Admissions and scholarships

Apply with clarity.

ACU admissions are designed to feel guided, transparent and personal, whether you are entering from school, changing direction, applying internationally or proposing advanced research.

What we look for
  • Academic readiness for your chosen degree
  • Creative portfolios or interviews where relevant
  • Potential to contribute to the ACU community
Choose your pathway

Admissions routes for every stage.

Our admissions model supports school leavers, transfer students, professionals, international applicants, creative practitioners and higher degree researchers.

Creative practice

Portfolio-based entry

Digital portfolio review, auditions and interviews for arts, design and communication programs.

See arts and design schools
Career progression

Postgraduate study

ACUrsework and advanced specialist pathways for leadership, transition and upskilling.

Browse postgraduate options
Higher degree research

Research proposals

Masters and PhD entry with supervisor matching, proposal support and centre-based pathways.

Meet our centres and institutes
Application planning

Key dates and documents.

ACU provides one clear planning cycle for domestic, international and postgraduate applicants.

31 August 2026

Priority scholarship round closes for academic merit, creative excellence and equity awards.

30 November 2026

Recommended deadline for international Semester 1 applications, housing requests and visa planning.

December 2026

Domestic preference support, portfolio review feedback and admissions webinars for late applicants.

The admissions process

Three steps to starting at ACU.

1

Find your degree and pathway

Review entry requirements, portfolio needs, English language criteria and scholarship options.

2

Prepare and submit

Upload academic documents, a portfolio or CV if needed, and note any accommodation or visa timelines.

3

Accept and arrive

Confirm your place, plan housing, connect with advisors and join orientation across your campus location.

Choose a degree International student guide
Scholarships and funding

Support for excellence, access and leadership.

Scholarships are available across academic merit, regional access, women in computing, creative practice, first-in-family students and higher degree research.

Common scholarship pathways
  • Merit scholarships for high-performing school leavers
  • Portfolio awards for art, design and communication applicants
  • Research stipends and project-linked HDR support
Talk to admissions

Get personalised advice.

Our admissions team can help with pathway decisions, application timelines, international documentation, scholarship questions and portfolio preparation.

  • Domestic undergraduate and change-of-direction advice
  • Postgraduate ACUrsework and professional transition guidance
  • International applications, visas and accommodation planning
  • Research proposal and supervisor matching support

Admissions FAQ

Answers to common questions.

If you need detailed guidance, our admissions team can walk you through your individual situation.

Can I apply before I receive my final results?

Yes. Many applicants submit early and provide final documentation later. Our team can explain the best timing for your pathway.

Which programs require a portfolio or interview?

Selected arts, design, communication and performance programs may request a digital portfolio, audition or interview as part of admissions.

Do international students apply differently?

International applicants follow a dedicated admissions and support route that includes English requirements, visa planning and arrival support.

How do I apply for research degrees?

Research candidates are enACUraged to identify a theme, centre or potential supervisor early. ACU supports proposal development and supervisor matching before confirmation.