Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability/Bachelor of Business (CRICOS course code 117849A) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 4 years. This unique double degree combines studies in society, culture, and environmental sustainability with a comprehensive business education. Graduates are equipped to address complex sustainability challenges through a business lens, preparing them for leadership roles in corporate sustainability, social enterprise, and environmental management. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00004G), it meets strict Australian quality standards for international students. The program is offered in Melbourne and Sydney, two of Australia's most vibrant student cities. All international students enrolling in this course benefit from ESOS Act protections, ensuring tuition safeguards and access to complaint mechanisms. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource, sourced from the official CRICOS register (April 2026).
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The Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability/Bachelor of Business (117849A) is a comprehensive double bachelor degree that integrates critical thinking about societal and environmental issues with practical business skills. Delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited, a public university with multiple campuses, this program is designed for students who want to drive positive change within organisations. The course falls under the field of education '091299 - Society and Culture, n.e.c.', covering studies in human society, sustainability, and business disciplines. Graduates typically pursue careers in sustainability consulting, corporate social responsibility, community development, or environmental policy. As a dual qualification, students earn two bachelor degrees simultaneously, enhancing their employability and career versatility. The program is fully registered with CRICOS, confirming its compliance with the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 7).
This double degree combines coursework from the humanities and business schools. In the social and environmental sustainability component, students explore topics such as ecological systems, social justice, sustainable development, and ethical governance. The business component covers core areas including accounting, marketing, management, and finance, with opportunities to specialise in areas like international business or social enterprise. Learning outcomes prepare graduates to analyse sustainability issues from multiple perspectives, develop sustainable business strategies, and communicate effectively across diverse stakeholders. The program emphasises real-world application through projects and case studies, though it does not include a mandatory work placement. Students develop critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills essential for leadership in sustainability-focused roles.
The course duration is 4 years full-time, equivalent to 208 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register. All instruction is delivered in English, consistent with Australian university standards for international students. This program is classified as a dual qualification, meaning successful completion awards two separate bachelor degrees: a Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability and a Bachelor of Business. Dual qualifications are popular among international students as they broaden career options and allow for cross-disciplinary knowledge without extending total study time beyond a single degree. Students should confirm the study mode (on-campus, blended, or online) directly with Australian Catholic University, as delivery modes may vary by campus and subject availability. The standard full-time load is 40 weeks per academic year, with scheduled breaks typically during summer and winter.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire program is A$142,496, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register, bringing the estimated total to A$142,496. These fees are set by Australian Catholic University Limited and are subject to change. Important note: this amount does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, or the visa application charge. For current fee information and payment plans, always consult the provider's website at www.acu.edu.au. As a guide, international students in Melbourne or Sydney should budget approximately A$500–A$700 per week for accommodation, food, and transport, depending on lifestyle. The student visa (Subclass 500) requires evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. HeadStart Academy recommends using the Australian Government's cost of living calculator for accurate estimates.
Minimum English language proficiency is required: IELTS (Academic) overall band score of 6.0 to 6.5, with no band below 5.5 to 6.0 (exact requirements vary by pathway). Australian Catholic University may accept equivalent tests such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English. Academic entry requirements typically include completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent qualification, with competitive grades in relevant subjects. International students may need to demonstrate prior study in social sciences or business-related fields. Foundation or pathway options are not explicitly listed for this course; however, applicants who do not meet direct entry should contact the provider for available pathway programs. Always verify specific entry requirements on the provider's website, as criteria can change. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. While some Australian bachelor degrees incorporate internships or industry placements, the Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability/Bachelor of Business is structured as a coursework-only program. Students may still pursue voluntary work experience or internships independently to enhance their practical skills and employability. The absence of a required work component means the program can be completed entirely through classroom and project-based learning. International students with a student visa (Subclass 500) are allowed to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, subject to visa conditions. Any work undertaken must not interfere with study commitments.
The course is offered at two campuses: Australian Catholic University-Melbourne Campus in Fitzroy, Victoria (postcode 3065), and Strathfield Campus in Strathfield, New South Wales (postcode 2135). Both locations are well-connected by public transport. Melbourne's Fitzroy campus is near the city centre, surrounded by cafes and cultural venues; the suburb is home to a large student population. Strathfield is a transport hub in Sydney's inner west, with quick train access to the city and proximity to parks and shopping centres. Victoria has over 30 CRICOS-registered providers, while New South Wales has more than 90, offering a rich study environment. International students in these cities typically have access to extensive support services, including orientation programs, academic help, and social events. Choosing a campus may depend on personal preference for city lifestyle, climate, and networking opportunities.
International students enrolling in this course will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows full-time study and offers work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). Visa applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating a genuine intention to study and temporarily stay in Australia. They must also maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their stay and show proof of financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student), and travel expenses. The Department of Home Affairs sets these requirements; consult the official website or a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. HeadStart Academy provides visa guidance for informational purposes only and is not a migration agency.
Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability/Bachelor of Business at Australian Catholic University:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's course search to compare bachelor degrees in sustainability and business. Filter by location, fees, and intake periods to find the best fit. Confirm that Australian Catholic University (CRICOS 00004G) offers the course (CRICOS 117849A).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit www.acu.edu.au to review entry requirements, English language test scores, and application deadlines. Prepare your academic transcripts, English test results, and any required documents. Submit your application through the university's international admissions portal.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): If accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Use this document to apply for your Student visa online through the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare your GTE statement, evidence of OSHC, and financial capacity. Wait for visa approval before making travel arrangements.
Ready to apply? Follow our 3-step process above or visit the Australian Catholic University website for more information.
View the full Australian Catholic University Limited profile →
Bachelor of Social and Environmental Sustainability/Bachelor of Business is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian Catholic University Limited. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.