Australian Catholic University

Entry requirements

• There are no mandated entry requirements.

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements

• Australian Capital Territory
• English (any) - Major (T) (130+) or ESL - Major (T) (141+)

• New South Wales
• English Standard (Band 3) or English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) (Band 4)

• Queensland
• English (Units 3 & 4, C)

Applicants with recent secondary education

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability, or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

For current year 12 students

If you’re a current Year 12 applicant, you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.

For non-school leavers

If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma, you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.

Applicants with higher education study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognized study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration, and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.

Applicants with work and life experience

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have no formal education qualifications, you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life, or service experience.

If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.

If you’re 21 years or older, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.

You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.

If you have served in the defense force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.

English language requirements

Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score.

English language requirements

Applicants require an academic IELTS minimum overall score of 7.0 (with a minimum score of 7.0 in all bands), or an equivalent acceptable test score.

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.