Australian National University
Australia's national university in Canberra: research-led, compact, and strong in policy, science and Asia-Pacific.
- Students
- 17,380
- 10,252 undergraduates
- Tuition
- A$54,540
- From · 2027
- Founded
- 1946
- QS World Ranking
- #29
- 2027 edition
About ANU
The Australian National University was founded in 1946 by federal legislation as a national research institution in Canberra, the nation's capital. It remains research-heavy and relatively compact, with 10,252 undergraduates and 7,128 postgraduates. ANU lists six Nobel laureates connected with the university, most recently 2011 physics laureate Brian Schmidt, and it placed 29th in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
Teaching and research are organised into six academic colleges: Arts and Social Sciences; Asia and the Pacific; Business and Economics; Law, Governance and Policy; Science and Medicine; and Systems and Society, which houses engineering, computing and cybernetics. ANU is especially strong in public policy, international relations and Asia-Pacific studies, where its location next to Parliament and the public service gives students unusual access to internships and policy work. ANU is also the only Australian member of the International Alliance of Research Universities and describes itself as the most international university in the Group of Eight.
Undergraduates choose from about 50 single degrees or build a flexible double degree from roughly 600 combinations. Many first-years live on campus. ANU suits self-directed students who want small classes, research exposure and a quieter city than Sydney or Melbourne.
Naturam Primum Cognoscere Rerum
“First to learn the nature of things” — university motto
Why students choose ANU
Flexible double degrees let you combine almost any two ANU bachelor's degrees, with around 600 combinations available.
The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific and the Crawford School of Public Policy make ANU a leading place in Australia to study international affairs, Asian languages and policy.
ANU is the only Australian member of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), a network of research-intensive universities.
One ASA Early Entry application covers admission, scholarships and guaranteed accommodation for domestic school leavers, with early offers based on Year 11 results.
Admissions
Semester 1, 2027 entry (classes start 22 February 2027)
Selectivity
ANU does not publish an acceptance rate. Most programs publish a guaranteed selection rank, and applicants must have an unadjusted rank of at least 70 to be considered. Examples: Bachelor of Commerce 80, Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) 85, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) 97.
Typical entry requirements
| ATAR / ANU selection rank | Commerce 80, Advanced Computing (Hons) 85, Laws (Hons) 97 (guaranteed entry) |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma | Commerce 31, Advanced Computing (Hons) 33, Laws (Hons) 41 |
| GCE A-levels | Rank 80 = 13 points from best 3 subjects (A*=6, A=5, B=4...); rank 85 = 14; rank 97 = 17 |
| SAT with high school diploma | Rank 80 = SAT 1170; rank 85 = 1210; rank 90 = 1270; rank 97 = 1390 |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 · TOEFL iBT 81 Standard requirement: IELTS Academic 6.5 with 6.0 in each band (test-centre results only), or, for study starting on or after 1 January 2027, TOEFL iBT 81 (reading 16, writing 19, listening 16, speaking 19). For tests taken on or after 21 January 2026, only the TOEFL iBT Australia version is accepted. Some programs require IELTS 7.0. |
Deadlines
- ASA Early Entry: early offer acceptance deadline Non-binding Passed30 September 2026
For domestic applicants who received September early offers.
- UAC early-bird processing charge deadline Non-binding Passed30 September 2026
Domestic UAC applicants: submit and pay by this date for the A$82 processing charge; from 1 October 2026 it is about A$215.
- ASA Early Entry: change of preference closes Non-binding Next deadline · In 55 days30 November 2026
December round offers in late December 2026 use the better of your Year 11 rank and final ATAR.
- International applications, Semester 1 2027 Non-binding In ~2 months15 December 2026
Offer acceptance deadline is 15 January 2027 if overseas, or 31 January if in Australia.
- UAC final closing date, semester 1 2027 Non-binding In ~4 months5 February 2027
For domestic applicants who missed ASA Early Entry.
The ASA Early Entry application for 2027 opened 11 March 2026 and closed 8 May 2026; the Tuckwell Scholarship closed 10 April 2026. Programs with additional selection criteria have their own deadlines.
How to apply
Domestic Year 12 and IB (November) students could apply through the ANU ASA Early Entry application (closed 8 May 2026) and can still apply through UAC. International students apply directly to ANU online or through an education agent.
What admissions looks for
- A selection rank (ATAR or equivalent, plus adjustment factors) at or above the program's guaranteed entry rank.
- Program prerequisites and English language proficiency.
- For some programs, ANU may competitively rank applicants on specific academic achievement, English proficiency and diversity factors.
Tips for applying to ANU
- 1 Domestic students: apply to ASA Early Entry in March-May of Year 12. Early offers use Year 11 results, and one application covers admission, scholarships and accommodation.
- 2 Adjustment factors only apply if your selection rank is at least 70 before adjustments.
- 3 A-level applicants are scored on the better of their best 3 or best 4 subjects, and exams must generally be taken in the same academic year.
- 4 Check scholarship availability each cycle: the ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship page was marked 'currently unavailable' in September 2026.
Costs & financial aid
2027 · figures in AUD
Domestic students can defer contributions through HECS-HELP, and ASA Early Entry applicants are assessed for scholarships in the same application. The ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship has offered 25% (or 50% for some regions) tuition reductions to international students, but its page was marked 'currently unavailable' in September 2026.
- 25% or 50% of tuition
- ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship (when offered)
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Guaranteed entry at selection rank 97 (IB 41), usually taken as a flexible double degree in Canberra's legal and policy centre.
Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours)
Specialisations include Artificial Intelligence and Human-Centred and Creative Computing, taught in the College of Systems & Society alongside the School of Cybernetics.
Asia-Pacific studies and languages
The College of Asia & the Pacific houses the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs and the Australian Centre on China in the World.
Flexible Double Degree PhB (Advanced Arts, Social Sciences, Business & Science)
ANU's Bachelor of Philosophy (PhB) pathway, offered as a five-year flexible double degree (UAC code 138010).
Bachelor of Commerce
Guaranteed entry at selection rank 80, taught in the College of Business & Economics research schools of accounting, economics, finance and management.
Research
- ANU lists six Nobel laureates connected with the university, most recently Brian Schmidt (Physics, 2011).
- The College of Science & Medicine brings together the John Curtin School of Medical Research, the Research School of Astronomy & Astrophysics and research schools of biology, chemistry, earth sciences and physics.
- ANU policy scholars shaped major Australian policies, including Bruce Chapman's HECS income-contingent loan scheme and Ross Garnaut's Climate Change Review.
Schools & faculties
- ANU College of Arts & Social Sciences
- ANU College of Asia & the Pacific
- ANU College of Business & Economics
- ANU College of Law, Governance & Policy
- ANU College of Science & Medicine
- ANU College of Systems & Society
ANU describes itself as having the 'most employable graduates in Australia', citing ranking sources on its facts page.
Student life
ANU's campus is in Acton, next to Canberra's city centre. Many school leavers live in on-campus halls and residences, and the ASA Early Entry process guarantees accommodation to eligible applicants. The Kambri precinct is the student hub, with cafes, the cultural centre and student services around Sullivans Creek. Canberra is small, so social life revolves around halls, clubs and campus events more than in the big cities. ANU notes that commutes around Canberra by car, tram or bicycle are short.
- Guaranteed accommodation for eligible ASA Early Entry applicants.
- The Kambri precinct: student centre, cultural centre and food outlets at the heart of campus.
- Industry internships that ANU describes as unique to the national capital.
- Membership of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), as its only Australian member.
Housing. On-campus residential halls and apartments, with guaranteed accommodation for eligible ASA Early Entry applicants.
Location
Canberra is Australia's planned capital, home to Parliament House, the High Court and national institutions. ANU says 25% of people in the city speak a language other than English, Sydney is about a three-hour drive away, and the snow and the sea are each about two hours away. Commutes by car, tram or bicycle are short, and the pace is calmer than in Sydney or Melbourne.
Nearest airport: Canberra Airport (CBR)
Notable alumni
- KR Kevin Rudd26th Prime Minister of Australia
- SG Stephen GagelerJustice of the High Court of Australia
- MN Marty NatalegawaIndonesian Foreign Minister (2009-2014)
- MP Mari PangestuEconomist and World Bank managing director
- HG Hannah GadsbyComedian and writer
- RC Ronny ChiengComedian and actor
- PG Peter GarrettMusician, environmentalist and former politician
- ML Marcia LangtonAnthropologist and geographer
Frequently asked questions
What ATAR do you need for ANU?
Many programs publish a guaranteed selection rank: Commerce 80, Advanced Computing (Honours) 85 and Laws (Honours) 97. You need an unadjusted rank of at least 70 to be considered.
Does ANU accept the SAT?
Yes, alongside a senior secondary qualification such as a US high school diploma. An ANU rank of 80 corresponds to SAT 1170, 90 to SAT 1270 and 97 to SAT 1390.
When is the ANU international application deadline for 2027?
Applications for Semester 1, 2027 close on 15 December 2026, and classes start on 22 February 2027.
What is ANU's ASA Early Entry application?
A single application for domestic Year 12 and IB students covering admission, scholarships and accommodation. Early offers are based on Year 11 results. For 2027 entry it closed on 8 May 2026; later applicants apply through UAC.
How much does ANU cost for international students?
For 2027 the annual indicative fee is A$57,640 for the Bachelor of Commerce and the Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours), and A$54,540 for the Bachelor of Laws (Honours). Fees vary by program and are reviewed each year.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
Explore nearby in the world top 100
Universities ranked close to ANU in the QS World University Rankings 2027.