Australian National University
Canberra, Australia • Founded 1946 • QS 2027 #29
Updated May 2026 · Source: anu.edu.au · How we collect data
Overview
Established in 1946, the Australian National University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the medium city of Canberra (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Australian Capital Territory.
Officially recognized by the Department of Education and Training of Australia, Australian National University (ANU) is a large-sized coeducational Australian higher education institution. Australian National University (ANU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 78-year-old Australian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this Australian higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
ANU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where to find Australian National University, plus its phone, email, website, and social media links.
Academic Details
Australian National University's academic profile in numbers is listed below.
Academic Structures
Below is how Australian National University is organised academically — the schools, faculties, and units.
Unit 7 items
- College of Arts and Social Sciences
- College of Asia and the Pacific
- College of Business and Economics
- College of Engineering and Computer Science
- College of Law
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences
- College of Science
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Department of Education and Training of Australia.
Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Economics
- Indigenous Studies
Arab and Islamic Studies (Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arabic
- Islamic Studies
- Middle Eastern Studies
Archaeological Research (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Archaeology
Arts and Technology (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Fine Arts
- Technology
Contemporary Pacific (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Pacific Area Studies
Continuing Education (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
Cross-Cultural Research (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Cultural Studies
Democratic Institutions (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Institutional Administration
- Political Sciences
Educational Development and Academic Methods (Centre) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Epidemiology and Population Health (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Community Health
- Epidemiology
Financial Mathematics (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Finance
- Mathematics
Humanities Research (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Arts and Humanities
Immigration and Multicultural Studies (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Cultural Studies
- Demography and Population
International and Public Law (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Law
- Public Law
Mathematics and its Applications (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Applied Mathematics
Mental Health Research (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Health Sciences
Mind (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Psychology
Public Awareness of Science (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Administration
- Natural Sciences
Resource and Environmental Studies (Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Environmental Studies
- Leisure Studies
- Welfare and Protective Services
Science and Engineering Materials (Centre) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Materials Engineering
- Natural Sciences
Study of the Chinese Southern Diaspora (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Demography and Population
Sustainable Energy Systems (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Energy Engineering
Theoretical Physics (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Physics
Visual Sciences (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Natural Sciences
Women's Studies (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Women's Studies
Demographic and Social Research (Institute) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Demography and Population
Archaeology and Anthropology (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Development Studies
- Indigenous Studies
Art (School) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art History
- Ceramic Art
- Fine Arts
- Furniture Design
- Glass Art
- Painting and Drawing
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Textile Design
History (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- History
Literature, Languages and Linguistics (School) 10 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ancient Civilizations
- Applied Linguistics
- Classical Languages
- Cultural Studies
- English
- Film
- History
- Linguistics
- Modern Languages
- Theatre
Music (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Music
Philosophy (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Philosophy
Politics and International Relations (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Political Sciences
Sociology (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Sociology
Programs Offered
Australian National University's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping.
380 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Australia
Bachelor's Degree 55 programmes
Showing 10 of 55.
Honours Degree 57 programmes
Showing 10 of 57.
Master's Degree 199 programmes
Showing 10 of 199.
Doctorate 27 programmes
Showing 10 of 27.
Postgraduate Certificate 33 programmes
Showing 10 of 33.
Postgraduate Diploma 9 programmes
How to apply to Australian National University
The application path for Australian National University, in five steps.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Australian National University's catalogue includes 380 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Australian National University's admissions process.
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3
Get your documents ready
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
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4
Apply through the official channel
Submit your completed application through Australian National University's official website at www.anu.edu.au. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +61 (0)2 6125 5111. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Australian National University
A short Q&A covering Australian National University's essentials — founding, location, and structure.
How old is Australian National University?
The institution opened in 1946 (approximately 80 years ago).
Where is Australian National University located?
Australian National University is located in Canberra, Australia.
Is Australian National University public or private?
It is a public higher-education institution.
What is the student enrolment at Australian National University?
Student enrolment at Australian National University is around 15,000-19,999.
What is Australian National University's ranking?
Australian National University holds rank QS 2027 #29.
What qualification levels does Australian National University offer?
Programmes at Australian National University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is Australian National University's academic structure?
Australian National University is organised into 7 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Australian National University?
The institution holds recognition from Department of Education and Training of Australia.
Where can I learn more about Australian National University?
Australian National University's official website is www.anu.edu.au.
Members of Universities Australia
These universities are also members of Universities Australia.
Where Else to Study Social & Cultural Studies
These universities in Australia also offer Social & Cultural Studies programmes, alongside Australian National University.
Universities Compared with Australian National University
These universities are of a comparable scale to Australian National University.
Studying in Australia: guides and resources
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