ACU Opens 2026 Scholarships for Indian Students

Australian Catholic University (ACU) has listed a refreshed set of 2026 scholarships for international students, including options that are explicitly open to Indian nationals and can reduce tuition by up to 25% for eligible courses and intakes. For Indian students planning Australia intakes in 2026, this is relevant because ACU’s flagship merit scholarship includes India in its eligible nationalities, and one of the new “launch” scholarships covers select 2026 programs with a higher fee reduction.

What ACU has announced for 2026

ACU’s official “Scholarships 2026 – International Students” page highlights new and continuing awards for 2026, including Executive Dean’s International Scholarship and the International Launch Scholarship.

Key scholarships Indian students should track

Here are the most relevant Australian Catholic University scholarships for Indian applicants (as per ACU’s official scholarship pages):

ACU Executive Dean’s International Scholarship (EDIS)

• Benefit: 10%–20% fee reduction (varies by faculty/course).
• Eligibility: Open to international students who are nationals of multiple countries including India; covers selected programs across Education and Arts, Law and Business, and Health Sciences (with listed exclusions).
• How it’s awarded: No application required—students are automatically considered through the admissions process.

ACU International Launch Scholarship (for 2026 programs)

• Benefit: 25% of tuition fees for the CRICOS duration (subject to terms).
• Eligibility: International students commencing in Semester 1 or 2, 2026 in select programs including Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Computer Science/Master of Data Science, and Bachelor of Business; campus restrictions apply (e.g., North Sydney for computing; North Sydney/Melbourne for Business).
• How it’s awarded: No application required.

ACU International Student Accommodation Scholarship

• Benefit: 20% reduction of ACU Student Accommodation fees for a 12-month rental agreement (ACU accommodation only).
• Intake/eligibility notes: For Semester 1, 2026 enrolment in any ACU undergraduate degree, with specified campuses (including Canberra, North Sydney, Strathfield, Blacktown, Ballarat) and room availability conditions.
• Deadline: ACU lists applications open from 1 Aug 2025 with a deadline of 1 Mar 2026 (AEDT).

ACU also lists other international scholarships for 2026 such as the Health Sciences Towards Brisbane 2032 Scholarship (15% off annual tuition at Brisbane) and the Ballarat International Nursing Scholarship (15% tuition support), alongside additional scholarship pathways via its scholarship browser.

For Indian applicants, the big takeaway is that ACU’s main merit scholarship (EDIS) is country-eligible for India and doesn’t require a separate application, while the 25% Launch Scholarship is tied to specific programs and campuses, so course selection matters.

What’s next: action steps?

• If you’re applying to ACU for 2026, check whether your program sits under EDIS eligibility (and note exclusions).
• If you’re targeting Computer Science/Data Science or the new Bachelor of Business, verify you meet the Launch Scholarship course/campus conditions for Sem 1 or Sem 2, 2026.
• If accommodation cost is a concern, plan early for the Accommodation Scholarship and track the 1 March 2026 deadline and statement requirements.
• Always read the scholarship-specific terms and conditions on ACU’s pages before you accept an offer.