Welcome and introduction to ACU

G'day, and welcome to the National Virtual Expo, and welcome to this session for those of you who are interested in studying at the Australian Catholic University. If you are leaving high school this year, in this session we're going to go into all the details about making ACU happen for you. If you have questions as we go, you can drop them in the chat. If you're watching live or on social media, just drop your question in the comments. If you're on the Expo Hub web page, you can also drop your questions in the chat there, and we'll get back to every single question. If you're watching this on the replay, you can also ask your questions via the Choosing Your Uni Discord, which you'll find in the description below. For parents, we have a Facebook page and community exclusively for you. If you're not in high school and you're interested in ACU, we do have a session specifically for you, and you'll find the details in the session catalogue below. But for now, let's jump into this session for school leavers about studying at the Australian Catholic University.

Hello everyone, and welcome to our ACU presentation. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of country and their continuing connection to the land, sea, and community. We honour our elders past, present, and emerging. My name is Joseph, and I'm a fourth-year law and commerce student studying at our North Sydney campus. I chose ACU because of the small class sizes and because of our number cap on classes. It's been really easy to connect with my peers and also my teachers, allowing me to create meaningful friendships but also get the support I need during class.

What I love about ACU is that ACU transforms students into ethical leaders who make a real impact. Our education goes beyond academics. We build character and purpose. At ACU, you'll join a community where values meet ambition. We don't just prepare you for a career. We prepare you to make a difference. Your success is our success, and we are currently ranked number one in Australia for employer satisfaction, with 95% of our graduates finding meaningful employment.

Campuses and global study opportunities

ACU currently has eight campuses, seven of which are across Australia, plus a campus in Rome. This means that students can take their studies to other states or even online. If an overseas university experience is a dream of yours, our students have the opportunity to spend a few weeks or even a semester studying at our Rome campus. But that's not all. The world is your campus. Our Global Exchange Network opens doors to life-changing opportunities across continents, with partner institutions spanning multiple time zones and cultures. Students can truly make the world their classroom, with options ranging from semester-long exchanges to summer intensives.

Entry pathways for school leavers

Getting into uni can seem like a daunting experience. That's why ACU offers multiple ways to get here. We look at the person as a whole, not just your ATAR. From adjustment factors and early entry programs like ACU Guarantee, to specialised pathways for Indigenous students, veterans, and elite athletes, there's a path that recognises your individual strengths and circumstances. Need a stepping stone? Foundation studies, diplomas, and VET pathways can help you build confidence and skills. There is a path here for you, and we're going to look at some of these in detail.

ACU Guarantee is our early entry pathway and your early ticket to university, based on your Year 11 results. Imagine knowing your university place is secured before your final exams even happen, with offers coming in as early as September. You can boost your predicted ATAR by up to ten points by submitting optional statements in three different categories: Impact through Empathy, Impact over Adversity, and Impact for Family. Applications for ACU Guarantee are made directly via the ACU website and it's free to apply. Applications open on the 20th of July and close on the 14th of September.

Available to those who identify as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, ACU's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Program assesses a student's qualifications and motivation to study. Successful applicants will have access to free tutorial assistance, cultural activities, scholarships, networking, and professional development opportunities.

If you have parents who are serving or have served in the Australian Defence Force, you may be eligible for our Veterans Entry Program family pathway. Whether the Army, Navy, or Air Force, this pathway is for you as a child, partner, or spouse of a service member. You can access the same comprehensive support we offer our veterans. There are no fixed application deadlines, and we consider everything: your qualifications, motivation, and how you present at the interview. It's about seeing the whole person, not just the paperwork.

Diploma and certificate pathways into ACU degrees

We also offer pathway diplomas. These programs offer an alternative entry route to university study for students who haven't met direct bachelor's degree requirements. Diplomas are Commonwealth supported, have smaller class sizes, and offer support from start to finish. To be eligible for a diploma, you need to be in Year 12 with a minimum ATAR of 8 out of 50. There are many degrees you can transfer into upon successful completion of your diploma, and I'll go through our diploma offerings in the next slide. We offer a wide range of diplomas across areas including health sciences, teaching, business, IT, and arts, with opportunities to study across different states if that suits your needs.

So how does a diploma at ACU work? Let's say you're interested in sport and exercise science but don't quite meet the selection rank for the bachelor's degree. A diploma can be a strong pathway option for you. If you successfully complete the Diploma of Exercise Science and meet the course requirements, you may be eligible to progress into a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science or a related double degree, entering directly into second year of your chosen program. It's a supportive, structured pathway that allows you to build confidence, capability, and momentum toward your degree.

We also offer certificates as a pathway option. Certificates are usually six months full-time or one year part-time. ACU will accept a certificate, diploma, or advanced diploma as a standalone qualification for entry if you have not received an ATAR.

Adjustment factors and how they work

Adjustment factors: what are they? Adjustment factors are extra points that ACU can add to your application to help boost your chances of receiving an offer. At ACU, you can receive up to 12 adjustment factors, which can increase your selection rank. Your selection rank is your ATAR plus any adjustment factors you receive. There are two types of adjustment factors. Some are applied automatically. These might include things like your location relative to campus, your school's relationship with ACU, or strong results in relevant HSC subjects. Others are adjustment factors you need to apply for via UAC. These include programs such as Education Access and the ACU Elite Athlete and Performer program. The key takeaway is this: adjustment factors can make a real difference, so it's important to understand what you may be eligible for and make the most of them when applying to ACU.

Foundation studies and VET pathways

ACU also has pathway programs for students who may not receive an ATAR. These consist of our Foundation Studies program and Certificate IIIs. Our Foundation Studies course is ideal if you do not have an ATAR or your ATAR is too low for direct entry into a degree at ACU. This program is available at our Blacktown and Melbourne campuses or online. It is a fee-free program, and successful completion leads to entry into degrees at any campus or online. Some competitive degrees, for example in allied health, may require a higher score in certain units. The program is delivered as a four-unit accelerated or eight-unit full program, with Semester 1 or Semester 2 intakes available. Upon completion, the Foundation team works with admissions to organise students' degrees. They don't need to apply again. For more information on Foundation Studies, please visit our website.

For our New South Wales and Queensland students, we have established pathway partnership agreements with TAFE and other vocational education and training providers, allowing students to use their VET studies as a pathway into ACU courses. When a student completes an eligible TAFE or VET qualification, it is assigned an equivalent selection rank. Students can then refer to the ACU Course Guide to see which undergraduate courses they may be eligible to apply for. As every student's circumstances are different, we strongly encourage students to contact our Ask ACU team for advice tailored to their individual situation. If a student intends to use a VET qualification as a pathway into university, they apply through UAC, and any applicable adjustment factors will be applied as part of that process.

Courses, campuses, and the teaching scholarship

With campuses in Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Ballarat, students can study almost anything at ACU. Across our campuses we cover courses in many areas, and you can find our full list of courses on our website.

The AllPoints Teaching Scholarship, or AP, is a fully funded opportunity available in New South Wales and Queensland for students interested in becoming teachers. It allows you to study a Bachelor of Education, either secondary or secondary and special education, while gaining paid, hands-on experience working in schools. What makes this opportunity unique is that you're earning while you learn, studying with full flexibility, while building real classroom experience in your local community. You'll also be supported through the program with mentoring and professional development to help you feel confident and classroom-ready. Applications open in July for a 2027 start, and you can find more information on the ACU website.

The ACU core curriculum and first-year support

At the heart of every ACU degree is our core curriculum, designed to help you develop strong ethical thinking skills and understand the social impact of what you do. You'll complete two units that explore big ideas through either social Catholic thought or philosophy, plus a community engagement unit linked to your area of study. Together, these units help you think critically, see the bigger picture, and apply your learning beyond the classroom. You can also complete these units your way: online, on campus, or even overseas in places like Rome or New York, at a pace that suits you across your degree.

ACU Thrive is a whole-of-university, whole-of-student approach designed to ensure students have a smooth transition into their university studies and succeed in their first year. The model supports students academically, personally, and socially throughout first year at ACU. Students prepare for classes in advance at a pace that suits them, allowing flexibility to manage their learning around their commitments. In practice, this looks like weekly online learning modules including a five-question knowledge check that is ungraded and has unlimited attempts, preparing students for on-campus classes. Students also have access to clear, high-quality learning resources and individualised support offered in a just-in-time, just-for-me fashion that directs them to academic and student services.

Graduate employability and scholarships

The numbers speak for themselves across the spectrum of our degrees: our graduates are highly employable. But it's not just about statistics. Every ACU degree is designed to build your professional confidence and workplace skills from day one. We're focused on preparing you to thrive in your chosen field.

Applying for scholarships can open up amazing opportunities at ACU. We offer support for study costs, living expenses, and even overseas experiences, and many students are eligible without even realising it. These scholarships can make a real difference to your university experience, so take some time to explore your options on our website. A small investment of your time in applying could make a big difference.

Our Ramsay Undergraduate Scholarship is a prestigious liberal arts and law degree offered at our North Sydney campus. This course explores how the Western world has developed and why it operates the way it does, while also comparing this with Eastern and Indigenous perspectives. Study scholarships valued at $32,000 per year, up to $160,000 for the double degree, are available, and a great overseas study trip is included. Applications for 2027 will open on the 25th of May 2026, with a cutoff for the first round of interviews on the 17th of August 2026.

Student support, wellbeing, and campus life

At ACU, you're never alone on your uni journey. We're known for being a caring and supportive university, and that support goes far beyond the classroom. Our student wellbeing services offer confidential counselling and support, while mentoring programs connect you with peers and professionals who've been where you are and want to help you succeed. If you need help with assignments or study skills, our academic skills team is there to support you. Thinking about your future career? Our career development services can help with planning, resumes, and job applications. We're especially proud of our dedicated support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and for veterans, ensuring every student feels respected, supported, and able to thrive. For day-to-day questions, Ask ACU and Connect to Uni are always there to help you navigate uni life.

Being part of ACU means being part of a vibrant community. Jump into our clubs and societies, get active in social sports, or represent ACU in university competitions. There's something at ACU for everyone. These activities aren't just fun, they're great ways to make friends, build connections, and make the most of your time at ACU.

Student accommodation is more than a place to eat and sleep. We deliver a residential experience for all students that is inclusive, enriching, and supportive. Our Residential Life Program is a tailored events program that provides students with unique opportunities for social connections, leadership, and life skills. Not only will you meet friends who support your passions, you'll discover who you want to become in today's global environment while making a difference in your local community.

Open days, events, and how to stay connected

Across Australia, ACU is hosting events all year round, with our open days coming up soon. Mark your calendars and save the date, with registrations opening in early June. Open Day is your chance to find out everything you need to know about studying at ACU before you enrol. You'll be able to check out the campus, meet staff and students, discuss entry pathways, and talk to experts about your study options and career goals. We also run campus tours at each of our campuses, and you can find more information and times on our website.

In addition to physical events, we run a series of webinars you can attend. The Study at ACU series will provide you with the information you need about uni and studying life, including entry programs, pathways, and how to apply. The Talk with Industry series features ACU graduates working in their profession, running panel-style discussions so you can learn more about the industry you're interested in. To register for any of our physical events or webinars, visit our Future Student Events page on the ACU website.

Make sure you register your interest today to stay updated on important dates and events as you plan for uni. Plus, you automatically go into the draw for some fantastic prizes: either $2,500 towards your uni expenses or a MacBook Air. One quick registration could set you up with everything you need to know, plus a chance to win.

Thank you so much for joining me today. I hope you found this information helpful for planning your next steps. All the best with your studies, and we look forward to seeing some familiar faces around ACU campuses in the future. Got any questions? Our Ask ACU team is here to help, whether you prefer searching frequently asked questions, jumping into live chat, or having a phone conversation. Stay connected through our social channels, and we look forward to hearing from you.