Australian National University (ANU)

The Australian National University (ANU) is Australia's national research university in the capital, Canberra, founded in 1946. ANU is ranked #29 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and is especially strong in the social, political and natural sciences.

A capital-city location gives students unique access to government institutions, think tanks and international diplomacy.

ANU is Australia's national research university. Check the QS 2027 ranking:

• #29 in the world - QS World University Rankings 2027
• The national university of Australia
• Strong in social and natural sciences

ANU's main Acton campus is in Canberra, near government institutions and research organisations. ANU Acton campus.

ANU is strong in:

• Political Science & International Relations
• Natural Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Business & Economics
• Arts & Humanities

ANU assesses each international qualification against the chosen program's academic and English requirements. Direct entry can be possible; a recognised foundation or other pathway is an option if the school qualification does not meet them. Check official entry routes.

The standard admission route to Australian National University (ANU) for international students looks like this:

1. Choose a program (9–12 months ahead). Decide on the field — arts, sociology, management and natural Sciences — and the level: bachelor’s or master’s. Programs differ in requirements, deadlines and fees.
2. English evidence. ANU accepts several ways to demonstrate English proficiency, including eligible prior study and approved tests such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic. Check the chosen degree's standard. Check accepted English evidence.
3. Application. Applications are submitted online; once reviewed, the university sends an offer — with it you can plan finances and housing.
4. Student visa. If you need a visa, check the Australian Department of Home Affairs requirements after receiving an offer; the department decides the application.

After school. ANU assesses the completed qualification and grades against the chosen degree. A recognised foundation program may provide a route where direct-entry requirements are not met; ANU does not promise a general Diploma-to-second-year transfer. Check ANU entry requirements.

• Passport
• School certificate and transcript
• Evidence meeting ANU's English-language requirement, which need not be IELTS
• Any course-specific statement or additional document ANU requests

Exact requirements depend on the program - we'll help you prepare.

ANU publishes tuition by degree and year; budget from the program you intend to apply for.

Published 2026 program example. ANU Bachelor of International Relations fees.

Add accommodation, Overseas Student Health Cover, visa charges and travel separately. The amount depends on your circumstances and can change.

Dollar amounts on this page are converted at the ECB reference rate of 29 September 2026 (€1 = $1.1355 = A$1.6211) and rounded.

ANU offers catered and self-catered residences on its Acton campus; compare locations, costs and availability before applying. ANU accommodation.

After graduation. Check official subclass 485 eligibility.

The strong fields of Australian National University (ANU) are arts, sociology, management and natural Sciences. As at most universities in Australia, students have access to a career centre, job fairs and internships — use them from the first semesters: hands-on experience is decisive for the first job.

Many graduates continue studying: a bachelor’s from Australia is a strong base for a master’s in the same country or anywhere else.