about us


St Paul's Theological College provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs in theology and ministry

Due to the closure of the Brisbane College of Theology on 31 December, 2009, courses offered by the BCT will cease on that date. 

Enrolments for 2010 in Theology and Ministry are being offered by St Paul's Theological College in its new role within the School of Theology of Australian Catholic University. 

For details, see http://www.acu.edu.au/175901 or contact Dr Ian Elmer: ian.elmer@acu.edu.au

Due to the BCT Closure on 31 December, 2009 (see above) some of the information below will no longer be applicable. 

St Paul's Theological College (see location map & campus map) is the Catholic member School of the Brisbane College of Theology (BCT), and is thus affiliated with St Francis' Theological College (Anglican) and Trinity Theological College (Uniting).  Through this association, St Paul's is able to offer its students fully accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in Theology, taking in fields such as Biblical studies, systematic and historical theology, philosophy, pastoral ministry, moral theology, liturgy and Christian spirituality within the Catholic tradition.

St Paul's is also closely affiliated with the neighbouring Holy Spirit Seminary of Queensland, Banyo.  In addition to the many lay students who enrol through St Paul's each year to undertake BCT courses, are students in priestly and permanent diaconate formation at Holy Spirit Seminary.

In the context of intellectual endeavour appropriate to a tertiary institution, St Paul's seeks to relate Christian theology to the mission of the church, to the academic community, and to wider society.

As a Catholic institution, we enable students to deepen their understanding of the faith within the Catholic tradition; however, as a member of an ecumenical consortium, we provide that Catholic perspective within a thoroughly ecumenical climate, where the perspectives of other Christian churches are examined and respected.

We are sponsored by the five Catholic dioceses of Queensland, Australia: Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Brisbane (where we are located).

Our Mission Statement tells you of our vision:
St Paul's Theological College exists to serve the Catholic Church in Queensland by facilitating theological and pastoral learning and undertaking theological research. We strive to do this in faith-centred dialogues and partnerships that are collegial, ecumenical and attentive to the Spirit at work in the Church and in the world. 
Our Logo captures elements of the teachings of St Paul, the College's patron.

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a little about our history

St Paul's Theological College is a new but old institution. It continues the more than sixty years tradition of theological and ministerial education provided by Pius XII Provincial Seminary.

In 1983, the seminary was a founding member of the Brisbane College of Theology. The Brisbane College of Theology is an ecumenical consortium of three member schools:- St Paul's Theological College, St Francis' Theological College (sponsored by the Anglican Church) and Trinity Theological College (sponsored by the Uniting Church in Australia). Together we provide undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in theology and ministry accredited by the Minister for Education.

In February 2000, the bishops of Queensland made the decision to divide the functions of Pius XII Provincial Seminary, Banyo, into two new institutions, St Paul's Theological College and the Holy Spirit Seminary of Queensland. This division became effective January 1, 2001. The College is now located in newly refurbished buildings on the old Banyo site. The Seminary is now located at Wavell Heights, Brisbane, and the seminarians undertake their formal studies at St Paul's Theological College.

In 2000, the bishops also came to an agreement with the Australian Catholic University, opening the way for the university to move from its Mitchelton campus, and to operate fully from the more expansive Banyo site. During 2002, the university refurbished the former Pius XII Seminary buildings and constructing a new library, lecture theatres and refectory. The university has been fully operational since 2003.

St Paul's Theological College and ACU's School of Theology work closely together, combining the strengths of both institutions in the provision of theological and ministerial education. The St Paul's Theological College Library Collection is located as a separate, but fully integrated, collection within the new ACU library.  Units offered by St Paul's Theological College take place in the university facilities.

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Pius XII Provincial Seminary