The prestigious ACU Vice Chancellor’s PhD Excellence Scholarship is now open for foreign applicants aspiring to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Ministry at Australian Catholic University (ACU). This opportunity is designed for top-tier international candidates who exhibit exceptional academic achievement and a commitment to cutting-edge research.
Why Choose ACU for Your PhD?
Ranked 1st in Australia for research quality and scientific impact, ACU is also among the top 10 Catholic universities worldwide. It fosters a globally engaged, interdisciplinary research culture that emphasizes human dignity, ethical leadership, and societal flourishing.
About the Scholarship
Awarded on merit and limited to the highest-ranked applicants annually, this scholarship supports research in ACU’s broad areas of expertise:
- Faculty of Education and Arts
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Law and Business
- Faculty of Theology and Philosophy
- Research Institutes and Centers
What’s Included in the Funding Package?
Successful international PhD candidates will receive:
- Annual Stipend: AUD $33,511 (2025 rate, indexed annually) for living expenses (up to 3.5 years)
- Full Tuition Fee Scholarship for up to 3.5 years
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for one single policy
- Relocation Allowance of up to AUD $2,000 for overseas move to Australia.
The scholarship is hosted on any ACU campus (except online), in line with approved supervisory arrangements.
Who Can Apply?
This scholarship is open to international fee-paying students who:
- Intend to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy or Doctor of Ministry
- Align their research with ACU’s strategic priorities or emerging research strengths
- Are applying within eligible faculties
- Are not in receipt of any other ACU scholarships or awards.
Application Deadline
Applications submission deadline for this ACU scholarship is 1 October 2025 at 11:59 PM AEST.