Apply for your undergraduate degree in seven steps
An undergraduate degree at ACU involves much more than classes and study. You will learn to think critically and be guided by social justice principles. You will also gain skills and inspiration to bring about change in your community, profession and industry.
Apply for an undergraduate degree using our step-by-step guide. Applying is easy; the process should only take around 20 minutes.
Follow the instructions on this page if you want to apply for one of the following degrees:
- associate degree
- bachelor degree
- undergraduate diploma.
Am I domestic or international?
You are an international applicant if you will need a temporary visa to study in Australia.
You are a domestic student if you are one of the following:
- Australian citizen
- Australian permanent resident
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder
- New Zealand citizen.
If you’re a domestic student, you should visit our step-by-step guide for domestic undergraduate applications.
View our domestic undergraduate application guide
1. Choose your course
Browse our list of undergraduate courses that are open to international applicants. You can browse by course type, subject or study area.
Search undergraduate courses available to international students
2. Check eligibility and closing dates
You must have the equivalent of an Australian Year 12 Certificate for most undergraduate courses.
You can check if we recognise your high school qualifications by downloading and viewing the following documents for diplomas and bachelor degrees:
Download the minimum academic entry requirement by country (PDF)
English language proficiency
You will also need to meet the English proficiency requirements for your course.
You may need to demonstrate your English language proficiency if:
English is not your first language
you did not attend university in English and in an approved English-speaking country.
You can prove your English proficiency by providing us with evidence of your previous studies or qualifications, or by achieving a certain score in a relevant English language test (including IELTS, OET and the ACU English Test).
Visit our English proficiency requirements page for more information
Consider a pathway or English language program
If you do not meet the requirements or English language proficiency for your chosen course, you can consider taking a pathway program or English language course.
These programs and courses have lower entry requirements and can assist you with further study; after successfully completing a diploma, you may be eligible to enter the first or second year of the related bachelor degree.
Learn more about our English language pathway courses
You should also consider studying an English language course at the ACU Centre for Languages.
Learn more about our English language programs
View a list of diplomas and pathway programs
- Diploma in Biomedical Science
- Diploma in Business
- Diploma in Educational Studies (Tertiary Preparation)
- Diploma in Exercise Science
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Diploma in Liberal Arts
- Diploma in Nutrition Science
- Diploma in Visual Arts
- Diploma in Youth Work
- English for Academic Purposes
- Foundation Studies
- Tertiary Preparation Program (Health Sciences)
ACU English Language Centre
English opens the door to many opportunities. Study at the ACU English Language Centre in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, and we will give you the support to succeed.
Learn about our language centres
Take a virtual study tour
Join ACU staff member Cristina on a virtual tour of our Melbourne campus. You can join a class, practice your English with fun quizzes and discover why Melbourne is one of the world's most liveable cities.
Application deadlines
It is important for you to get your application to us before the closing date. Plan ahead by taking note of your course application deadline now.
View the upcoming application deadlines
3. Browse scholarships
Take a moment to see if you’re eligible to apply for one or more of our scholarships for international students, including the ACU International Student Scholarship.
There is no limit to the number of scholarships you can apply for – just make sure they’re open to international students.
Browse scholarships available to international students
4. Gather your documents
You will need to gather certified copies of all the necessary documents for your application. These documents include:
- academic qualifications (transcripts and completion certificates)
- passport
- evidence of English proficiency
- any other documents which can support your application, such as evidence of work experience, professional registration and reference letters that are relevant to your course
Certified documents
Copies of your official documents will need to be certified. A certified copy is a photocopy of an original document that has been ‘certified’ as a true copy.
Documents can be certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP) or an authorised officer such as a public notary who is not related to you.
The officer must include his/her professional registration number (if applicable) when certifying your documents.
5. Apply
When you’re ready to apply, you can make your ACU application through any of the following methods:
- Apply through our online application system
- Apply through an authorised education agent in your country
- Apply in-person at the ACU International office at our Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney campuses
Please note: An application fee of A$110 will be charged if you apply online to ACU without the assistance of an authorised education agent.
Are you studying an Australian Year 12 qualification?
If you’re an international student currently studying an Australian Year 12 qualification, you may need to apply to ACU through a Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC).
If you’re studying Year 12 in Australia
- Brisbane applications: Apply through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)
- North Sydney, Strathfield and Canberra applications: Apply through the University Admissions Centre (UAC)
- Melbourne and Ballarat: Apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
If you’re studying Year 12 outside Australia
- Brisbane applications: Apply directly to ACU.
- North Sydney, Strathfield and Canberra applications: Apply through the University Admissions Centre (UAC)
- Melbourne and Ballarat: Apply directly to ACU.
Next steps
After you’ve submitted your application, you will get confirmation that we have received it and will begin processing it. We will let you know the outcome as soon as we can
If you received an offer
If you received an offer from us, you are on your way to great things. But we need to make it official. You can respond to your offer by accepting, deferring or declining.
Learn how to respond to your offer
If you didn’t receive an offer
There is no need to worry. We have a range of pathway diplomas and programs available to get you into your dream course.
Browse pathway diplomas and programs
Need help? Contact us
Contact our international student support team if you have any questions about your application to study at ACU. We can also answer you enquiries about arriving, living and studying in Australia.
Contact the friendly team at international student support
University terminology explained
Unsure what some of these words mean? We’ve put together a glossary to explain our technical terms in plain English.