The Complete Guide To The Australian National University (ANU)

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

The Australian National University (ANU) started back in 1946, emerging from a post-war dream to be a top-notch research university worldwide with the vision of valuing knowledge to shape Australia’s future after World War II. Based in Canberra, the capital city, ANU set itself apart with a focus on research and postgrad education, aiming to boost the nation’s intellectual growth and innovation. ANU is also the only university that the Parliament of Australia has created.

Over the years, ANU has hit many milestones, showing its esteemed position in the global academic scene. With 6 Nobel Laureates among its faculty and alumni, the university’s dedication to top-notch research and scholarship shines through. ANU has played a vital role in groundbreaking research areas like climate change, public policy, and the sciences.

Nobel Laureates of ANU:

• Lord Howard Florey – Medicine, 1945
• Sir John Eccles – Medicine, 1963
• Professor John Harsanyi – Economics Sciences, 1994
• Professor Peter Doherty – Medicine, 1996
• Professor Rolf Martin Zinkernagel – Medicine 1996
• Professor Brian Schmidt – Physics, 2011

ANU at a glance:

Total student population	17,000
% of international students	48%
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio	1:15
Percentage of teaching faculty with PhD	87% (as of 2021)
Graduate employability ranking	#35 in Times Higher Education Global Employability University Ranking (2022)

1.2 Australian National University Rankings 2025

ANU is ranked #30 globally based on the QS World University Ranking in 2025.

Another proof of a thriving education experience expected at ANU is the number of subjects offered that are ranked in the Top 50 of the QS World Ranking By Subject for 2025.

QS Subject Category	Ranking For 2025
Philosophy	#8
Anthropology	#9
Archaeology	#10
Development Studies	#10
Politics	#11
Geography	#20
Earth and Marine Sciences	#21
Art History	#21 – 50
Geophysics	#22
Sociology	#23
Geology	#26
History	#26
Law and Legal Studies	#26
Social Policy and Administration	#28
Arts and Humanities	#32
Natural Sciences	#34
Social Sciences and Management	#36
Theology, Divinity and Religious Studies	#36
Agriculture and Forestry	#37
Computer Science and Information Systems	#37
English Literature	#37
Economics and Econometrics	#39
Accounting and Finance	#43
Modern Language	#43
Mathematics	#50

2. Student Life & Living Cost

2.1 ANU Campuses

The Australian National University (ANU) is situated in the heart of Canberra, the capital city of Australia, offering a unique blend of academic and cultural experiences. The primary Acton Campus is renowned for its picturesque setting, nestled among native Australian bushland and the serene Lake Burley Griffin.

Other campuses are under the ANU banner spread across the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, and the Northern Territories. However, they are known as “research units”, facilities for specific faculties. As such, we will mention them briefly to give you an insight into how these “campuses” serve the success of many of ANU’s current and past students.

Acton Campus

Key Highlights

• The University’s main campus consists of 7 major faculties (known as “colleges”) and several national academies and institutes.

• The campus is located on 145 hectares of parklands. You live in a small suburb, consisting of cafes, bars, supermarkets, child care centres, a news agency, and even a medical centre. 

• Well renowned for its landscape setting, the campus received an International Sustainable Campus Network Award in 2009 with over 10,000 trees planted and maintained around campus, with 500 considered exceptionally significant due to their age. 

• 8 of the campus buildings are currently listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List, which signifies their importance to the natural or historic heritage of Australia, including those of indigenous Australians. 

How to Get There
🗺️A 10-minute walk from Canberra’s city centre.

• The nearest train station to the campus is the Canberra station.
• There are buses available within a 2-minute walk. 

ANU Research Campuses

Campus	Research Discipline
Kioloa Coastal Campus	Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, and Rural Development
Mount Stromlo Observatory	Astrology and Astrophysics
North Australian Research Unit	Marine Science and various research conducted in North Australia
Siding Spring Observatory	Astronomy, Astrophysics and Space Sciences

2.2 Learning Resources

ANU is a great place to learn, with an abundance of resources to support students’ academic pursuits. The library system has a huge range of collections and archives, and there are also plenty of state-of-the-art technological resources to enhance virtual learning and collaboration. Plus, students can get guidance and support through workshops, seminars, and mentorship initiatives. ANU is here to help you thrive!

2.3 Recreational Facilities

ANU offers an extensive range of recreational facilities to enrich the university experience. Under ANU Sport, the campus features cutting-edge sports centres with amenities like a swimming pool, gym, and courts for basketball, tennis, yoga, dance and squash. 

2.4 Student Activities

At the core of student life at the Australian National University (ANU) lies a vibrant and inclusive student activities scene, championed by the proactive ANU Student Association (ANUSA). ANUSA represents students, advocates for their rights, and hosts events that enhance well-being, and foster community. ANUSA has 110 affiliated clubs and societies you can join to enrich your student experience on campus!

2.5 Student Services

ANU is here to support students every step of the way! The student services provide everything students need to succeed academically and personally. With the services provided, the goal is to create a supportive environment that helps students thrive by providing personalized assistance whenever needed.

• Academic support
• Health and wellness services
• Career Advising
• International student support
• Accommodation services

2.6 Accommodation And Cost of Living

With the Acton campus being the sole campus that houses the various faculties offered by the Australian National University, it comes as no surprise that students who study abroad can live on-campus with a wide range of options catering from halls to apartments. 

So much, we’ll highlight just 13 of them in the table below:

Acton Campus

On-Campus Accommodations

• Burton & Garran Hall (from AUD 276/week)
• Toad Hall (from AUD 282/week)
• Kinloch Lodge (from AUD 325/week)
• Graduate House (from AUD 327/week)
• Warrumbul Lodge (from AUD 331/week)
• Lena Karmel Lodge (from AUD 336/week)
• Davey Lodge (from AUD 337/week)
• Wamburun Hall (from AUD 342/week)
• Burgmann (UG & PG) Village (from AUD 345/week)
• Fenner Hall (from AUD 357/week)
• Ursula Hall Laurus Wing (from AUD 366/week)
• Bruce Hall Packard Wing (from AUD 375/week)
• Yukeembruk (from AUD 382/week)

Off-Campus Accommodation

While there are no options offered by ANU in terms of private rentals off campus, you can look around nearby suburbs such as Braddon, Reid, Canberra, and Turner. Alternatively, a study abroad consultant can help you sort it out as well, and knowing where to find places can help the process too!

Cost of Living In Canberra

For students residing on-campus at the Australian National University, the average weekly living expenses in AUD (excluding accommodation) are estimated at around AUD 549 – 857 per week. These costs encompass a range of items such as groceries and dining out (AUD 123 – 223 per week), gas and electricity (AUD 51 per week), phone and internet (AUD 18 per week), public transport (AUD 35 per week), and more.

Bear in mind, though, that the cost of living varies based on your lifestyle!

3. Courses, Fees & Scholarships

3.1 Courses You Can Study At The Australian National University

ANU boasts a diverse array of study fields, tailored to cater to students’ varied interests and career ambitions. Dive into some of the most sought-after study areas:

Fields Of Study	Couses
Arts & Social Sciences	Arts, Criminology, Design Music, Political Science
Asian & Pacific Studies	Asian Studies, International Security Studies, Pacific Studies, Philosophy
Business & Economics	Accounting, Actuarial Studies, Business Administration, Finance, International Business
Engineering, Computing & Cybernetics	Advanced Computing, Applied Data Analytics, Engineering, Software Engineering
Health & Medicine	Health Science, Psychology
Law	Law (LLB)
Science	Biotechnology, Environment & Sustainability, Genetics, Mathematical Sciences, Medical Science

3.2 Course Fees At Australian National University

We have also saved you the hassle and compiled the full list of ANU’s detailed course fees into one article below. Check it out and share it!

Coming Soon!

3.3 Australian National University Scholarships

These are some of the scholarships offered by ANU to international students. Check out the full list here. (Coming Soon)

ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship	25% or 50% off total tuition fees
Beng Choon Lim Family Scholarship	AUD 5,000 per year for up to 4 years
Terrell International Undergraduate Scholarships	25% or 50% off total tuition fees and 100% OHSC sponsorship

3.4 Popular Courses At The Australian National University

Earth and Marine Sciences

At the heart of Australian academic excellence in Earth and Marine Sciences lies the ANU Research School of Earth Sciences. Renowned for being Australia’s leading academic research institution in the discipline, it houses the largest congregation of Earth scientists in the country.

Earth Scientists.. ASSEMBLE!

This prestigious institution has earned a formidable reputation on the global stage, securing a place in the upper bracket of the Top 20 World’s Best Subject rankings by QS. Notably, it claims the title of the number #1 university in Australia for Earth and Marine Sciences, highlighting its unparalleled quality of education and research prowess.

The university’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and educational excellence is underscored by the recent addition of the Science Precinct to its portfolio of facilities, with an impressive investment of AUD 240 million! This precinct features state-of-the-art biological and chemical research laboratories, alongside a vibrant teaching hub designed to inspire and cultivate the minds of future scientists.

Students have the unique chance to monitor Antarctic glacier patterns through the Antarctic Remote GPS Monitoring System, gaining hands-on experience in studying global climate change. Other notable facilities include the Centre for Advanced Microscopy, the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab, and the Sensitive High-Resolution Ion Microprobe (SHRIMP), creating a rich, research-intensive environment for student exploration and discovery.

Sociology

Since the 1960s, Sociology has been one of the university’s key academic pillars and actively engages with significant issues affecting Australian and global societies. Located in Canberra, Australia’s political hub, the School of Sociology provides a unique environment for its students to learn in, and is a leading research institution known globally for its contributions to social and political sciences.

At the core of its academic mission, ANU’s approach to sociology is driven by a commitment to critically analyze and understand the complex tapestry of societal transformations. The university actively confronts the multifaceted dimensions of inequality, utilizing a robust analytical lens shaped by social, cultural, and feminist theory. Areas such as education, health, digital sociology, risk, and consumption, alongside cutting-edge social research methods, are among the school’s disciplinary strengths.

The staff at ANU go beyond theory, applying insights to real-world contexts. With many of the academics possessing rich knowledge supported by category 1 and 2 research grants, they engage in interdisciplinary collaborations nationally and internationally. Emphasizing public engagement and exploring inequality roots enriches learning, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to society.

Law Studies

ANU’s Law degree includes an Honours component right from the start, and in the first year, students focus on key areas like public law, criminal law, contracts, evidence, and litigation to ensure a solid grasp of the legal landscape. This can help students fast-track into specialisation; in diverse and impactful areas such as law reform, environmental law, and social justice.

ANU’s strategic location in Canberra, at the heart of Australia’s political and legal hub, provides exceptional learning and networking opportunities for its Law students. Situated close to key governmental bodies like the Federal Parliament and the High Court of Australia, ANU Law students engage directly with the nation’s legal system. This proximity allows students to access internships and placements at esteemed institutions like the Attorney-General’s Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Evidence of the ANU Law program’s success is seen in the 89% full-time employment rate for graduates within four months. Practical experiences like student competitions and international exchanges, alongside its strategic location, play a key role. ANU Law students are learning, applying, and reshaping the law, ready to influence society, especially in the public sector, leveraging what ANU calls the “Canberra Advantage” for career growth.

Malaysians rejoice! Once you obtain your LLB from the Australian National University, you are immediately qualified to enter into the legal profession in the country, as the university is recognised under the Legal Profession Qualifying Board of Malaysia!

Economics

The Australian National University (ANU) shines just as brightly in the field of Economics, securing an enviable #2 rank for Economics and Econometrics in Australia by the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject. Students at ANU immerse themselves in a curriculum that stretches across the spectrum of economics—covering the critical areas of both theory and applied economics, economic history, and econometrics.

Furthermore, ANU’s distinguished Economics program has a direct pipeline to some of Australia’s most influential governmental bodies. Esteemed institutions like the Department of Finance, Treasury, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Productivity Commission, and the Australian Bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics vie to recruit ANU graduates.

To enrich this top-tier academic experience, ANU provides conducive facilities to support students’ educational journeys. The CBE Connect, a dedicated study space, fosters collaborative group work and focused individual study. Additionally, students have access to a range of bookable rooms, enabling them to organize meetings, functions, and conferences, further enhancing their professional skills and networks.

Arts and Humanities Subjects

With more than five subjects proudly positioned in the Top 20 of the prestigious QS World University Rankings by Subject, ANU is a leader in the nation for Arts and Humanities subjects! Of the subjects ranking in those positions are: Philosophy (8th), Anthropology (8th), Politics (10th), History (13th), Development Studies (14th), and the earlier mentioned Sociology (17th).

The strategic location of ANU in Canberra means students are close to many of Australia’s national cultural and political institutions, where students can immerse themselves. The Australian International Internships Programme stands out, offering students unparalleled access to internships at national agencies and institutions, ensuring graduates come out with the highest level of employability.

What truly sets ANU apart is its vibrant community of scholars. ANU’s staff are not just educators; they are also researchers actively contributing to global knowledge and making impactful strides in their respective fields. Learning from such distinguished academics means students at ANU are not just being taught; they’re being mentored by the best in the business, absorbing knowledge that’s at the forefront of global research and innovation.

3.5 ANU Industry Partners

These are some of the industry partners involved in shaping student development through projects and internships:

4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates

4.1 Australian National University Entry Requirements 2025

Is the Australian National University the place where you want to craft your future? Make sure you’ve hit the minimum entry requirements!

Minimum Entry Requirements For Degree:

• UEC: 5 B4
• STPM: BBB- of best 3 subjects
• A-Level: ABB
• SACE / WACE: ATAR 80
• IB: 29 points
• Foundation: Completion of Foundation
• Diploma: Completion of Diploma

Minimum language proficiency requirements (IELTS):

• Undergraduate: 6.5 Overall
• Postgraduate: 6.5 Overall

Some courses may require you to earn higher entry requirements and additional qualifications.

4.2 Australian National University Intake Periods For 2025

The intake periods for ANU in 2025 are as follows:

• Degree: March, June
• Postgraduate: March, June

Please note that the intake periods may vary depending on the courses. For specific intake periods and dates, click here (Coming Soon!).

4.3 Admission Process To Australia

The process of studying in Australia can be tedious especially when applying to various universities before their application deadlines and ensuring proper documents are submitted to procure your student visa.

Here are some more helpful articles to help you navigate:

• Your Essential Study In Australia Guide For Malaysian Students
• Top 20 Important Questions to Ask Your Study Abroad Consultant
• Here Are 8 Proven Advantages Of Studying Abroad!

5. Student Testimonials & Alumni

Hearing from those who have walked the path offers insights into the university experience. Student testimonials and alumni stories are key in choosing the right institution. Australian National University (ANU) showcases its diverse student body and notable alumni, such as Nobel laureates. ANU has six Nobel laureates among its alumni and faculty, reflecting its top-notch education and research opportunities.

5.1 Student Testimonials

Ben Greenwood, Alumni, Software Engineering

Ethan, Bachelor of Actuarial Studies

5.2 Notable Alumni

Lord Howard Florey, 1946 Nobel Prize Winner in Medicine

Lord Howard Florey, a Nobel laureate and one of the University’s most notable alumni, played a pivotal role in the medical field, transforming the lives of millions around the globe. His groundbreaking work in the development and mass production of penicillin marked a revolution in the treatment of bacterial infections, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1945 alongside his colleagues.

Professor Brian Schmidt, 2011 Nobel Prize Winner in Physics

Professor Brian Schmidt, an expert in the field of astrophysics, brought home the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011, propelling the Australian National University into the global spotlight. His trailblazing research, which provided compelling evidence for the accelerating expansion of the universe, not only challenged existing cosmological theories but also expanded our understanding of the universe’s ultimate fate. Schmidt’s work has ignited a new era of astronomical research, making him an inspirational figure for aspiring scientists worldwide.

6. Conclusion 

Choosing to study at the Australian National University (ANU) is not just about education, but a step toward global networking, academic excellence, and cultural diversity. ANU is renowned for its rigorous programs, top-notch research facilities, and faculty of industry leaders. With a lively campus life, diverse clubs, and solid support for international students, ANU offers an enriching environment to learn, grow, and explore potential. Its impressive alumni list, including Nobel laureates, speaks to the quality of education provided.

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