The Australian National University

Located in Australia's dynamic capital city, Canberra, the Australian National University (ANU) is home to 22,000 students from over 100 countries, and prides itself on its community atmosphere built on cultural diversity and connection.

As Australia's sole member of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), ANU drives research that consistently surpasses global benchmarks. Students benefit from exceptional facilities and learn from researchers who directly inform government policy.

ANU is Australia's most international university (Times Higher Education Rankings, 2024) and goes to great lengths to ensure every student experiences a smooth transition into university life. It provides guaranteed on-campus accommodation, dedicated academic and health services and a strong sense of community. Students thrive at ANU with everything they need to succeed nearby.

Canberra's international student networks, embassies, and multicultural events make it a place where global citizens thrive. The city allows international students to feel safe, supported and valued. With dynamic cultural communities, diverse employment opportunities and an easy-going lifestyle, students flourish in Canberra, without the intensity of larger urban centres.

The Times Higher Education Global University Employability Rankings 2025 ranks ANU graduates as the most employable in Australia. The university has six Nobel laureates among its staff and alumni, and students learn from leading experts deeply invested in providing an outstanding education.

Impactful research

ANU research translates into tangible global benefits, addressing today's most critical challenges from climate change and energy transition to biodiversity and food security. Other vital areas of exploration include disease prevention, national security, governance, physics, engineering, economic progress, policy innovation, the humanities and the arts.

PhD students at ANU become integral members of a vibrant research community, receiving exceptional guidance and support from supervisors within their academic college.

Real-world experience

ANU students benefit from regular opportunities to connect with and gain practical work experience in government, industry, community organisations and research settings. Students can read about nine unique ANU internships on the university's website.

Many successful alumni credit their achievements to the strong mentoring relationships forged with teachers and researchers, the encouragement to pursue their ideas, and the valuable skill-building opportunities they embraced at the university, including workplace internships, academic skills workshops and career guidance.

The ANU alumni network includes influential figures such as former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Hon. Sam Mostyn AC, Lieutenant General David Morrison, former Consul-General in New York, the Hon. Nick Minchin, Jennifer Robinson, who worked as a pro bono legal adviser to Julian Assange and WikiLeaks, Dr Ann Gallagher, who served as Special Advisor to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Muhamad Chatib Basri, Indonesia's former Minister of Finance.

Prospective international students seeking to join ANU should carefully review the programs and courses catalogue and admission requirements for:

• Degree-specific admission requirements: Students should research their chosen degree, as admission requirements vary. Some ANU degrees have additional requirements beyond academic qualifications, such as portfolios of existing work.
• Evidence of English language proficiency: All students must meet the university's English requirements and may choose to complete the 10-week English language program.

For undergraduate admission, ANU generally requires:

• Senior secondary or post-secondary school qualifications, such as associate diplomas or degrees, vocational education, or an approved tertiary preparation course
• Tertiary qualifications earned in Australia or the international equivalent from a recognised higher education institution

For postgraduate admission, applicants typically need:

• An ANU-approved bachelor's degree
• Another tertiary qualification recognised by the Australian Qualifications Framework.

ANU automatically considers students for select scholarships upon application.

Scholarships at ANU recognise ambition, potential and the drive to create a meaningful future. Receiving one is a mark of honour, offering students the chance to study in a smaller, globally respected university with access to unique local and international opportunities. The university's scholarship opportunities cater to students from a diverse range of backgrounds.

The ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship provides opportunities for international students to access one of multiple scholarships available at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The scholarship aims to attract a diverse range of high-calibre international students to commence study at ANU because each ANU scholarship has unique eligibility criteria, the university encourages students to explore all the options and submit separate applications where required.

At ANU, licensed security officers provide comprehensive 24-hour building access and protection services, ensuring a secure campus environment.

Safety services include:

• Escorts to accompany students across campus after work hours.
• 24/7 emergency response support.
• CCTV monitoring for enhanced security.
• Secure access to residential and university buildings during and after work hours.

The university's dedicated wellbeing teams offer confidential advice and support on a range of important issues that impact students' university experience and academic engagement, including:

• Financial concerns and budgeting
• Mental health and emotional wellbeing
• Adjusting to the demands of university life
• Navigating the university campus and resources.

Case managers at ANU have allied health, psychology and social work backgrounds. They are qualified to offer trauma-informed and person-centred support.

ANU is perfect for students who want to experience more than just a classroom. With over 110 clubs and societies, innovative student-led initiatives, and dynamic cultural communities, campus life at ANU is just as amazing as the students who study here.

The ANU learning environment features innovative lecture halls, cutting-edge laboratories and unique learning spaces, including a professional recording studio, a moot court for legal practice, the SkyMapper survey telescope for astronomical discovery, Gadi – the Southern Hemisphere's fastest supercomputer for advanced computation, a creative 3D maker space, and one of the world's largest 14UD pelletron accelerator facilities for nuclear physics research.

Student accommodation and support networks

ANU guarantees accommodation for all students during their first year. In their applications, they can indicate a preference for self-catered or catered options.

Living in a vibrant and supportive ANU student residence offers an excellent pathway to adapt to university life and forge lifelong friendships. Residents actively participate in an exciting and inclusive calendar of academic and social events organised by their residence.

Every residence provides 24-hour security, outdoor spaces for relaxation, dedicated study rooms for focused learning and comfortable common areas with shared facilities, like laundries, kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces. Their convenient locations mean students are just a short walk or bike ride away from lecture halls, libraries, shops, restaurants, supermarkets, public transport links and the city's central business district.

Dedicated support networks assist with enrolment processes, navigating exams and assessments, overcoming homesickness and adapting to cultural differences. These networks also foster independence.

Twelve ANU academics are among the top one per cent of researchers worldwide in their fields, according to the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers List 2024.

The academics' groundbreaking work significantly advances knowledge, fuels innovations for a healthier and more sustainable world, and drives societal progress. These pioneering innovations help extend the frontiers of knowledge and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable world, while also driving significant societal impact.

Professor Lachlan Blackhall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), proudly acknowledged the ANU academics and highlighted their extensive influence and impact. "To be ranked among the top one per cent of researchers globally is a remarkable achievement, reflecting the distinctive, world-leading research that defines ANU," he stated.

Study options

ANU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across the following study areas:

• Health, medicine & psychology.
• STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
• Business & economics.
• Law, governance & policy.
• Security, international affairs & Asia-Pacific studies.
• Humanities, arts & social sciences.

The university's seven academic colleges power the comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including flexible double-degree options, many of which are designed for full-time, in-person learning. The colleges also lead immersive short programs, lasting from two to six weeks, which take learning beyond the classroom and into the field. As part of their degree, students can enrol in these immersive courses and travel to diverse destinations across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.