Geography and the City: An Academic Haven with a Low Cost of Living
Canberra is a peaceful, safe and well-planned capital city. It is ranked as the second most liveable city in the world in the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index; compared to Sydney and Melbourne, rental costs are 20% to 30% lower and the city is safer, making it ideal for dedicated study. The Acton Peninsula, home to ANU, overlooks Lake Griffin and neighbours the Black Mountain Australian National Botanic Gardens. The National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum, the National Library and Parliament House are all within easy reach. ANU students can gain unique practical experience by working in government institutions through the university’s Parliamentary Internship Programme.
Leading Disciplines: World-Class Excellence in the Global Top 10
ANU demonstrates world-leading strength across multiple academic disciplines. Thanks to its prime location, with the campus situated close to the Australian Parliament, the High Court and numerous embassies, students are able to gain first-hand exposure to the policy-making process. Consequently, five of ANU’s key disciplines—Philosophy, Archaeology, Anthropology, Political Science and Development Studies—consistently rank among the world’s top 10; and 13 disciplines are ranked number one in Australia.
Furthermore, ANU is one of the few universities in Australia to offer a comprehensive actuarial science programme, which is officially accredited by the Actuaries of Australia; graduates enjoy excellent career prospects in sectors such as insurance and finance. In the field of computer science and information technology, ANU offers comprehensive coverage of areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data science, with graduates highly sought after by renowned technology companies such as Canva and Atlassian. Can I still get my degree if I fail a subject? Of course you can—the university has a resit policy. If you need it urgently, we can provide an arts Australian National University degree for you to present.
International Partnerships and Global Campuses
Although ANU’s main campus is located in Canberra, its international network spans six continents. As a founding member of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU) (alongside 11 other leading institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale and Berkeley), ANU students can apply for the IARU Global Exchange Programme to undertake a semester or academic year of study at a member institution free of charge, with credits recognised across institutions. Furthermore, ANU has established dual degree and joint training programmes with world-class universities such as the National University of Singapore, Peking University, the University of Tokyo and King’s College London. Through the “ANU Global Programs” platform, students can participate in short-term study visits, summer schools or overseas internships in over 30 countries, with some programmes offering travel grants of up to AUD 5,000.
Student Societies: Over 200 Societies and the Advantage of a Low Cost of Living
ANU offers a rich and diverse range of student society activities, with over 200 societies covering various fields including academics, arts, sports and culture, such as chess, robotics, dance and culinary clubs. Market Day, held every July, is Canberra’s largest society recruitment event, where new students can quickly find a society that suits them. If the list of societies does not meet your needs, students can also apply to start their own and receive funding from the university. The ANU Students’ Union allocates over $220,000 annually to societies to ensure their smooth operation. As a student, you can enjoy a 50% discount on ACT public transport with your student ID. Canberra has not only been ranked the second most liveable city in the world, but its low cost of living (with rental costs 20% to 30% lower than in Sydney) also makes it an ideal place to study.
