Australian National University

The Australian National University (ANU) is Australia’s only federally-established university, founded in 1946 with a research-intensive remit. It’s a member of the Group of Eight and consistently ranks as one of Australia’s top-rated universities globally, particularly in policy, international relations, and the sciences.

Why students choose ANU

• The only Australian university created by an Act of Federal Parliament with a national-research mission.
• Top global rankings in international relations, public policy, and earth sciences.
• Located adjacent to the federal parliament, embassies, and the major Australian research institutions.
• A smaller and more selective cohort than the larger Group of Eight universities, with a strong residential college culture.

What students say

Praise for ANU’s facilities and research strength turns up often in student feedback, and many value the proximity to national institutions for internships and networking. A recurring complaint, though, is the cost of living in Canberra: some students describe rent and everyday expenses as higher than expected for a smaller city. A few reviews also raise concerns about the level of day-to-day support available to undergraduates, alongside others who report a positive, tight-knit college experience.