Australian Catholic University Limited (CRICOS provider code 00004G) is a government CRICOS-registered provider offering 175 active courses to international students. As one of Australia's public universities, ACU delivers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across multiple campuses in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, and regional Victoria. With a strong focus on health, education, and society and culture, ACU welcomes international students seeking quality education in a supportive, values-based environment. Whether you're looking to study a Bachelor Degree, Master, or Diploma, this page provides everything you need to know about ACU's CRICOS registration, course levels, fields of education, delivery locations, and how to apply as an international student.
Australian Catholic University Limited (ACU) is a government-owned public university with a CRICOS capacity of 10,000 registered international students. As of April 2026, ACU offers 175 active courses on the CRICOS register, spanning from Diploma to Doctoral Degree levels. The university is known for its commitment to social justice, community engagement, and academic excellence. ACU's main campus is in North Sydney, NSW, with additional campuses in Ballarat (VIC), Blacktown (NSW), Banyo (QLD), Watson (ACT), Fitzroy (VIC), and Strathfield (NSW). International students choose ACU for its strong programs in Health, Education, and Society and Culture, as well as its modern facilities and dedicated student support services. All courses are CRICOS-registered, ensuring they meet Australian quality standards and that international students are protected under the ESOS Act.
In the CRICOS context, 'Government' means the institution is a publicly funded university, TAFE, or government school. For Australian Catholic University Limited, 'Government' indicates it is a public university established under state legislation. This designation assures students that the institution meets stringent government quality assurance requirements, including regular audits by TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency). Government providers typically offer lower tuition fees compared to private institutions, greater access to government scholarships, and robust student support services. They are also subject to the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act, which provides international students with legal protections including tuition fee refunds and course transfer rights. In contrast, private providers are often smaller colleges or language schools that may have different fee structures and support arrangements.
Australian Catholic University Limited delivers courses across seven locations in Australia, each with a dedicated campus or teaching centre. Below is a list of all delivery locations, grouped by city or suburb:
Each campus offers a distinct study experience. For example, the North Sydney campus is located near the CBD with excellent public transport links, while the Ballarat campus provides a more regional setting with lower cost of living. International students should consider campus location, accommodation options, and lifestyle preferences when choosing where to study.
Australian Catholic University Limited offers a comprehensive range of course levels to international students. As per the CRICOS register, ACU provides the following levels:
With 175 active courses, ACU covers every academic level from Diploma to Doctorate, giving international students flexible options to start or advance their education in Australia.
Australian Catholic University Limited offers courses in the following broad ASCED (Australian Standard Classification of Education) fields of education:
Health and Education are ACU's largest cohorts, but the university also offers strong programs in Society and Culture and Management and Commerce. International students can find CRICOS-registered courses in their chosen field across multiple campuses.
International students who accept an offer from Australian Catholic University Limited will need to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) to study in Australia. This visa is for full-time study in a CRICOS-registered course. Key requirements include:
Your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from ACU is essential for your visa application. For detailed guidance, see our Student Visa Subclass 500 guide. Remember, HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent – always consult a MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice.
Applying to Australian Catholic University Limited as an international student involves a straightforward three-step process:
**Step 1: Research CRICOS-registered providers** Use the HeadStart Academy course finder to explore ACU's 175 courses. Filter by course level, field of education, and campus location to find the right program for your goals. All courses listed are CRICOS-registered, meaning they meet Australian quality standards and are eligible for student visas.
**Step 2: Apply directly to the institution** Submit your application through ACU's official online portal. You'll need to provide academic transcripts, English language test results (like IELTS or TOEFL), and any other documents specified for your course. Check application deadlines – ACU typically has two main intakes (February and July) for most programs.
**Step 3: Receive your CoE and apply for your Student visa** If your application is successful, ACU will issue a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Use the CoE to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) via the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you meet all visa requirements including OSHC, financial capacity, and the GTE criterion. Once your visa is granted, you can travel to Australia and begin your studies.
Always confirm an institution's CRICOS registration before applying. You can verify Australian Catholic University Limited on the official CRICOS register at cricos.teqsa.gov.au using the provider code **00004G**. As of April 2026, ACU is registered with a capacity of 10,000 international students and 175 active courses. Registration status can change – it's wise to check directly before accepting an offer. HeadStart Academy sources data from the CRICOS register but recommends students always verify current status. Being CRICOS-registered means ACU is government-approved to enrol international students, and you are protected under the ESOS Act, which guarantees course quality and consumer rights.
Start your search for CRICOS-registered courses at Australian Catholic University and other providers on HeadStart Academy.
Australian Catholic University Limited (CRICOS 00004G) is a Government provider in North Sydney, NSW with 175 currently non-expired CRICOS courses [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Example course from the register: Bachelor of Nursing (CRICOS 001293G) is listed at 156 weeks with tuition A$117,840 and estimated total A$117,840 [CRICOS register, Apr 2026].
Important: This page is general information only and not migration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) evidence requirements and current financial settings, verify directly with the Department of Home Affairs [checked 2026-08-21].