the standard admission application processes at the time.

17.10 If an applicant wishes to be considered for a place in a different course, a new application in accordance with standard admission application processes will be required.

17.11 Deferment is not available to current ACU students who have been approved for a course and/or campus transfer.

17.12 Deferment of a place is not available for one-year, end-on Honours courses.

18.1 Transfer categories

18.1.1 An ACU student may apply to transfer:

  1. from one program to another program at the same level, offered at the same or another campus;
  2. from a double degree program to a component single degree of that program;
  3. from a certificate or higher-level program to another program at the same level or a bachelor degree level course, offered at the same or another campus;
  4. within a program, from one campus to another campus;
  5. between postgraduate program specialisations or between nested postgraduate programs courses.

18.2 Eligibility criteria

18.2.1 Applications for transfer are determined on the basis of academic merit. To be eligible for consideration for a transfer a student must have:

  1. successfully completed at least two units within the program at ACU in which the applicant is enrolled; and
  2. in all cases, have satisfied all admissions prerequisites and any other entry requirements for the program to which the applicant is seeking to transfer; and.
  3. achieved a passing GPA, or hold a selection rank at least equivalent to the published rank for entry to that program from the previous year’s main offer round at the given campus.

18.2.2 Students seeking transfer to the undergraduate courses identified in Schedule 1 of the Admission to Coursework Programs Procedures, will be subject to a quota of available places.

18.2.3 Students seeking a campus transfer within their current program will be approved subject to place availability.

18.2.4 Where a student has yet to receive a result for any unit within their current program, they can apply for an offer to a different course via the Alternate Offer for Commencing Students process. Students must meet all eligibility requirements to receive an offer for the alternative course.

18.2.5 Where a student has completed one award and seeks entry to another, they must follow the standard admission application process to apply for the second course.

18.3 Application to transfer

18.3.1 An application for transfer must be lodged with Admissions via the prescribed process and by the published closing date.

18.3.2 Applications will be assessed in accordance with the eligibility criteria outlined in Section 18.2.

18.3.3 Offers will be made only where places are available.

18.3.4 Transfers are only available from the commencement of a standard study period.

18.3.5 Domestic students who are unsuccessful in their application for transfer may apply for admission to their chosen course of study through the general admission process via the state TAC.

19.1 An international student who gains Permanent Resident status, and submits the relevant form and supporting documentation, will be transferred to:

  1. a CSP in the case of an undergraduate student; or
  2. a domestic fee-paying place in the case of a postgraduate student.

19.2 If the application is submitted before the census date in a study period, the transfer will be effective from the beginning of that study period.

19.3 If the application is submitted after the census date for the study period, the student will remain liable for fees at the international student fee rate for the remainder of the study period and the transfer will take place for the following study period.

19.4 Where a postgraduate course offers CSPs, an international student who gains Permanent Resident status can apply to transfer to such a place by applying through the standard transfer application process.

20.1 ACU offers approved entry pathway programs for domestic and international students. These are listed in Schedule 7.

21.1 An applicant whose enrolment at ACU, or another university, has been terminated on the grounds of unsatisfactory academic performance will not be considered for admission into an award course, or individual unit(s) within an award course until at least two semesters have elapsed from the date of termination.

21.2 Applicants for admission following termination of enrolment at ACU or another University must demonstrate changed circumstances which will allow for greater likelihood of success in their course of study.

21.3 An applicant whose enrolment at this or another university has been cancelled under any disciplinary provisions will not be considered for admission into any course or individual unit(s) before the exclusion has been lifted or the duration of the exclusion has expired.

21.4 In cases where no specific period of exclusion has been identified, an applicant will be not considered for admission until at least two standard study periods have elapsed from the date of exclusion.

21.5 No academic credit will be granted for any study or other learning or practical experience undertaken during the period of exclusion.

21.6 A person who wishes to return to ACU following a period of termination or exclusion on academic or disciplinary grounds must follow the relevant direct application process.

22.1 Admission to study individual units on a non-award basis

22.1.1 Subject to a place being available and subject to approval by the Head of School or equivalent, or nominee, the Designated Officer may admit an applicant to study units on a fee-paying, non-award basis in any study period.

22.1.2 Applicants must meet unit requirements and their enrolment will be subject to the provisions of the Academic Regulations. A student enrolled on this basis will be formally assessed in the units in which they enrol.

22.1.3 If the student subsequently applies for and is granted admission to a course at the University, units successfully completed on a non-award basis may be credited to that course, subject to the Academic Regulations and the relevant course rules.

22.2 Admission to undertake cross-institutional studies

22.2.1 Subject to a place being available and subject to approval by the Head of School or equivalent, or nominee, the Designated Officer may admit an applicant to study one or more units as a cross-institutional student, for credit towards an award of another institution.

22.2.2Cross-institutional students must meet unit prerequisites and their enrolment will be subject to the provisions of the Academic Regulations. A student enrolled on this basis will be formally assessed in the units in which he/she is enrolled.

22.3 Admission to undertake study abroad and exchange studies

22.3.1 Subject to a place being available and subject to approval by the Head of School or equivalent, or nominee, the Designated Officer may admit an applicant to study units on a study abroad or exchange basis.

22.3.2 Applicants must meet unit prerequisites requirements, together with the English language proficiency requirements identified in Schedule 3. Enrolment will be subject to the provisions of the Academic Regulations.

22.3.3 A student enrolled on this basis will be formally assessed in the units in which they enrol. If the student subsequently applies for and is granted admission to a course at the University, units successfully completed on a study abroad or exchange basis may be credited to that course, subject to the Academic Regulations and the relevant course rules.

22.4 Auditing units

22.4.1 Subject to a place being available, a Head of School or equivalent, or nominee, may permit an applicant to audit one or more units for the prescribed audit fee. Participants who wish to have an audited unit assessed must, by the prescribed date, apply to undertake the unit on a non-award basis, comply with enrolment procedures and pay the non-award tuition fee.

22.5 Units including a practical placement component

22.5.1 An applicant will not be offered a place on a non-award, cross-institutional, study abroad or auditing basis in any professional experience unit or unit that includes a practical placement.

23.1 In the event that any error in assessment of the application and/or making of an offer is identified, ACU will advise the applicant of the error and potential academic implications and will take the following action:

  1. honour the offer made to the applicant if the applicant agrees with this outcome and there are no prerequisite/regulatory body factors that prohibit such action; or
  2. offer the applicant a place in any other course to which they are eligible and in which a place is available, provided the applicant is able to commence that course no later than the end of the second week of semester; or
  3. if no such place can be offered, withdraw the offer of a place and reimburse any fees paid by the applicant.

23.2 If an offer is made and results or other information is subsequently found to be inaccurate, through no fault of the applicant, the University will act as follows:

  1. If an applicant’s selection rank is higher than that originally awarded
    The University will endeavour to admit the applicant to the course for which the applicant had expressed a preference and to which the correct entry rank would have earned admission, provided that:
    1. when the error is identified, a place is still available in that course; and
    2. the applicant is able to commence the course no later than the end of the second week of the study period.
  2. If an applicant’s selection rank is lower than that originally awarded
    The University reserves the right to withdraw an offer at any time within the first two weeks of the semester for which an offer was made and accepted. If an offer is withdrawn, the University will consider the applicant for a place in a course for which the applicant is qualified, provided that:
    1. a place is still available in that course; and
    2. the applicant is able to commence that course no later than the end of the second week of the study period.

23.3 If an error under Section 23.2 (a) or (b) is identified after the second week of the study period, any offer made will be deferred to the next available commencing study period.

23.4 Where a new offer is made under Section 23.2 or 23.3, the offer will specify a deadline for application for deferment in the new course, if applicable.

23.5 The University may withdraw an offer to any suitably qualified applicant where a course has been suspended or discontinued. In such a case, the University will consider the applicant for a place in an alternative course or refund any fee paid.

23.6 The Academic Registrar will withdraw an offer and/or cancel enrolment if an applicant is found to have been admitted on the basis of incomplete, inaccurate, fraudulent or misleading information, in accordance with the Dealing with Instances of Fraudulent, Falsified or Misleading Information Policy. Fees paid may be forfeited.

24.1 Appeals and complaints regarding admissions decisions will be dealt with as follows:

  1. For current ACU students via the Student Appeals Policy.
  2. For applicants who are not current ACU students via the Student Complaints Policy.

25.1 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this policy, the Academic Registrar may, in any case deemed appropriate, vary, dispense with or suspend any requirements of this policy, associated procedures, appendices or schedules. Any action taken under this clause will be reported to the Academic Administrative Committee.

Date Major, Minor or Editorial Description of Revision(s)
23 May 2018 Minor Revisions in line with Transparency in Admissions Terminology
26 July 2019 Major Revisions as part cyclical review in line with the Academic Board Policy Development and Review Schedule
18 December 2019 Minor Revision to Schedule 3 in line with revised ANMAC standards for Nursing ELP
29 April 2020 Minor Revisions to Schedule 3, Schedule 4 and Schedule 7 in line with current processes
25 November 2020 Minor Consequential change to sections 21.3-21.6 to reflect the changes to the terms suspension and exclusion under the Student Conduct Policy
Amendment to Schedule 3 to update ELP requirements for undergrad Law courses
15 September 2021 Minor Amendments to transfers process, Schedule 3 and consequential amendments to Section 16 addition of academic integrity

Bachelor degrees
The minimum eligibility rank for a bachelor degree course at ACU is an ATAR (NSW/ACT/VIC) of 58.5 or equivalent OP (QLD) rank.

Sub-bachelor programs
The minimum eligibility rank for associate degree, diploma or certificate programs at ACU is an ATAR (NSW/ACT/VIC) of 50 or equivalent OP (QLD) rank.

Australian Capital Territory: ACT Year 12 Certificate; subject results need to be accredited as T or H and be studied as a major.

New South Wales: Higher School Certificate (HSC); HSC subject results need to be passed at a minimum of Performance Band 2.

Queensland: Senior Certificate; Authority subject results need to be a minimum of Sound Achievement (SA) completed over four semester units.

Victoria: Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE); VCE subject results (Units 3 and 4) need to be completed at the minimum 25 VCE study score (or other study score as stated).

Where English is listed as a subject prerequisite in the course rules, the requirement for English as an Additional Language (EAL) is deemed to be the same as that defined by the respective Tertiary Admissions Centre, unless stated otherwise.

  1. Students whose first language is not English need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency in order to be admitted to courses at ACU. For most courses, ACU uses the list of countries and assessable qualifications published by UAC.
  2. For all courses, English language proficiency can be evidenced by one of the following:
    1. Demonstrated completion of an English Language Test with a minimum accepted result as set out in the tables below. Any such English language proficiency test must have been completed no earlier than two years prior to the commencement of the course of study to which the student seeks admission.
    2. Demonstrated current registration with an accredited body that has an English language requirement equivalent to, or higher than, the standards required by the University. Recognised registrations include:
      1. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration other than Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Health Practice registration;
      2. Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) Teacher registration;
      3. Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) Teacher registration; and
      4. NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Teacher registration.
  3. English Language Proficiency can also be evidenced by one of the following:
    1. For initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses, demonstrated successful completion of at least two full-time years of study of a secondary or tertiary qualification at AQF Diploma level or higher, where the medium of study was English and completed no earlier than two years prior to the commencement of the course of study to which the student seeks admission.
    2. For all undergraduate Nursing and all undergraduate Midwifery courses demonatrated English language proficiency either by providing a written declaration that English is their primary language or evidence that they have achieved the minimum English Language test results as specified in the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) English language skills registration standards (transition required by 1 July 2020), or through one of the following pathway options:
      1. the Primary Language Pathway
        evidence of attendance and satisfactory completion of at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed solely in English in a recognised country, including at least two years between years 7 and 12;
      2. OR

      3. the Test Pathway
        results must be within 2 years of enrolling and meet the criteria outlined in the table below.
    3. For all other courses demonstrated successful completion of:
      1. at least one full-time year of study of an Australian secondary or tertiary qualification at AQF Diploma level or higher, and completed no earlier than five years prior to the commencement of the course of study to which the student seeks admission; or
      2. Demonstrated successful completion of at least one full-time year of study of an overseas qualification equivalent to an Australian secondary or tertiary qualification at AQF Diploma level or higher, where the medium of study was English, and completed no earlier than five years prior to the commencement of the course of study to which the student seeks admission.

Undergraduate courses

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Pearson Test of English (PTE) Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic (TOEFL) ACU English Language Test Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
Faculty of Education and Arts
Education Courses

Initial Teacher Education Courses

Bachelor of Education (Primary);

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary);

Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts;

Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Science and

Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)

A minimum of 7.0 in Reading and Writing and a minimum of 7.5 in listening and speaking A minimum of 65 in reading and writing and a minimum of 73 in listening and speaking

Internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iTB) total of 94

With a minimum of 27 in reading, 29 in writing, 27 in listening and 24 in speaking

A+
(80 or above)
A minimum of 185 in reading and writing and a minimum of 191 in listening and speaking.
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five Years)

Overall score: 6.5

Individual score of:
6.5 in all tests

58 with a minimum of 58 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 79:
with a minimum of 24 in writing and a minimum of 19 in reading and 20 in listening and speaking
B
(65-74%)

Overall CAE score: 176

Minimum score of 176 in all tests.

Other (Non-ITE)
Education courses

Overall score: 6.5

Individual score of:
6.0 in all tests

58 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 79:
minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening
B
(65-74%)

Overall CAE score: 176

Minimum score of 169 in all tests.

Arts Courses
All Arts courses

Overall score: 6.0

Individual score of:
6.0 in writing and speaking;
5.5 in listening and reading

50 with a minimum of 50 in writing and speaking and a minimum of 42 in reading and listening Internet based total of 60:
minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 8 in reading and 7 in listening
C
(60-64%)

Overall CAE score: 169

Minimum score of 169 in writing and speaking and 162 in listening and reading.

Faculty of Health Sciences

Bachelor of Nursing and associated double degrees

Note1,2,3

Overall score: 7.0

Individual score of:
7.0 in all test sittings

65 with a minimum of 65 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 94:
minimum 27 writing, 23 speaking, 24 reading and 24 listening

Bachelor of Midwifery

Note2

Overall score: 7.0

Individual score of:
7.0 in all tests in one sitting

65 with a minimum of 65 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 94:
minimum 27 writing, 23 speaking, 24 in listening and 24 in reading
Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Overall score: 7.0

Individual score of:
7.0 in all tests

65 with a minimum of 65 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 94:
minimum 27 writing, 23 speaking, 24 reading and 24 listening
A
(75-100%)

Overall CAE score of 185

Individual score of 185 in all tests.

Bachelor of Physiotherapy

Overall score: 7.0

Individual score of:
7.0 in all tests

65 with a minimum of 65 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 94:
minimum 27 writing, 23 speaking, 24 reading and 24 listening
A
(75-100%)

Overall CAE score of 185

Individual score of 185 in all tests

Bachelor of Psychological Science and associated double degrees and Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)

Overall score: 7.0

Individual score of:
7.0 in all tests

65 with a minimum of 65 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 94:
minimum 27 writing, 23 speaking, 24 reading and 24 listening
A
(75-100%)

Overall CAE score of 185

Individual score of 185 in all tests.

Bachelor of Social Work

Overall score: 7.0

Individual score of:
7.0 in all tests

65 with a minimum of 65 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 94:
minimum 27 writing, 23 speaking, 24 reading and 24 listening
A
(75-100%)

Overall CAE score of 185

Individual score of 185 in all test.

Bachelor of Speech Pathology

Overall score: 8.0

Individual score of:
8.0 in all tests

79 with a minimum of 79 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 110:
minimum 30 writing, 26 in speaking, 29 in reading, and 28 in listening
A++
(85-100%)

Overall CAE score of 200

Individual score of 200 in all tests

Other Health Sciences Courses

Note4

Overall score: 6.5

Individual score of:
6.0 in all tests

58 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 79:
minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening
B
(65-74%)

Overall CAE score: 176

Minimum score of 169 in all tests.

Faculty of Law and Business
Law Courses
All Law Courses

Overall score: 7.0

Individual score of:
6.5

65 with a minimum of 58 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 94:
minimum 24 writing, 20 speaking and listening and 19 in reading
A (75-100%)

Overall CAE score: 185

Minimum score of 176 in all tests.

Business Courses
All Business Courses

Overall score: 6.0

Individual score of:
6.0 in writing and speaking;
5.5 in listening and reading

50 with a minimum of 50 in writing and speaking and a minimum of 42 in reading and listening Internet based total of 60:
minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 7 in listening and 8 in reading.
C
(60-64%)

Overall CAE score: 169

Minimum score of 169 in writing and speaking and 162 in listening and reading.

Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
All Theology and
Philosophy Courses

Overall score: 6.0

Individual score of:
6.0 in writing and speaking;
5.5 in listening and reading

50 with a minimum of 50 in writing and speaking and a minimum of 42 in reading and listening Internet based total of 60:
minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 7 in listening and 8 in reading.
C
(60-64%)

Overall CAE score: 169

Minimum score of 169 in writing and speaking and 162 in listening and reading.

Postgraduate courses

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Pearson Test of English (PTE) Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic (TOEFL) ACU English Language Test Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
Faculty of Education and Arts
Education Courses
Graduate Entry Initial Teacher Education courses

No score less than 7 in reading and writing

No score less than 8 in listening and speaking

A minimum of 65 in reading and writing and a minimum of 79 in listening and speaking

No score less than 24 in reading, 27 in writing, 28 in listening and 26 in speaking

A++
(85 or above)
A minimum of 185 in reading and writing and 200 in listening and speaking

Graduate and Postgraduate courses:

Master of Education

Master of Educational Leadership

Master of Religious Education

Overall score: 7.0

Individual score of 6.0 in all tests

65 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills

Internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iTB) Overall 94

minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening

A
(75-100%)

Overall CAE of 185

Minimum individual score of 169 in all tests.

Other Education courses

Overall score: 6.5

Individual score of 6.0 in all tests

58 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 79:
minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening
B
(65-74%)

Overall CAE of 176

Minimum individual score of 169 in all tests.

Arts Courses
All Arts courses

Overall score: 6.5

Individual score of:
6.0 in all tests.

58 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 79:
minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening
B
(65-74%)

Overall CAE of 176

Minimum individual score of 169 in all test.

Faculty of Health Sciences
Psychology courses5

Overall score: 7.0

Individual score of 7.0 in all tests.

65 with a minimum of 65 in all four communicative skills

Internet based total of 94:
minimum 27 writing, 23 speaking, 24 reading and 24 listening

Master of Rehabilitation

Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation

Graduate Certificate in Rehabilitation

Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology

Overall score: 7.0

Individual score of 6.5 in all tests

65 with a minimum of 58 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 94:
minimum 24 writing, 20 speaking and listening and 19 in reading
A
(75-100%)
Master of Social Work

Overall score: 7.0

Individual score of:
7.0 in all tests

65 with a minimum of 65 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 94:
minimum 27 writing, 23 speaking, 24 reading and 24 listening
A
(75-100%)

Overall CAE score of 185

Individual score of 185 in all tests.


Other Health Sciences courses

Overall score: 6.5

Individual score of 6.0 in all tests

58 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 79:
minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening
B
(65-74%)

Overall CAE of 176

Minimum individual score of 169 in all tests.

Faculty of Law and Business
Law Courses
All Law Courses

Overall score: 7.0

Individual score of:
6.5 in all tests

65 with a minimum of 58 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 94:
minimum 24 writing, 20 speaking and listening and 19 in reading
A (75-100%)

Overall CAE of 185

Minimum score of 176 in all tests.

Business Courses
All Business Courses

Overall score: 6.5

Individual score of:
6.0 in all tests

58 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 79:
minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening
B
(65-74%)

Overall CAE of 176

Minimum individual score of 169 in all tests.

Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
All Theology and Philosophy Courses

Overall score: 6.5

Individual score of:
6.0 in all tests

58 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 79: minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening B
(65-74%)

Overall CAE of 176

Minimum individual score of 169 in all tests.

Associate Degree, Diploma and Certificate courses

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Pearson Test of English (PTE) Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic (TOEFL) ACU English Language Test Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
Faculty of Education and Arts
Education Courses

Education Courses,

excluding Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
(see Undergraduate Initial Teacher Education courses)

Overall score: 6.0

Individual score of 5.5 in all tests

50 with a minimum of 42 in all four communicative skills Internet based score of 60 with:
minimum 18 in writing, 8 in reading, 16 in speaking and 7 in listening
C
(60-64%)

Overall CAE: 169

Individual score of at least 162 in all tests.

Associate Degree in Inclusive Education and Disability Studies

Overall score: 6.5

Individual score of: 6.0 in all tests

58 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 79:
minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 13 in reading and 12 in listening
B
(65-74%)

Overall CAE of 176

Minimum individual score of 169 in all tests.

Arts Courses
Arts courses

Overall score: 6.0

Individual score of 5.5 in all tests

50 with a minimum of 42 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 60:
minimum 18 in writing, 8 in reading, 16 in speaking and 7 in listening
C
(60-64%)

Overall CAE: 169

Individual score of at least 162 in all tests

Faculty of Health Sciences
All Health Sciences courses

Overall score: 6.0

Individual score of 5.5 in all tests

50 with a minimum of 42 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 60:
minimum 18 in writing, 8 in reading, 16 in speaking and 7 in listening
C
(60-64%)

Overall CAE: 169

Individual score of at least 162 in all tests.

Faculty of Law and Business
Business Courses
All Business Courses

Overall score: 6.0

Individual score of:
5.5 in all tests

50 with a minimum of 42 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 60:
minimum 18 in writing, 8 in reading, 16 in speaking and 7 in listening
C
(60-64%)

Overall CAE: 169

Individual score of at least 162 in all tests.

Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
All Theology and
Philosophy Courses

Overall score: 5.5

Individual score of:
5.0 in all tests

42 with a minimum of 36 in all four communicative skills Internet based total of 46:
minimum 14 in writing, 14 in speaking, 4 in listening and 4 in reading
D
(55-59%)

Overall score of 162

Individual score of 155 in all tests.

Incoming Study Abroad and Exchange

Minimum Score for Undergraduate Entry
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Pearson Test of English (PTE) Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic (TOEFL) ACU English Language Test Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Overall score: 6.0
6.0 writing and speaking; 5.5 for reading and listening

Overall score 50 with a minimum of 50 in writing and speaking and a minimum of 42 in reading and listening

Internet based score of 79
22 for writing

C (60-64%)

Overall CAE: 169
minimum 169 writing and speaking; 162 listening and reading

minimum score of 180 or grade C1

Minimum Score for Undergraduate Entry (with concurrent language study)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Pearson Test of English (PTE) Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic (TOEFL) ACU English Language Test Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Overall score: 6.0
Individual score of 5.5 in all tests

50 with a minimum of 42 in all four communicative skills

Internet based score of 60 with: minimum 18 in writing.

C (60-64%)

Overall CAE: 169
Individual score of at least 162 in all tests

minimum score of 180 or grade C1

Minimum Score for Postgraduate Entry
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Pearson Test of English (PTE) Test of English as a Foreign Language - Academic (TOEFL) ACU English Language Test Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Overall score: 6.5
6.0 in all tests

58 with a minimum of 50 in all four communicative skills

Internet based score of 90; minimum 21 in writing, 18 in speaking, 20 in reading and 19 in listening

B (65-74%)

Overall CAE: 176; minimum 169 all tests

minimum score of 180 or grade C1

1 A TAFE Diploma held by students registered as enrolled nurses or the Occupational English Test (OET) with a minimum grade of B in each of the four components in one test sitting is acceptable for entry into these courses. The OET test requirements can also be met via 2 test sitting in a six-month period if all four components are tested in each sitting and a minimum score of B in each component is achieved across the two sittings and no score in any component is below C.
2 A student may be required to complete an English Language Proficiency test at the prescribed level for registration purposes.
3 Please note that IELTS test requirements can be met from one test sitting, or two test sittings in a six -month period only with an overall minimum score of 7in each sitting and a minimum overall score of 7 in each component across the two sittings, and with no score below 6.5; PTE test requirements can be met via two test sittings in a six -month period with an overall minimum score of 65 with no score below 58; and TOEFL test requirements can be met via two test sittings in a six month period only if: a minimum total score of 94 is achieved in each sitting, with a minimum score of 24 for listening, 24 for reading, 27 for writing and 23 for speaking across the two sittings, and no score in any of the sections is below: 20 for listening 19 for reading 24 for writing, and 20 for speaking. Further information for Bachelor of Nursing applicants can be found here: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Registration-Standards/English-language-skills.aspx
4 The ACU Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences) is acceptable for entry to the following bachelor degree courses in the Faculty of Health Sciences: Bachelor of Applied Public Health, Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science and Bachelor of Physical Activity, Bachelor of High Performance Sport and Bachelor of Sport and Outdoor Education.
5 The applicant must meet the English language requirements of AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) and be registered as a provisional psychologist in order to commence a professional program. If unsure, please contact the relevant postgraduate Course Coordinator for further details.

Maximum Adjustment Factors

The Academic Board approved maximum Adjustment Factors that may be applied to any applicant is 12.

Adjustment Factors with no application required

Subject Adjustment Factors

Adjustment based on subject performance in year 12 subjects approved by the Faculty as relevant for specific course in the relevant State/Territory.
(Maximum of five adjustment factors)

Access ACU

Schools Relationship Adjustment - based on established relationship with schools
Campus Adjustment - based on residential postcode of applicant where location is designated as important to campus
Regional Schools Adjustment - based on schools located in rural and regional areas as identified by the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC) postcode classification system.
(Maximum of five adjustment factors awarded across these three areas)

SUIT

Step Up Into Teaching - based on Year 12 applicants completing a non-award degree level unit. (Strathfield campus only)
(Maximum of three adjustment factors)

Adjustment Factor schemes requiring an application

QTAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
UAC Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
VTAC Special Education Access Scheme (SEAS)
(Maximum of six adjustment factors under each scheme)

Elite Athlete and Performer Adjustment

Applicants who have demonstrated achievement displaying a high level of sporting, musical or artistic skills may be eligible for up to five additional factors for admission.
(Maximum of five adjustment factors)

Learning for Mission Adjustment Factors Scheme

Adjustment Factors for entry be applied to those students who successfully complete the Stage 6 Learning for Mission program currently offered in schools within the auspices of Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP).
(Maximum of five adjustment factors)

National Catholic Formation Adjustment Factors Scheme

Based on applicants completing Modules 1 - 4 of the CSYMA and ACU Youth Academy Program - National Catholic Formation Program. (Year 11 and 12)
(Maximum of five adjustment factors)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Admission Program Indigenous applicants may be given entry to ACU programs based on their potential to succeed at tertiary study.

Year 12 applicants can receive an at school offer based on Year 11 results undertaken in Australian senior study curriculum. The program is based on calculation of an indicative ATAR. Applicants can receive up to 10 adjustment factors across three categories of personal statements.

Regional School Adjustment Applicants from rural and regional schools will automatically receive adjustment factors when applying through their respective Tertiary Admissions Centre.

Consideration for Long Term Educational Disadvantage

  • Universities Admissions Centre - Education Access Scheme (EAS)
  • Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre - Special Education Access Scheme (SEAS)
  • Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre - Educational Access Scheme (EAS)

Veterans Entry Program

Allows veterans with military service records to apply for direct entry and deemed equivalencies for their studies.

ACU Guarantee Year 12 applicants can receive an at school offer based on Year 11 results undertaken in Australian senior study curriculum. The program is based on calculation of an indicative ATAR. Applicants can receive up to 10 adjustment factors across three categories of personal statements.

Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) Year 12 applicants can receive an offer using criteria other than (or in addition to) the ATAR.

Domestic Pathways

Associate Degree in Inclusive Education and Disability Studies
Certificate in Commerce
Certificate in Liberal Studies
Certificate in Theology
Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
Foundation Studies Program (from 2021)

International Pathways

Diploma in Commerce
Diploma in Business Information Systems
Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
Diploma in Liberal Studies
Diploma in Visual Arts and Design
Diploma in Youth Work
Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences) (acceptable only for entry to specified Bachelor degree courses in the Faculty of Health Sciences)
Foundation Studies Program

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