Australia flag

Canberra, Australia

Australian National University

#34 QS World RankingPublicOceania

QS World Ranking

#34

Acceptance Rate

35%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$32,000

On-Campus Housing

Available

QS Best Student City

#27

Canberra

Application Deadline

October 31

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

25,000

students

International Students

30%

US % data not publicly reported

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

Australia's top-ranked university with unparalleled research output and government connections in Canberra.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#9Archaeology#14Politics & International Studies#17Earth & Marine Sciences#28Physics & Astronomy

Notes for US Students

Australia's only entirely postgraduate research university. Strong scholarships. Located in Canberra.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to Australian National University

Acceptance Rate

35%

Selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

October 31

Instruction Language

English

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$32,000

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply directly via ANU's online portal by December 15
  • SAT 1300+ or ACT 28+ (or competitive IB score)
  • GPA: 3.5+ recommended
  • IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80+ (English speakers typically exempt)
  • Personal statement for some programs
  • Portfolio required for Arts and Visual Communication programs

Class Size

Avg. Lecture200 students
Avg. Seminar20 students
Student : Faculty14:1

Academic Calendar

SystemSemester (2/yr)
Fall TermLate FebruaryEarly June
Spring TermLate JulyLate November
BreaksJun–Jul, Dec–Feb

Southern hemisphere: Semester 1 starts in February.

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$32,000 / year
Application Deadline
October 31
Application System
Direct
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
35%
QS Best Student City (Canberra)
#27 globally

Programs Offered

SciencesArts & HumanitiesLawEngineeringBusinessMedicine

Scholarships to Explore

  • ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship
  • ANU Merit Scholarship

Cost of Living — Canberra, Australia

Moderate Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$900/mo
Groceries & dining$350/mo
Transportation$80/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$200/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,530

vs. avg US college student

19% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Canberra is more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne. A safe, clean government city with a strong campus culture.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at Australian National University as a US Student

Australian National University is located in Canberra, Australia and is ranked #34in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Law, Engineering, Business, and more. Instruction is offered in English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$32,000 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 35%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of October 31. Scholarships available include the ANU Chancellor's International Scholarship.