Studying in the ACT

Canberra is Australia’s capital and a unique proposition: a purpose built, planned city established in 1911 for the newly federated country. About 3.5 hours drive from Sydney, Canberra enjoys the amenities and attractions of larger cities such as restaurants, clubs, theatres, art galleries and museums – minus the traffic and pollution problems! The capital’s developed network of cycle paths encourages cheap and convenient transport; its evocative array of  historical sites and national monuments remind visitors that this is an Australian city like no other.

In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), overseas students have the choice of two main tertiary institutions: the Australian National University (ANU) in Acton and the University of Canberra (UC) in Bruce. Both attract students interested in the pursuits of research, applied research and international strategic studies.

The Australian National University, established in 1946, is a model of the city’s visitor-friendly lifestyle; only a brisk walk or bike-ride away from the centre of the city, this institution specialises in courses on international relations, economics, environmental science, and the fine arts. The campus also boasts a world-renowned faculty in Southeast Asian Studies catering to individuals keen to investigate the languages and cultures of the region.

ANU offers friendly advice and assistance on topics such as tuition, accommodation, pre-departure services and host country orientation and support – everything, in short, to make your education and stay a rewarding experience. Many students find the comfortable on-campus accommodation  to be the ideal way to further their mutual exchange with Australian and other international students.

Similarly, the University of Canberra – a large, multi-disciplinary institution offering courses in over 100 disciplines ranging from architecture and design to medical laboratory science and computer engineering – welcomes study abroad students with a host of unique programs. Such students can go on surfing trips on idyllic white beaches; bushwalking in the coastal wilderness at the south coast; and marvel at dolphins and other marine life in Australian waters.

For overseas students seeking alternative pathways to the mainstream campus programs, the ANU College and UC College, which are both on campus, provides the flexible solution..
 
The ACT and Canberra in particular couples the Australian identity with a modern lifestyle ethic that embraces variety and efficiency. These strong traits are transferred to the free-spirited student lifestyle and excellent educational standards of its institutions, making the ACT a first-rate choice for overseas students.