Australian National University

What the Australian National University Is

The Australian National University (ANU) is a public research university in Canberra, the capital city of Australia. Founded in 1946 by the Australian parliament, it was originally established as a postgraduate research institution and expanded to include undergraduate teaching in 1960. ANU is ranked 30th in the world by the QS World University Rankings 2025, making it the highest-ranked university in Australia.

ANU is a member of the Group of Eight, Australia’s coalition of research-intensive universities. It is distinctive among Australian universities in several ways: it is the only university created by federal legislation (rather than state legislation), it has a strong focus on research output relative to its size, and its location in Canberra places it next to key national institutions including parliament, the High Court, and major federal government departments.

The university has approximately 22,000 students, with international students comprising roughly 35% of the total. The campus covers 145 hectares in the inner suburbs of Canberra, adjacent to the city centre.

For Indian students, ANU is particularly relevant for its law programmes (the ANU College of Law is consistently ranked among the top 15 globally), its Crawford School of Public Policy, and its strong science and engineering programmes. ANU’s location in Canberra means lower living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne, which is a practical consideration for students budgeting their studies.

Who It’s For

ANU suits Indian students in these situations:

Undergraduate applicants interested in Law, International Relations, or the Sciences who want a top-30 global university with a more manageable cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne. ANU’s undergraduate acceptance rate is more accessible than Oxbridge or US Ivy League equivalents, though competitive programmes like Law and PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) are selective.

Postgraduate applicants pursuing research-focused master’s or PhD programmes. ANU’s research intensity means that postgraduate students often have direct access to leading researchers. The Crawford School of Public Policy and the College of Asia and the Pacific are particularly strong for students interested in policy, diplomacy, and regional studies.

Students seeking post-study work options benefit from Australia’s generous post-study work visa. ANU graduates can access a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) for 2-4 years depending on qualification level, with Canberra offering additional regional migration pathway advantages.

ANU is less suited to students who prioritise a large metropolitan experience. Canberra is a planned city of approximately 470,000 people. It is safe, well-organised, and green, but lacks the nightlife and cultural density of Sydney or Melbourne. Students who want a bustling urban campus environment may find Canberra quiet.

Programs Popular with Indian Students

• Bachelor of Laws (Honours) — Four years. ANU Law is consistently ranked in the top 15 globally by QS subject rankings. The programme covers Australian law with strong international and comparative law components. See also: LLB and LLM.

• Bachelor of International Relations — Three years. ANU’s location in the national capital and proximity to embassies and government departments make this programme distinctive. The College of Asia and the Pacific provides strong regional expertise. See also: BA International Relations.

• Bachelor of Computing — Three years. Covers software engineering, AI, data science, and systems. ANU’s School of Computing has strong research output in AI and machine learning. See also: BSc Computer Science.

• Bachelor of Economics — Three years. The Research School of Economics is well-regarded. Students can combine economics with other disciplines through ANU’s flexible double-degree structure.

• Master of Computing — Two years. Attracts Indian students with engineering or IT backgrounds. Covers advanced topics in AI, data science, and software development.

• Master of Laws (LLM) — One year. ANU’s LLM offers specialisations in international law, environmental law, and government regulation. Strong for students intending careers in international organisations or policy.

• Master of Public Policy — Two years. Delivered through the Crawford School. Relevant for students interested in governance, development, and policy careers. See also: MA Public Policy.

Campus and Location

ANU’s campus is in Acton, an inner suburb of Canberra, within walking distance of the city centre. Canberra is a planned city designed by Walter Burley Griffin, known for its wide boulevards, parks, and national institutions.

Accommodation: ANU guarantees accommodation for first-year international undergraduates in university residences. On-campus residential halls include Bruce Hall, Burgmann College, and University House. Weekly costs range from approximately AUD 300 to AUD 500 depending on the type of accommodation. Off-campus shared housing in Canberra is typically AUD 150-250 per week, significantly cheaper than Sydney or Melbourne.

Research facilities: ANU houses several national research facilities including the Mount Stromlo Observatory, the National Computational Infrastructure centre, and the Research School of Physics. Undergraduate students in science and engineering programmes have access to these facilities from early in their degrees.

Living costs: ANU estimates total living costs (excluding tuition) of approximately AUD 21,000-25,000 per year. Canberra’s cost of living is lower than Sydney by approximately 15-20%, particularly in housing.

Transport: Canberra’s light rail connects the city centre to key suburbs. The city is compact and cycling-friendly. Sydney is approximately 3 hours by car or 1 hour by domestic flight.

Costs and Financial Aid

International undergraduate tuition fees at ANU range from approximately AUD 44,470 to AUD 50,760 per year depending on the programme (2024 rates). Law, Engineering, and Computing are at the higher end.

Scholarships available to Indian students include:

• ANU Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Merit-based, covering 25% or 50% of tuition fees for the duration of the programme. Available for both undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students.
• ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science International Merit Scholarship: 10-25% tuition fee reduction for high-achieving international students.
• Australia Awards Scholarships: Funded by the Australian government for students from developing countries, covering full tuition, living costs, and airfare. Highly competitive and limited.

Post-study work: ANU graduates are eligible for Australia’s Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). Bachelor’s graduates receive 2 years, master’s by coursework 2-3 years, and research master’s/PhD graduates 3-4 years. Canberra is a designated regional area for Australian migration purposes, which may provide additional visa pathway advantages.

Things to Verify Before Applying

• Application process: ANU uses its own direct application system, not a centralised Australian application portal. Apply through the ANU website. Postgraduate research applicants should contact potential supervisors before submitting a formal application.
• Indian qualification recognition: ANU accepts Indian CBSE and ISC qualifications for undergraduate entry, with specific percentage requirements varying by programme. An aggregate of 80-90% in the best four subjects is typical for competitive programmes.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 per band) for most programmes. Law and some humanities programmes require IELTS 7.0. TOEFL and PTE are accepted alternatives.
• Semester structure: ANU runs on a two-semester system (February and July intake). Most international students start in Semester 1 (February).
• Health insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students in Australia. This costs approximately AUD 600-700 per year and must be arranged before arrival.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• LLB — undergraduate law degree options
• LLM — postgraduate law programmes
• BA International Relations — international relations degree pathways
• BSc Computer Science — computing degree options
• MA Public Policy — public policy programmes
• University of Melbourne — comparing with another top Australian university
• University of Sydney — another Group of Eight university

Sources Used

• ANU Study
• ANU Fees and Scholarships
• ANU College of Law
• QS World University Rankings 2025