Application Dates

About ACU Online

ACU Online is an innovative and interactive online learning experience that is distinct from traditional course offerings delivered online by ACU. ACU Online courses are specifically designed for online learning, taught by experts in their field in a cutting-edge virtual learning environment.

With ACU Online, you’re in control of your learning. Our courses are creatively designed and incredibly flexible, so you’ll be able to create a study experience that suits your own time rhythm. You will also have dedicated support, to help ensure your success.

You’ll become part of an innovative and interactive online learning community, and while you gain new knowledge and learn new skills to kick-start or progress your career, you’ll also learn how to make a positive impact in your community.

About this scholarship

This scholarship is dedicated to students studying through the ACU Online campus. Scholarships at ACU Online are about providing opportunities to our new cohort of online–only students. They aim to promote equity of access to higher education in this new student-centered online learning environment.

At ACU Online, we believe that where you've come from shouldn’t define where you’re going. This Scholarship financially assists students, enrolled in a course through ACU Online, who may be facing barriers to either their commencement or continuation of higher education.

The ACU Online Scholarship is intended for and available to students commencing a course through ACU Online, to support them in their first year of study. 

Scholarship type

Equity  

Value

There are two scholarships available, one to be awarded to an undergraduate student, and one to a postgraduate student. 

The scholarship value is dependent on the recipient’s level of study:

• Bachelor or Master - $5,000, paid in four instalments of $1,250 per ACU Online Term.
• Graduate Diploma - $2,500, paid in two instalments of $1,250 per ACU Online Term.
• Graduate Certificate - $1,500, paid in two instalments of $750 per ACU Online Term.

If the recipient is enrolled part-time (one unit) per Term, the total value will remain the same, but the instalment amounts will be halved. 

Scholarship payments will be made within 30 working days of the ACU Online Term census dates.

Student type

Future or Commencing Students  

Eligibility

This scholarship is open to applicants who meet all of the following criteria:

• Commencing a new ACU Online course in Term 1, 2025
• Citizenship: domestic
• Course: enrolled in an ACU Online* course 

*There are two very similar campus modes 'ACU Online 4T' and 'ACU Online MT'. Please ensure that you are in the 'ACU Online 4T' mode before applying for this scholarship, applicants in any other campus mode will not be considered. 

If you are unsure if you are in the 'ACU Online 4T' mode please contact AskACU for advice.

Application process

Applicants are required to provide the following as part of the application:

• A written statement* of approximately 300 words outlining: 
  • the hardships or barriers you have overcome to access higher education. This may include, but is not limited to, financial hardship, family or carer responsibilities, illness, disability, living in a rural, regional or remote location.
  • how this scholarship will assist you and your academic circumstances.
  • the impact receiving this qualification will have on your future. 

 *Statements are assessed on content, not language skills. If you access assistance from advisors, tutors or AI technology to complete your personal statement, please ensure that your submission accurately reflects your personal situation with regards to the criteria.

Selection criteria

Applications are assessed on the strength of the following criteria:

• Written statement
• Barriers faced in accessing higher education  

Selection process

Applicants will be shortlisted by the Scholarships Office and the recipient(s) selected by the Office of Digital Education.

Ongoing requirements

To remain eligible for this scholarship, recipients are required to maintain the following each term for the duration of the scholarship:

• A minimum pass of 50% of enrolled units
• Enrolment in the same course under which the scholarship was awarded