The Australian government of the early 20th century saw a great need for an institution that represented the country proudly. It wasn't long after the establishment of Canberra as the capital that land was allotted for a national university in 1908. The Australian National University (ANU) was officially founded in 1946 by the Parliament of Australia. Today, ANU is a world-leading institution. It plays host to a variety of professors who've made their mark in the private sector, ranging from ex-bankers and management consultants to successful musicians. In addition, six of its alumni are Nobel Laureates and 49 are Rhodes scholars.
The Australian National University exists to deliver a distinctive culture of excellence in all areas of the university; in the student cohort, teaching, student experience and outcomes. This result aims to change Australia and the world. In areas where ANU is not the best that it can be, the university is always ready to adapt and change.
Research: Founded as a postgraduate research institution, ANU has a long history of delivering quality research that contributes to societal transformation and national impact. To assist in achieving this, ANU offers state-of-art resources to students and academics. The University's strong global reputation has also attracted academics worldwide to ANU to conduct their research.
National role: Located in the capital city of Australia, ANU is the only national university and has unique connections to the government and national policy influence. ANU also brings attention to important topics and issues about Indigenous Australia and aim to improve Indigenous lives for the better.
Education: ANU strives for excellence in education and teaching. Students with a passion for research and innovation are highly regarded. Their time at ANU will be full of unique experiences, preparing them to be the leaders and creators of the future.
Values-led: ANU recognises that every single person is unique; from all walks of life, backgrounds and experiences. This is celebrated and there is a strong commitment to maintaining a community of inclusiveness, equity and diversity. ANU also values: informed risk taking, changing the world, ethical behaviour, curiosity, and celebrating collegiality.
ANU is world-renowned for being a research-intensive university. Many academics and students at ANU have conducted ground-breaking research utilizing the state-of-art resources that is made available by the university.
The most notable are the six Nobel laureates that have conducted their prize-winning research at ANU. This includes the current Vice-Chancellor Brian P. Schmidt who received his Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011 for his startling discovery that the expansion rate of the Universe is accelerating.
Being such a distinguished university, ANU is consistently recognised by external entities for its excellence in various areas. In 2019, ANU has been awarded:
Established during the post-war era, ANU had uncertain beginnings. Despite this, the university quickly grew. Today ANU is Australia's national university and is considered to be one of the leading universities of the world. ANU is continuously developing to respond to the ever-changing world and to stay amongst the world's leading universities.
ANU has opened the doors to the Kambri in early 2019. This brand new precinct and heart of the university houses many new facilities including a gym, pool, amphitheatres, learning and teaching centre, health and wellbeing centre, and so much more.
Many academics and researchers at ANU have been awarded and recognised as leaders in their field or expertise. This gives students the opportunity to get inspired and learn from some of the best teachers. ANU also has one of the best student-teacher ratios in the world which means classrooms are small in size and students will have more opportunity to engage and learn from their teachers.
On-campus, students will experience a thriving multi-cultural community. In the classroom, they will be learning from distinguished academics along-side passionate peers. ANU has many research-intensive and award-winning degrees to choose from with many colleges ranked amongst the highest in the world. Students will also have access to first-rate facilities and resources which will take learning and research to new levels.
Off-campus, students will be able to transfer their knowledge and experience from ANU into real-life situations; whether it be socially or professionally. They will have great employment prospects; recognised with a world-class degree; making them highly sought after by employers nationally and internationally. ANU is also located in Australia's capital city, Canberra, ranked as the world's most liveable city.
Acton: The Acton campus is located in the heart of Canberra. It is the main ANU campus and is home to all seven of the colleges; offering students undergraduate and postgraduate study. The campus at a sizeable 358 acres sits at the foot of Canberra's famous Black Mountain making it prone to visits from hundreds of different native animals and is full of natural beauty all year round.
Kioloa Coastal campus: On the south-coast of NSW is the Kioloa Coastal campus, sitting in a unique location between the high tide sea and the thick bushland. This campus is one of Australia's premier field research stations and is available for scientific observations and other educational activities.
Mount Stromlo Observatory: Also located in Canberra is the Mount Stromlo Observatory based at the summit of Mount Stromlo. It is the home of ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics and gives offices to astronomers and students, workshops, computer laboratories, and of course telescopes!
North Australia Research Unit campus (NARU): The North Australia Research Unit campus is located in Darwin. This campus provides accommodation for researchers working in the area and gives them a space to work and resources to use. Research conducted at NARU includes: linguistic studies, anthropology, marine science and biology, history and social sciences.
Siding Spring Observatory: The Siding Spring Observatory sits at the summit of Mt Woorut in NSW which is 30km from the town of Coonabarabran. It is the largest optical observatory in Australia and is an important site for astronomy, astrophysics and space science in Australia.
The Australian National University (ANU) is Australia's #1 university.* With six Nobel Prize winners and two Australian prime ministers among our alumni and staff, we will inspire you to think critically, push boundaries and solve problems beyond your imagination.
We offer a wide range of postgraduate programs in a variety of disciplines, so you can be confident about finding the one that will let you explore your interests and passions.
With learning enhancement, career options and employment opportunities built into every degree, we've made it easy for you to choose the one that suits you.
Whether you are looking to boost or change your career or to dive into academic research within your chosen field, postgraduate study at ANU can benefit you.
At ANU, you will learn from the best. We are recognised internationally for exceptional teaching and outstanding research and our lecturers and tutors are world leaders in their field. **
When you study with us, you'll keep the company of researchers whose work has been rated above or well above world standard.**
In our small classes and state-of-the-art learning environments, our academics will challenge you to express diverse viewpoints and build a holistic understanding of your field of study.
In short, ANU will give you the experience, freedom and connections to become an expert in your field.
As well as academically enriching, an ANU postgraduate qualification can increase your employability options and earning potential.
Not only will your starting salary be higher than an undergraduate's, but after three years on the job your median salary could be five per cent more than the national average.***
What's more, ANU is a key policy adviser to the Australian Government. That means we will give you opportunities to network with industry and influential government leaders through internships.
Our world-class international exchange programs will also let you explore the world and help you reach for the stars. Explore the truth and challenge yourself and the world around you. Join ANU.
* QS World University Rankings 2020
** Australian Government Excellence in Research for Australia Report 2018–19
*** 2019 Graduate Outcomes Survey - Longitudinal
Applications to study a postgraduate degree at ANU in Semester 2 2020 are now open until 30 June through the
Universities Admission Centre (UAC).Browse ANU postgraduate programs and learn more about how to apply.
Start your postgraduate application now through UAC.
Masters (Coursework)
Masters (Coursework)
Masters (Coursework)