Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers an AASW-accredited social work degree and an APAC-accredited psychology sequence to international students. For Nepali applicants, ACU sets a minimum NEB Grade XII GPA for bachelor-level entry, plus an English test score. Fees, campuses and deadlines depend on the course, so check each one before applying.
Courses at a glance for International Students(2027 entry)
| Course | Length | Campuses (ACU course page) | Annual fee (AUD) | CRICOS | Accreditation |
| Bachelor of Social Work | 4 years full-time | Canberra, Strathfield | $33,360 | 084790C | AASW (meets ASWEAS) |
| Master of Social Work (Qualifying) | 2 years full-time | Canberra, Strathfield (also online) | $33,032 | 105271D | AASW (meets ASWEAS) |
| Bachelor of Psychological Science | 3 years full-time | Melbourne, Strathfield* | $33,360 | 078173A | APAC Level 1 |
Source: ACU 2027 international schedule of tuition fees (dated July 2026) and ACU course pages.
Social work at ACU
Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers a four-year Bachelor of Social Work designed for students who are passionate about human rights, social justice and improving individual and community wellbeing. Students develop knowledge and practical skills to work with individuals, families and communities while exploring areas such as social justice, human services, professional communication with 1,000 hours of supervised field. The program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The course also incorporates supervised practice education, providing students with opportunities to apply their learning in professional settings.
Postgraduate route. The two-year Master of Social Work (Qualifying) is also AASW-accredited and includes 1,000 hours of supervised field education. Applicants need a three-year Australian bachelor degree or equivalent that includes at least one year of full-time-equivalent study in the social and behavioral sciences, such as psychology or sociology. Nepali graduates should ask ACU to assess whether their degree counts as equivalent (You have your profile assessed at Professional Education Consultancy).
Psychology at ACU
The Bachelor of Psychology offers students the opportunity to explore human behavior, the mind, emotions and wellbeing through theoretical, research-based and practical learning. The course develops skills in psychological research, critical thinking, communication and understanding human behavior, while providing opportunities for community engagement and real-world experience. Importantly, the program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) at Levels 1 and 2, providing an accredited pathway toward further postgraduate psychology study.
Becoming a psychologist takes longer than the bachelor’s degree. ACU states that general registration as a psychologist in Australia requires a minimum six-year sequence of education and training. The steps ACU describes are:
- Honours (fourth year): the one-year Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) requires distinction-level results in at least four second- or third-year psychology units. Degrees completed overseas need an “Assessment of Overseas Qualifications” from the Australian Psychological Society, and IELTS 7.0 is required.
- Master’s (fifth year): the Master of Professional Psychology is a fifth-year program that prepares graduates for a final year of supervised practice before general registration. The Master of Psychology (Clinical) is 160 credit points and APAC-accredited.
If you begin in Nepal with a non-psychology bachelor’s degree, that assessment step matters. Ask ACU early.
Entry requirements for Nepali students
ACU’s country-by-country table (updated April 2026) sets the minimum for Nepal at the National Examinations Board Higher Secondary certificate with a Grade XII GPA of 3.0. The threshold is 3.2 for Nursing, Initial Teacher Education and Law. The GPA rule applies to awards from 2018 onward. The older Nepalese Proficiency Certificate is accepted at a 70% average. These are minimums, and individual courses may add requirements.
English. Applicants whose first language is not English need a recent test result, completed within two years of starting at ACU. Approved tests are IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the ACU English Test.
- Bachelor of Psychological Science: IELTS 7.0 overall, with 7.0 in listening, reading and speaking and 6.5 in writing; PTE 66 (56 in writing); TOEFL iBT 94.
- Master of Social Work (Qualifying): IELTS 7.0 in every band.
- Bachelor of Social Work: the Study in Australia portal lists IELTS 7.0 overall. Confirm the sub-band minimums in ACU’s English policy (Schedule 4).
ACU sets lower thresholds for diplomas and its Tertiary Preparation Program (NEB GPA 2.8) and for Foundation Studies (Grade XI GPA 2.4, or NEB GPA 2.2). However, ACU’s Tertiary Preparation Program page names nursing, exercise science, biomedical science and nutrition science as target degrees, not social work or psychology. A route from any pathway program into social work or psychology could not be confirmed, so share us your profile or contact us.
Fees and scholarships
ACU fixes international tuition for the minimum duration of a course. The fees exclude textbooks, living costs and accommodation, and compulsory Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and they include International Student Advisers, orientation and study skills assistance.
ACU lists several international scholarships, including the Executive Dean’s International Scholarship (up to 20% off tuition), the Global Horizons International Scholarship (up to 25% for selected programs) and an accommodation scholarship worth a 20% rent remission. Eligibility is set case by case, so read the scholarship terms.
Student support
- Counselling: Free and confidential for all students, delivered by psychologists or social workers in person, online or by phone, with up to six sessions a year. There is also a 24-hour mental health support line for current students.
- Academic and career help: Academic skills development, career services, Connect2Uni, disability support, medical centres, student advocacy and campus ministry are listed among ACU’s student services.
- Faith: ACU describes itself as a Catholic institution that values all faiths.
How to apply from Nepal
If you are planning to study at Australian Catholic University (ACU) from Nepal, you can follow these steps to understand the application process and prepare your documents.
- Choose your course and understand your options
You can consult Professional Education Consultancy (PEC), an authorised representative of ACU in Nepal, where experienced and certified counsellors can guide you based on your academic profile. They can help you understand course availability, entry requirements, course scope, scholarship opportunities, campus options and suitable intakes. - Prepare your documents
PEC’s experienced counsellors can guide you through the documentation requirements and help you understand which documents are required for your selected course. - Submit your application. Through PEC, the counsellors can guide you through the application requirements, document submission and relevant steps in the process. If you choose to use a representative in Nepal, make sure the representative appears on ACU’s current official list of approved representatives.
- Review your offer and prepare for enrolment
Once ACU assesses your application, carefully review your offer and follow the instructions provided for accepting it and completing any outstanding requirements. PEC counsellors can help you understand the details of your offer and guide you through the next steps towards enrolment, where applicable. - Plan for OSHC and your student visa
International students need to arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and meet the requirements for an Australian student visa. An experienced PEC counsellor can guide you through the general requirements, documentation and steps involved in preparing for your student visa application. - Apply early and check current availability
Starting your application early can give you sufficient time to prepare documents, complete the application and plan for your visa and travel. International student places may be subject to availability and government planning limits, so course availability can change between intakes. PEC counsellors can help you check the latest information available and guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What NEB GPA do I need for ACU?
A Grade XII GPA of at least 3.0 for most bachelor degrees.
Is ACU’s social work degree recognised?
It is AASW-accredited and meets ASWEAS, and graduates are eligible for AASW membership. Check separately how it applies to work or migration goals, and to recognition in Nepal.
Can I become a registered psychologist after the three-year bachelor’s degree?
No. ACU states that registration requires at least six years of education and training.
Is placement included?
Yes. Social work students complete 1,000 hours of supervised field education.
Does ACU offer counselling to international students?
Yes, You can get free and fact counselling from ACU’s authorized partner Professional Education Consultancy. You can share us your profile or contact us at 01-4795339/4795439/4795649 or whatsapp us at 9801349349.
