ACAP University College

ACAP University College is a private, TEQSA-registered higher education institution in Australia specialising in psychology, counselling, social work, and human services education. Founded in 1983 and now operating as the trading name of Navitas Professional Institute, ACAP has more than four decades of experience training the professionals Australia relies on for mental health, wellbeing, and community support services. For international students considering an ACAP University College admission, the institution offers a focused, practice-oriented alternative to large public universities: small class sizes, lecturers who also work in clinical and community practice, and curricula shaped around professional accreditation standards.

This comprehensive guide covers everything prospective students need to know about studying at ACAP University College in 2026: popular programs, ACAP University College fees for international students, admission requirements for Indian, Bangladeshi, and IB applicants, English language standards, scholarships, Sydney living costs, campus life, application deadlines, and the Australian student visa process. All tuition figures are labelled as indicative and should be confirmed on the official ACAP website before applying, as fees are reviewed periodically.

ACAP University College Recognition & Accreditation

ACAP University College is registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), Australia’s national higher education regulator, and listed on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) with provider code 01328A (RTO provider code 0500). TEQSA registration confirms that the college meets the Higher Education Standards Framework and is authorised to deliver accredited Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) awards, including diplomas, bachelor degrees, honours degrees, graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, and masters degrees. All ACAP higher education awards are recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which means qualifications earned at ACAP carry the same national standing as those from public universities at the same AQF level.

Beyond institutional registration, ACAP’s professional programs carry accreditation from the relevant industry bodies. Psychology programs are accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), counselling programs align with the standards of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), and social work programs meet the requirements of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). These professional accreditations matter because they determine eligibility for registration as a psychologist, counsellor, or social worker in Australia after graduation. ACAP University College is not included in the QS or THE world university rankings, which primarily assess large research-intensive universities; as a specialist teaching-focused provider, its reputation rests on professional accreditation, graduate employment outcomes, and industry partnerships rather than global league tables.

Notable Alumni and Graduate Outcomes

ACAP does not publish a celebrity-style alumni list, and consistent with responsible reporting, this guide will not invent one. The college’s graduates are better measured by where they work: ACAP alumni practise as registered psychologists, accredited counsellors, social workers, and human services professionals across hospitals, community health services, schools, not-for-profit organisations, and private practice throughout Australia. The college reports that its academics and clinical supervisors are themselves active practitioners, which keeps training grounded in current professional practice rather than theory alone.

Peer Comparison

Prospective students weighing an ACAP University College admission against other Australian providers should consider how it compares with peer institutions offering psychology and counselling degrees. The table below compares indicative international tuition ranges and distinguishing features.

Popular Programs at ACAP University College

ACAP offers around 32 courses for international students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Below are six leading undergraduate and six postgraduate programs, with durations and indicative international tuition fees for 2026. Fees are expressed per 1.0 EFTSL (Equivalent Full-Time Student Load) unless noted, and are indicative — always confirm current figures on acap.edu.au before budgeting.

Undergraduate Programs

Postgraduate Programs

In addition to the degrees above, ACAP offers nested qualifications such as the Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science (8 months, approximately AUD 15,092 total for international students) and the Graduate Certificate of Human Services, allowing students to build credentials progressively. On top of tuition, international students pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) each study period and an enrolment fee of AUD 250 when accepting an offer.

ACAP University College Admission Requirements 2026

ACAP University College admission is selective but accessible, with requirements that vary by course level and professional accreditation standards. International applicants apply directly to ACAP via its online international application form or through an authorised education agent. Below are the general academic requirements; course-specific additions (interviews, police checks, referees) are noted in the program table above and on each course page.

Undergraduate Entry

International students must meet one of the following: completion of a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (or recognised equivalent); completion of a Certificate IV or above (or equivalent); or successful admission to an undergraduate degree at an Australian university (or equivalent). Applicants must be 18 years or older on arrival in Australia to commence studies and participate in a screening interview (typically by phone). Counselling and social work courses additionally require a national police record check in the first trimester of enrolment; international students must also obtain a police certificate (with English translation) from their home country and any country of residence. Country-specific guidance is indicative:

• India (CBSE/ISC): Completion of the All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE) or Indian School Certificate (ISC) with a competitive overall average — Canam and agent guidance indicates approximately 60% overall as a general benchmark for bachelor entry.
• Bangladesh: Completion of the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with strong grades; qualifications are assessed for equivalence to Australian Year 12 by ACAP admissions.
• International Baccalaureate (IB): IB Diploma holders are assessed against Australian Year 12 equivalence; a pass in the IB Diploma generally satisfies undergraduate entry.
• ATAR (domestic reference): ACAP does not publish a rigid ATAR cut-off; domestic selection considers Year 12 completion alongside the screening interview, which suits international applicants whose home-country results are assessed for equivalence.

Postgraduate Entry

For the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, applicants need an undergraduate degree in a cognate field (counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, social work, pastoral care, social welfare, mental health or palliative care nursing, medicine, or occupational therapy), or ACAP’s Graduate Certificate of Counselling, plus an Inherent Requirements Checklist, a personal statement, and two professional referees. The Master of Social Work (Qualifying) requires a bachelor degree in a cognate area (or one year of full-time social sciences study at AQF level 7 or above) plus a 500-word statement of interest. The Graduate Certificate of Counselling accepts a bachelor degree in any discipline.

Research Pathways

ACAP is a teaching-focused institution and does not offer PhD programs. Research training is embedded in the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and the Master of Psychology (Clinical), which include supervised research theses. Students seeking doctoral research in psychology should plan to articulate to a research university after completing ACAP’s APAC-accredited fourth year.

English Language Requirements

English requirements at ACAP are set per course, reflecting the communication demands of professional practice. The official minimums for international students, completed within the past two years, are:

ACAP also publishes an English Language Test Equivalency guide for alternatives to IELTS and PTE (such as TOEFL iBT and Cambridge English). Students who narrowly miss the required score should consider an approved English pathway program before commencing, as professional placement components demand strong clinical communication skills.

ACAP University College Tuition Fees for International Students (2026)

ACAP publishes indicative international course fees on each course page, expressed per 1.0 EFTSL (a full-time annual study load of 8 units). The tables below summarise the verified 2026 figures from acap.edu.au alongside indicative third-party ranges. The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) is charged in addition to tuition each study period, and first-trimester tuition must be paid when submitting the Student Admission Agreement so that a Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) can be issued for the visa application.

Undergraduate Indicative Fees

Postgraduate Indicative Fees

ACAP also offers an MBA (Master of Business Administration) at approximately AUD 22,875 per year for one year (indicative, per Shiksha). Note that third-party aggregators sometimes show slightly different figures (for example, AUD 28,328 for bachelor programs) because they reflect earlier fee years; the official ACAP course pages carry the current 2026 indicative fees shown above.

Cost of Living in Sydney (2026)

The Sydney cost of living for students is among the highest in Australia, and budgeting realistically is essential — both for your own finances and for the student visa financial-capacity requirement. The Australian Government requires student visa applicants to demonstrate access to at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs (plus tuition and travel), effective for 2026 planning. The table below breaks down indicative monthly costs for a student living in Sydney.

Money-Saving Tips

• Live in a shared house in suburbs along the train lines (e.g., Strathfield, Hurstville, Parramatta) rather than the CBD to cut rent by 20–40%.
• Use weekly Opal fare caps and off-peak travel; cycling is viable around the inner city.
• Shop at markets (Paddy’s, Flemington) and budget supermarkets for groceries.
• Take advantage of ACAP’s student support and wellbeing services rather than paying for private services you don’t need.
• Budget for OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) — mandatory for the visa, typically AUD 550–700 per year for singles cover.

Part-Time Work

Student visa holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Sydney’s hospitality, retail, aged care, and disability support sectors regularly hire students; counselling and social work students often find relevant casual work in community services, which also strengthens placement applications. Always check that work does not breach visa condition 8105.

ACAP University College Scholarships for International Students

ACAP University College scholarships for international students are merit- and equity-based, and most are assessed automatically or via a short application once enrolled. Because ACAP is a private provider, its scholarship pool is smaller than a public university’s, but the awards on offer meaningfully reduce costs:

• Scholarship for Academic Excellence (Undergraduate): continuing undergraduate students with strong academic results can receive a scholarship covering the full cost of one unit of study in the following trimester.
• Scholarship for Academic Excellence (Postgraduate): continuing postgraduate students in approved programs may receive 10% tuition remission on remaining units of their enrolled course.
• Access Scholarships: equity-based awards paying half of the recipient’s course expenses up to one unit per trimester.
• New International Student Scholarships: new international students enrolling in Trimester 1 or Trimester 2 may be eligible for a scholarship covering tuition fees for up to the first year of study (maximum three trimesters), per education-agent reporting — confirm availability and terms with ACAP admissions before relying on it.
• External funding: students should also explore home-country government scholarships and education loans; ACAP’s fees are FEE-HELP-ineligible for international students, so plan funding in advance.

How to Maximise Your Chances

Apply early for your preferred trimester so scholarship timelines don’t close on you; maintain a strong GPA from your first trimester, since the academic excellence awards are assessed on continuing results; and prepare a clear personal statement for equity-based awards. Always ask admissions in writing which scholarships a new international applicant can hold concurrently.

Campus and Facilities

ACAP University College operates campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Byron Bay, plus online and blended study options. The Sydney campus is the institution’s flagship for international students. Rather than a single sprawling university campus, ACAP’s sites are modern, CBD-adjacent learning centres designed for applied professional training:

• Purpose-built teaching clinics: on-campus counselling and psychology clinics where students complete supervised placement hours with real clients under registered supervisors — a signature feature of ACAP’s applied model.
• Learning Hub: academic skills support, library resources, and referencing help tailored to psychology and counselling research.
• Student engagement and wellbeing services: dedicated support teams, student representation, and careers services.
• Flexible delivery: many units are available on-campus, online, or blended, allowing students to combine study with work and placement.
• Small class environment: with approximately 3,500 students across all campuses, class sizes are markedly smaller than at large public universities, giving students closer contact with lecturers who are active practitioners.

Accommodation Options

ACAP does not operate its own residential colleges, so students arrange off-campus accommodation. Sydney offers several pathways, and arranging housing before arrival is strongly recommended:

• Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA): providers near central Sydney and university precincts charge approximately AUD 450–750 per week for studios and AUD 350–550 per week for shared apartments, typically including utilities and internet.
• Private shared rentals: the most common option — AUD 300–500 per week for a room in a shared house or apartment, depending on suburb and proximity to the CBD.
• Homestay: living with a local family, approximately AUD 300–400 per week including some meals; a good soft-landing option for first-trimester students.
• Temporary arrival accommodation: hostels and short-stay apartments (AUD 40–90 per night) for the first 1–2 weeks while inspecting long-term options.

Tips: never pay a deposit before inspecting a property (or having a trusted contact inspect it); use reputable listing platforms and beware of rental scams targeting international students; and confirm whether utilities and internet are included before signing. ACAP’s student support team can point new arrivals to trusted accommodation resources.

Application Deadlines and Intakes 2026

ACAP runs on a trimester system with three main intakes per year — February, May/June, and September — giving students flexibility on start dates. Indicative intake timing is shown below; confirm exact census and orientation dates with ACAP or your agent.

Because counselling and psychology courses include screening interviews and police checks, applicants should apply at least 3–4 months before their intended trimester to leave time for offer processing, eCoE issuance, and the student visa application.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Choose your course and campus: review course pages on acap.edu.au for entry requirements, fees, and study modes; Sydney is the primary campus for international students.
2. Check eligibility: confirm your academic qualifications meet the equivalent of Australian Year 12 (bachelor) or a cognate bachelor degree (masters), and that you meet the IELTS/PTE score for your course.
3. Prepare documents: academic transcripts and completion certificates, English test results, passport copy, personal statement (postgraduate), referee contacts (Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy), and police certificates where required.
4. Submit your application: apply online via ACAP’s international application form (info.acap.edu.au international application) or through an authorised local education representative — both routes are accepted.
5. Complete the screening interview: undergraduate applicants participate in a phone screening interview as part of selection.
6. Accept your offer and pay: sign the Student Admission Agreement, pay first-trimester tuition plus the AUD 250 enrolment fee and SSAF.
7. Receive your eCoE: ACAP issues the Confirmation of Enrolment once payment is received — this is required for the visa application.
8. Apply for your student visa (Subclass 500) and arrange OSHC, accommodation, and flights.

Australia Student Visa — Key Points

International students accepted into ACAP University College apply for the Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements and conditions for 2026:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE): issued by ACAP after you accept your offer and pay first-trimester fees.
• Financial capacity: demonstrate access to at least AUD 29,710 per year for living costs, plus first-year tuition and travel — through bank statements, loans, or sponsor income.
• Genuine Student requirement: a written statement explaining why you chose ACAP, your course, and Australia, and how the qualification fits your career plans.
• English proficiency: the Department of Home Affairs may require evidence of English in addition to ACAP’s own requirements.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): mandatory for the entire visa duration; arrange before applying.
• Work rights: up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session; unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (visa condition 8105).
• Post-study work: graduates of ACAP bachelor degrees (2+ years) are generally eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), offering 2–4 years of post-study work rights depending on qualification level and location; masters graduates typically receive longer grants. Confirm current settings with a registered migration agent, as settings change.
• Health and character: medical examinations and police clearances as directed by Home Affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ACAP University College a real university?

ACAP University College is a TEQSA-registered higher education provider (CRICOS 01328A), authorised to award AQF qualifications including bachelor and masters degrees. It is a private specialist institution — the trading name of Navitas Professional Institute — rather than a public university, but its degrees are nationally recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework and its professional programs carry APAC, PACFA, and AASW accreditation.

What is the ACAP University College fees for international students?

Indicative 2026 international fees range from approximately AUD 29,176–30,632 per year for bachelor degrees (AUD 45,642 for the Honours year) to AUD 33,277–55,193 per year for masters programs. Shorter graduate certificates start around AUD 15,092–15,812 total. An AUD 250 enrolment fee and the SSAF apply in addition. Always confirm current figures on acap.edu.au.

What IELTS score do I need for ACAP?

Bachelor degrees and the Diploma of Counselling Skills require IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5); the Graduate Certificate of Counselling and Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy require 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0); and the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) requires 7.0 overall with no band below 7.0. PTE equivalents are published on each course page.

Can I study at ACAP as an international student from India or Bangladesh?

Yes. ACAP accepts international applications from India (CBSE/ISC Senior School Certificate), Bangladesh (HSC), and other countries, assessing qualifications for equivalence to Australian Year 12 for bachelor entry. Applicants must be 18 on arrival and meet English requirements; a screening interview is part of selection.

Does ACAP offer scholarships to international students?

Yes — including the Scholarship for Academic Excellence (one unit of study for high-achieving continuing undergraduates), 10% postgraduate tuition remission, Access Scholarships (half a unit per trimester), and new-international-student awards covering up to the first year of tuition for Trimester 1 or 2 commencers (confirm availability with admissions).

Where are ACAP campuses located?

ACAP has campuses in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and Byron Bay, with online and blended options. Sydney is the main campus for international students. Note that some courses are not available to international students at every campus — check the course page footnotes.

Can I work while studying at ACAP?

Yes. On a Subclass 500 visa you may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters and unlimited hours during breaks. Relevant casual work in community services, aged care, or disability support is common among ACAP students and strengthens placement applications.

Is the Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy accredited?

The program is designed to meet PACFA training standards; graduates pursue registration pathways through the relevant professional bodies. Accrediting bodies may impose English and supervised-practice requirements beyond the academic award — check pacfa.org.au for current registration standards.

What are the intakes at ACAP University College?

ACAP runs three trimesters per year with main intakes in February, May/June, and September. February 2027 and May 2027 intakes are listed as open for most programs; apply 3–4 months ahead to allow time for interviews, police checks, eCoE, and visa processing.

Can ACAP graduates get post-study work rights in Australia?

Graduates of CRICOS-registered bachelor degrees of two or more years are generally eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), granting 2–4 years of work rights depending on the qualification. This is a visa-policy matter — confirm current settings with Home Affairs or a registered migration agent before planning around it.

Final Thoughts

ACAP University College occupies a distinctive niche in Australian higher education: a private, TEQSA-registered specialist that does one thing — train psychologists, counsellors, social workers, and human services professionals — and has done it since 1983. For international students who know they want a career in mental health or community services, the appeal is practical: professionally accredited curricula, supervised placement hours built into the degree, practitioner-lecturers, small classes, and trimester intakes that offer flexible start dates. Tuition sits in the mid-range for Australian private providers, and the scholarship options can meaningfully reduce first-year costs. If that profile matches your goals, shortlist ACAP, verify the current indicative fees and English scores on acap.edu.au, and start your application at least one trimester ahead — then explore more Australian providers on StudyGraduate to compare your options.

Sources and Verification

Figures and requirements in this guide were verified against the following sources in October 2026. Tuition fees, intakes, and admission criteria change periodically — always confirm current details on the official ACAP website or with an authorised representative before applying or budgeting.

• acap.edu.au — official course pages: Bachelor of Counselling, Bachelor of Psychological Science and Counselling, Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, Master of Social Work (Qualifying), Graduate Certificate of Counselling, Diploma of Counselling Skills, Graduate Certificate of Psychological Science (fees, entry requirements, CRICOS information)
• vtac.edu.au — ACAP University College institutional listing (CRICOS 01328A, RTO 0500, campus details)
• shiksha.com — ACAP University College courses and indicative fees for Indian students
• studies-overseas.com — course fees, durations, and scholarship summaries
• uscholars.in — 2026 indicative tuition snapshot and campus information
• studyinfocentre.com — intakes and scholarship details
• idp.com — Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy intakes and entry requirements
• canamgroup.com — Bachelor of Counselling intake status and academic benchmarks

Disclaimer: StudyGraduate is an independent information portal and is not affiliated with ACAP University College or Navitas. All fees, deadlines, and requirements are indicative and sourced from the references above; confirm current details on the official ACAP website before making decisions.