The Australian National University (ANU)

The Australian National University is Australia’s only national university and home to some of the world’s leading educators and researchers. . Its location points to its unique history, ties to the Australian Government and special standing as a resource for the Australian people. Located in the heart of Canberra, only minutes from the center of Civic and Parliament Hill, ANU offers a challenging study environment in a multicultural setting. Canberra's central location between Sydney and Melbourne makes it quite easy to take a weekend trip to city, the mountains or the nearby coastal beaches. ANU was ranked 1st nationally by the 2013 QS World University Rankings and is very popular with study abroad students. ANU is consistently ranked amongst the top 50 research universities in the world. The University is committed to attracting, developing and retaining outstanding people and offers flexible employment options for both academic and professional staff. ANU staff and students are part of a strong on-campus community. They work and study in a rich environment. The campus is like a small town on over 147 hectares of parkland with plenty of shops and cafés, a medical centre and multiple sporting facilities.

ANU focus on research as an asset, and an approach to education, ensures our graduates are in demand the world-over for their abilities to understand, and apply vision and creativity to addressing complex contemporary challenges.

By Australian standards, ANU is relatively small at 17,000 students with 10,000 undergraduate students, but at the same time offers a comprehensive set of course offerings. As one might expect from a university in a capital city of the Asia/Pacific Region, one of the strongest areas at ANU is Asian Studies. However, opportunities for research and study are much broader than just political science or area studies. Groundbreaking research in fields as diverse as biochemistry, environmental science, archeology, actuarial studies, engineering, economics and musicology, reinforce academic teaching at ANU. This facilitates small class sizes and very active campus life. It is the perfect campus if you want access to a wide array of courses and opportunities but you do not want to get lost in a big city.

As a study abroad student, you can expect to take four courses per semester earning sixteen credits; however some courses in the Creative Arts may be worth eight credits. Courses will be taught by lecture and tutorial and you'll be free to study across most faculties. The Australian National Internship Program is also an option for students wanting to complete an internship and take course work at ANU.  

Outside the classroom, you'll find there's always something going on at ANU. An active student association coordinates a wide range of clubs and societies that range from sports to politics. The compact green campus makes it easy to get from your accommodation to your classroom. You're also only a short walk away from the museums, restaurants and theaters, making Canberra an ideal spot for students. ANU is a research-intensive university and our research priorities reflect the challenges facing the world today. From next generation solar energy solutions to political engagement strategies, ANU researchers are working at the forefront of their fields and changing the world for the better.

 ANU Library collection holds more than 2.5 million physical items and provides access to more than 6.3 million electronic resources including full text journal articles. The collection is distributed across five branches by subject basis and can be accessed by searching the Library catalogue, e-journal and e-resources database.

 

ANU has an international reputation for excellence in research, education and policy expertise. Research is central to everything we do at ANU. It shapes the educational experience we provide to students and enables us to be a leading voice on issues of national and international importance. It invests heavily in research activities and infrastructure to attract, nurture and retain world-leading researchers. Consequently its academic staff is recognized globally as among the best in their fields, and their expertise attracts significant external investment.

As Australia’s national university it ensures its value as a national resource by investigating real world issues of critical importance. In this context, ANU also works to sustain the development of Australian potential, through comprehensive research training. Its Higher Degree by Research programs will contribute to building the next generation of research expertise.

Through its research expertise, expert commentary and public policy influence we have real impact alongside its established partnerships with business, industry, government and our peers. These partnerships enable what it know and learn to be applied to benefit Australia and our world. 

There are a number of scholarships available to current ANU students to help with the cost of your studies. Donors and benefactors, external organization and the Australian Government fund many of the scholarships it offer.

When you graduate from ANU you become a lifelong member of our alumni community and part of a diverse group of individuals across the globe. Whether your interests are in future study, building a career, travel or re-connecting with fellow alumni, the ANU Alumni Program offers you plenty of benefits.