Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) Humanities and Social Sciences Australia

Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) Humanities and Social Sciences — Australian National University

Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)Humanities and Social Sciences (CRICOS course code 103363E) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by Australian National University over 4 years. This elite program is designed for high-achieving students who want to pursue advanced research in humanities and social sciences at Australia's top-ranked university. As a CRICOS-registered course (00120C), it meets all requirements for international student enrolment under the ESOS Act. The program combines rigorous coursework with an extended research thesis, preparing graduates for PhD study or leadership roles in academia, policy, and beyond. The Australian National University, located in Canberra, ACT, is consistently ranked among the world's leading universities and offers a vibrant campus life with students from over 100 countries. This page provides detailed information about fees, entry requirements, duration, and the application process for international students. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

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Course overview

Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)Humanities and Social Sciences (CRICOS course code 103363E) is a Bachelor Honours Degree (AQF Level 8) delivered by Australian National University over 4 years (208 weeks). The course is classified under the field of education 090399 - Studies in Human Society, n.e.c., within the broader Society and Culture discipline. This intensive program is designed for intellectually curious students who want to delve deeply into the human experience, exploring topics such as sociology, anthropology, political science, philosophy, and history. As a research-intensive honours degree, it emphasizes critical thinking, analytical writing, and independent research. Graduates are well-prepared for doctoral studies or careers in research, government, non-profits, and international organizations. The Australian National University, CRICOS registered (00120C), is a government-funded institution renowned globally for its research output and academic excellence.

What you'll study

While the exact curriculum is set by Australian National University, Bachelor Honours Degrees at AQF Level 8 typically involve advanced coursework in the chosen field followed by a substantial research thesis. In the Humanities and Social Sciences, students engage with theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and contemporary debates. The program fosters skills in: analysing complex societal issues, conducting independent research, presenting evidence-based arguments, and communicating effectively across diverse audiences. The course content spans multiple disciplines within Studies in Human Society, allowing students to tailor their learning to their interests. Graduates emerge with a deep understanding of social structures, cultural dynamics, and human behaviour, making them valuable assets in any field that requires critical thinking and cultural awareness. Note that this is a single qualification — there is no dual degree or foundation studies component — and instruction is entirely in English.

Duration and study mode

The Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)Humanities and Social Sciences is a full-time, on-campus program with a duration of 4 years (208 weeks as recorded on the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English, and the course is a single qualification (no dual degree). Students are expected to commit to full-time study, which typically includes a mix of seminars, tutorials, and independent research. The extended duration (compared to a standard 3-year bachelor degree) reflects the honours-level research component. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The course is delivered only at the Australian National University campus in Canberra City West, ACT. There are no online or distance learning options for this program.

Fees

The indicative tuition fee for Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)Humanities and Social Sciences is A$221,530 for the full 4-year program. Non-tuition fees (such as student services and amenities) are estimated at A$1,492, bringing the total estimated cost to A$223,022. Please note: These figures are indicative only and are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Fees are set by Australian National University and may change. Always confirm the current fees directly with the university before applying. Additional costs not included in this estimate are: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) — approximately A$600–$1,200 per year depending on your policy; living expenses — around A$27,000 per year for a single student in Canberra (including rent, groceries, and transport); and the visa application charge for a Student visa (Subclass 500), currently A$1,600 (subject to change). For the most accurate and up-to-date fee information, visit the Australian National University website: http://www.anu.edu.au/.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for this Bachelor Honours Degree are set by Australian National University. As a general guide for international students, a minimum English language proficiency of IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall (with no band below 5.5-6.0) is typically required. Equivalent scores from other accepted English tests (TOEFL, PTE, etc.) may also be accepted. Applicants should hold a qualification equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in a related field, usually with a strong academic record (e.g., a GPA of 5.0/7.0 or higher). Some previous study in humanities or social sciences is generally expected. This course does not offer foundation or pathway options — you must meet direct entry requirements. However, Australian National University may offer other pathway programs (such as the ANU College Foundation Year) for students who do not meet the direct entry criteria. Always check the university's website for specific entry requirements, as they can vary by intake and are subject to change.

Work component

This course does not include a mandatory work component. There is no internship, placement, or work experience requirement as part of the program. However, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can undertake part-time work during their studies — up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled holidays. This work is not structured into the curriculum but can provide valuable professional experience and supplement living costs. Canberra offers a range of part-time job opportunities, particularly in retail, hospitality, and administrative roles. Students are advised to balance work with their academic commitments, as the honours program is intensive and requires significant independent study.

Delivery locations

The course is delivered at Australian National University — Canberra City West, ACT. Canberra is the capital city of Australia, located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). The city is home to approximately 470,000 people, with a large student population thanks to institutions like ANU, University of Canberra, and Australian Catholic University. There are 6 CRICOS-registered providers in the ACT offering courses to international students. Canberra is known for its high quality of life, safety, and strong public transport network. The ANU campus is centrally located, with easy access to buses and light rail. Indicative weekly living costs for a single student in Canberra: rent A$300–$500, groceries A$80–$150, and public transport A$40–$60. The city's cultural attractions, national institutions (Parliament House, National Gallery), and green spaces make it an ideal study environment.

Student visa

International students enrolling in this course must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to: be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course (which 103363E is), provide evidence of English language proficiency, demonstrate genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion, and maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. You must also show sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel. The Department of Home Affairs currently requires evidence of at least A$29,710 per year for living costs (from July 2025) plus OSHC. Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. All conditions are subject to change — always check the latest requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website. Note: HeadsTalk Academy is not a registered migration agent; for visa advice, consult a MARA-registered agent.

How to apply

Follow these three steps to apply for Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)Humanities and Social Sciences at Australian National University: 1) Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the official CRICOS register to filter by course level (Bachelor Honours Degree), field (Society and Culture), and location (ACT). Confirm the course code 103363E and provider ANU (00120C). 2) Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the Australian National University website (http://www.anu.edu.au/) and locate the admissions page for international students. Check entry requirements (academic qualifications, English test scores) and application deadlines. Submit your application with all required documents. 3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: If your application is successful, ANU will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. You'll need to provide evidence of OSHC, GTE, and financial capacity. For personalised visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent.

Ready to take the next step? Start your application today by visiting the Australian National University website or exploring more CRICOS-registered courses on HeadStart Academy.

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Source-backed course facts

Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)Humanities and Social Sciences is a CRICOS-registered programme at Australian National University. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.

CRICOS register extract

Course
Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)Humanities and Social Sciences
CRICOS course code
103363E
Provider
Australian National University (00120C)
Course level
Bachelor Honours Degree
Field of education
09 - Society and Culture
Duration
208 weeks
Tuition (indicative)
A$221,530
Estimated total (indicative)
A$223,022
Delivery locations
Canberra City West
Work component
No

This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Important notes for international students

  • Tuition and living-cost figures on this site are indicative only — confirm current fees with the provider before you accept an offer.
  • HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration advice. For Student visa (Subclass 500) rules, OSHC and financial capacity, verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent.
  • Only CRICOS-registered providers may enrol overseas students. Always check the CRICOS course and provider codes on your offer and Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

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Frequently Asked Questions

The indicative tuition fee for the full 4-year program is A$221,530, plus non-tuition fees estimated at A$1,492, totalling A$223,022. These are indicative figures sourced from the CRICOS register (April 2026) and are subject to change. Additional costs not included are OSHC (approx. A$600–$1,200 per year), living expenses (around A$27,000 per year), and visa application charges. Always check the university's website for current fees.
The program runs for 4 years (208 weeks) on a full-time basis. This is longer than a standard 3-year bachelor degree because it includes honours-level research and a thesis. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa conditions.
Typical entry requirements include a previous Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) in a related field with a strong academic record, and English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall (no band below 5.5-6.0). Equivalent English test scores are accepted. There are no foundation or pathway options for this direct entry program. Specific requirements are set by Australian National University and can vary by intake.
The course is delivered at Australian National University's main campus in Canberra City West, ACT. Canberra is Australia's capital, offering a safe, vibrant student environment with excellent public transport. The campus is centrally located, with easy access to accommodation, shops, and cultural institutions. All classes, seminars, and research activities take place on campus.
CRICOS lists estimated total fees of A$223,022 for Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)Humanities and Social Sciences (tuition A$221,530). Figures are indicative as at the April 2026 register snapshot — confirm current fees with Australian National University before applying.
The CRICOS course code is 103363E, offered by Australian National University (provider code 00120C). Use these codes when checking your offer and CoE.