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

Students often praise ANU’s facilities and its research strength, 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.