Starting at ACU

Whether you're starting your first degree, or returning to study after some time away, we want you to get the most out of your studies.

Get your best start to university life by accessing essential resources and registering for our induction programs: Virtual Welcome, Getting Started Day, and Orientation Day.

Virtual Welcome

Join one of our online Virtual Welcome events for an opportunity to:

  • meet fellow ACU offer holders
  • chat with current ACU students and staff
  • hear from our alumni
  • ask early questions about transitioning to university life

These events are designed for ACU offer holders.

For more information regarding dates and session details please visit the Virtual Welcome webpage.

Register now

December Virtual Welcome
Wednesday 10 December 2025, 1 – 2pm

Getting Started

The one-day Getting Started program is designed for any students who would like some extra, one-on-one support and peer-connection before Orientation Day and the start of semester.

The program explores common challenges that students experience throughout their first year at university. Connect with friendly student mentors and hear about what you need to know and do to be successful.

You only need to attend one Getting Started Day either on campus or online.

Register Now

Orientation Day

Attending Orientation Day is an essential part of starting your ACU journey. During your Orientation Day you will find out important information about your course, and what to expect in your first semester. Go on campus tours, learn about your campus student association, student clubs and societies, make friends, and speak to our expert staff about everything that ACU can offer you.

Register Now

Program Dates

Program

Date

Time

Getting Started Day

Monday 23 February

8.30am – 12pm (AEDT)

Orientation Day

Tuesday 24 February

9am – 3pm (AEDT)

Program

Date

Time

Getting Started Day

Thursday 19 February

8.30am – 12pm (AEDT)

or 12.30 – 4pm (AEDT)

Orientation Day

Tuesday 24 February

9am – 3pm (AEDT)

Program

Date

Time

Getting Started Day

8.30am – 12pm or 12.30 – 4pm (AEST)

8.30am – 12pm (AEST)

or 12.30 – 4pm (AEST)

Orientation Day

Tuesday 24 February

9am – 3pm (AEST)

Program

Date

Time

Getting Started Day

Monday 23 February

8.30am – 12pm (AEDT)

Orientation Day

Wednesday 25 February

9am – 3pm (AEDT)

Program

Date

Time

Getting Started Day

Tuesday 17 February

8.30am – 12pm (AEDT)

or 12.30 – 4pm (AEDT)

 

Or Thursday 19 February

8.30am – 12pm (AEDT)

or 12.30 – 4pm (AEDT)

Orientation Day

Wednesday 25 February

9am – 3pm (AEDT)

Program

Date

Time

Getting Started Day

Wednesday 18 February

8.30am – 12pm (AEDT)

or 12.30 – 4pm (AEDT)

Orientation Day

Thursday 26 February

9am – 3pm (AEDT)

 

  • Strathfield campus

Program

Date

Time

Getting Started Day

Tuesday 17 February

8.30am – 12pm (AEDT)

or 12.30 – 4pm (AEDT)

Orientation Day

Wednesday 25 February

9am – 3pm (AEDT)

Program

Date

Times

Getting Started Day (option 1)

Monday 16 February

11.45am – 2.15pm (AEST)

12.45 – 3.15pm (AEDT)

Getting Started Day (option 2)

Thursday 19 February

4.45 – 7 .15pm (AEST)

5.45 – 8.15pm (AEDT)

Getting Started Day (option 3)

Friday 20 February

8.45 – 11.15am (AEST)

9.45am – 12.45pm (AEDT)

Orientation Day

Friday 27 February

11am – 3pm (AEST)

12 – 4pm (AEDT)

Term-based Courses

We have developed a hybrid program for term-based students, giving you many of the usual sessions offered at the semester Orientation.

Access information from the Orientation website before classes start and attend your course day to get the best start.

Orientation activities for term 1 2026 will be held on Friday 30 January 2026 10am – 3pm.

Please note that classes begin from Monday 2 February 2026, for students undertaking:

  • Bachelor of Speech Pathology at our Canberra campus
  • Master of Social Work (Qualifying) at our Canberra and Strathfield campuses
  • Master of Leadership and Management in Health Care at our North Sydney campus

Register Now

ACU Online

We have developed a library of online resources and a short program for ACU Online students. These contain the relevant portions of the semester-based orientation, tailored to your needs as an online student.

ACU Online term 1 commences Monday 2 February. Take the following steps to ensure you are well prepared to start uni:

  1. Watch the introductory video below.
  2. Register now for Orientation and view your course information pack.
  3. Launch into your learning by accessing our new student Canvas unit.

Register Now

New student checklist

We've compiled a step-by-step checklist for you to use to ensure you tick-off all the essential tasks before you start uni.

International students

Find out more about accepting your offer and enrolling

Contact the friendly team at international student support

Gateway to ACU (VIC and NSW students only)

Arriving and Living in Australia

Need help? Contact us

If you have any questions, contact us at AskACU.

Search our FAQ knowledge database

Email AskACU

Call us on 1300 275 228.

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Get involved at uni

Relax (or don't) in your downtime. With clubs and societies for everything from French to skiing, we're bound to have a group that's right for you.

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Our campus locations

From an inner city garden rooftop in Melbourne to a picturesque cityscape in Rome, our seven campuses have something for everyone.

Explore now

Have a question?

We're available 9am–5pm AEDT,
Monday to Friday

If you’ve got a question, our AskACU team has you covered. You can search FAQs, text us, email, live chat, call – whatever works for you.

Live chat with us now

Chat to our team for real-time
answers to your questions.

Launch live chat

Visit our FAQs page

Find answers to some commonly
asked questions.

See our FAQs