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ACU welcomes fifth cohort of Western Civilisation students

ACU has welcomed 36 new Ramsay Scholars into the Western Civilisation program for 2025, celebrating the high-achieving students at a special reception event yesterday.

ACU is one of three universities in Australia that offer the unique program, which is generously funded by the Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation. It offers students an opportunity to study Western literature, philosophy, art, politics, religion, science, and history.

ACU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis said the university’s Western Civilisation program attracted high-achieving students seeking personal and intellectual growth.

“The bright individuals who participate in this program are fortunate to spend time in an academic environment that encourages robust engagement with the Western intellectual tradition, as they gain a deeper understanding of its impact on the wider world,” Professor Zlatko said.

“In recent years we have welcomed Ramsay Scholars from regional and remote areas who bring fresh perspectives that have enriched the experience of studying the ideas and questions that have shaped Western civilisation.

“We wish you all the best as you embark upon your respective journeys through this excellent academic curriculum.”

The commencing 2025 cohort also welcomed the new director of ACU’s Western Civilisation program, leading philosophy scholar Professor Peter Anstey.

Professor Anstey said the late Paul Ramsay would have been overjoyed to witness the calibre of the incoming students.

“It was a real privilege and joy to welcome our talented new scholars to the Western Civilisation Program,” Professor Anstey said.

“What wonderful and unprecedented opportunities await for our new scholars as they embark on their guided journey through many of the great texts of the Western tradition.

“One can only imagine how thrilled the late Paul Ramsay would have been should he have witnessed this talented new cohort of Ramsay Scholars receiving their certificates.”

Since launching in 2021, nearly 150 undergraduate and postgraduate students have joined ACU’s Western Civilisation program on Ramsay Scholarships.

Generously funded by the Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation, students can receive up to $160,000 in scholarship support over five years.

The 2025 ACU Ramsay Scholars are enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation), the double degree with a Bachelor of Laws, the vertical double degree with a Master of Teaching (Secondary), and Master of Liberal Arts.

Learn more about studying ACU’s Western Civilisation with a Ramsay Scholarship.