The Australian Catholic University (ACU) International Student Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity that recognizes and rewards exceptional academic achievement among international undergraduate and postgraduate students.
In this article, we will explore the details of the ACU International Student Scholarship, its eligibility requirements, the selection criteria, the application process, and ongoing requirements.
About the ACU International Student Scholarship
The ACU International Student Scholarship falls under the category of merit-based scholarships, acknowledging outstanding academic performance in previous studies. Also, the scholarship offers significant benefits to recipients, making it an attractive opportunity for those pursuing higher education in Australia.
Awards of the ACU Scholarship
Let’s start by exploring the value of this scholarship. Recipients of the ACU International Student Scholarship will receive substantial support. Which will be covering half of the full-time fees for the minimum duration of their chosen course. This coverage includes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit fees. Annually, ACU offers 20 of these scholarships, with 14 available in Semester one and 6 in Semester two.
Eligibility Requirements for the ACU Scholarship
This scholarship is open to future or commencing international students who meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: The scholarship is open to international students.
- Course: It applies to any ACU coursework degree, excluding pathway, Diploma, and Graduate Certificate courses.
- Required Study Load: You must be enrolled as a full-time student.
- Campus: This scholarship is available at any ACU campus.
- Commencement: You must have an offer for a place in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program at ACU, starting in Semester 1, 2024.
- Academic Achievement: You should have achieved results of at least 80% (equivalent to a GPA of 5.8 on the ACU 7-point scale) in your previous study completed within the last two years for undergraduate applicants or four years for postgraduate applicants.
- Level of Study: You must be applying for an ACU program that is equal to or higher in level than your current qualifications.
- No Other ACU Scholarships: You should not be receiving any other ACU scholarship or award.
- No Prior ACU Study: You must not have previously studied at ACU at the same level as your commencing course.
- Not Study Abroad or Exchange: This scholarship does not apply to Study Abroad or Exchange students.
Selection Criteria
Selection for this prestigious scholarship is primarily based on academic merit. The Selection Committee may also consider the diversity of source countries of applicants and the courses in which they are enrolled. This ensures a broad representation of students from various backgrounds and fields of study.
The Selection Process
A dedicated Selection Committee, composed of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global and Educational Pathways), the Executive Dean of each Faculty (or their nominee), The Associate Director of Strategic Support and Operations, and The Associate Director of Global Marketing and Partnerships, will carefully evaluate applications. They will not only adhere to the eligibility and selection criteria but also consider the diverse origins of applicants and their chosen courses.
Ongoing Requirements to Maintain Scholarship Eligibility
For recipients of the ACU International Student Scholarship, there are certain ongoing requirements to maintain eligibility:
- Minimum GPA: Maintain an overall minimum GPA of 4.75 on the ACU seven-point scale throughout your course.
- Pass Grades: Attain a minimum Pass grade for all units in which you are enrolled in the previous study period.
- Course Transfer: Note that the scholarship is not transferable to alternative courses or campuses post-initial enrolment.
- Tuition Fees: Ensure that you pay the required tuition fees by the relevant due dates.
- Leave of Absence: The scholarship remains valid for students on an approved Leave of Absence for up to 12 months.
- Student Ambassadorship: Successful applicants are expected to act as student ambassadors for ACU and support promotional activities.
Applying for the ACU International Student Scholarship
The application process is straightforward. To be considered, applicants must provide evidence of their academic merit, demonstrating an average of at least 80% (GPA 5.8 on the ACU 7-point scale) across their most recent program of study. Academic records should include original language documents, translations where applicable, and an official explanation of the grading system.
How to Apply for the ACU International Student Scholarship
Interested and qualified? Apply to the Australian Catholic University (ACU) by visiting acu.smapply.io to get started.
Also, there is another scholarship that you should consider checking out. Which is the UBA National Essay Competition. So, while the ACU International Student Scholarship is undoubtedly attractive. It’s also prudent to consider other scholarship opportunities. So, why not try it out then?