Australian National University

Provider Overview

Australian National University (CRICOS provider code 00120C) is a government CRICOS-registered provider offering 420 active courses to international students. Founded in 1946, ANU is the only Australian university created by an act of federal Parliament and is consistently ranked among the world's top 50 universities. The university has a registered capacity of 10,000 international students, making it one of the largest providers in the ACT. ANU offers a comprehensive range of study options from diploma to doctoral level, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. As a government provider, ANU meets rigorous quality standards set by the Australian Government, and all its courses are fully accredited and listed on the CRICOS register. International students benefit from ESOS Act protections, including tuition fee protection and access to student support services. HeadStart Academy sources all data directly from the official CRICOS register, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness.

Provider Type: Government

In the CRICOS context, 'Government' means the institution is a public university, TAFE, or government school that is owned and operated by the state or federal government. For Australian National University, being a government provider indicates that it is a publicly funded university with a strong track record in teaching and research. Government providers are subject to strict regulatory oversight, including the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). This classification gives international students confidence in the quality and stability of their education. Unlike private providers, government universities often have larger campuses, extensive research facilities, and a broad range of student services. ANU, as a government institution, also benefits from significant public investment, which supports scholarships, infrastructure, and world-class faculty. All government CRICOS-registered providers must comply with the ESOS Act, ensuring your rights are protected throughout your studies.

Delivery Locations

Australian National University delivers courses across two primary locations in the Australian Capital Territory. The main campus is located in Canberra City West, ACT 2601, and the Mount Stromlo Observatory campus is in Weston Creek, ACT 2611. Both locations are within easy reach of Canberra's public transport network, including buses and light rail. Canberra is Australia's capital city with a population of over 450,000, including a large student community. The city offers a high standard of living with a relatively low cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne. Indicative weekly living costs for a student in Canberra are approximately $300-$500 for rent (shared accommodation), $100-$150 for groceries, and $30-$50 for public transport. With over 20 CRICOS-registered providers in the ACT, Canberra is a vibrant study destination. The ANU main campus is centrally located, providing easy access to the city's amenities, libraries, and cultural attractions. The Mount Stromlo Observatory is a world-renowned astronomical research facility, offering unique opportunities for science and engineering students.

Courses by Level

Australian National University offers courses across ten course levels on the CRICOS register, providing a pathway for every stage of your academic journey. These include Diploma, Bachelor Degree, Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework), Masters Degree (Extended), Masters Degree (Research), Doctoral Degree, and Non AQF Award. With 420 active courses, international students can choose from a wide range of disciplines. For undergraduate studies, ANU offers bachelor degrees and bachelor honours degrees in fields such as natural sciences, engineering, and society and culture. Postgraduate options include graduate certificates and diplomas for specialised skills, as well as coursework master's degrees for advanced knowledge in areas like management and commerce. Research students can pursue master's degrees by research or doctoral degrees in any of the university's eight fields of education. The Non AQF Award level includes foundation programs and other non-award courses that prepare students for higher education. All courses are CRICOS-registered, meaning they meet Australian quality standards and are eligible for student visa applications.

Fields of Education

Australian National University offers courses in eight broad fields of education as defined by the Australian Standard Classification of Education (ASCED). These are: Natural and Physical Sciences (01), Information Technology (02), Engineering and Related Technologies (03), Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies (05), Health (06), Management and Commerce (08), Society and Culture (09), and Mixed Field Programmes (12). This diverse range allows international students to pursue studies in cutting-edge scientific research, business and economics, social sciences, health professions, and more. ANU is particularly renowned for its strength in natural and physical sciences, with the Mount Stromlo Observatory supporting astronomy and astrophysics programs. In the field of society and culture, ANU offers degrees in law, politics, and international relations, leveraging its location in the capital. For those interested in management and commerce, the ANU College of Business and Economics is consistently ranked highly. All fields are covered by ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education and student support.

Student Visa Information

International students planning to study at Australian National University will need a Student visa (Subclass 500) for most CRICOS-registered courses. The visa application process requires you to meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, demonstrate English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic), and show proof of financial capacity to cover tuition fees, living costs, and travel expenses. You must also obtain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application on its merits; meeting the requirements does not guarantee visa approval. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered MARA migration agent for personalised advice. For detailed guidance, see our Student visa (Subclass 500) page. All CRICOS-registered courses at ANU are eligible for student visa applications, and the university's International Student Services team can assist with the process. Remember that ANU, as a government provider, complies with all visa-related regulations, ensuring a smooth enrolment and visa process.

How to Apply to Australian National University

Applying to Australian National University as an international student involves three key steps. First, research CRICOS-registered providers on HeadStart Academy by filtering by course level, field of study, and city. Identify the ANU course that matches your academic goals and check entry requirements, including English language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE) and academic prerequisites. Second, apply directly to Australian National University through its online application portal. Submit your academic transcripts, English test results, and any other required documents before the application deadline. ANU offers multiple intake periods, typically in February and July, so plan accordingly. Third, upon acceptance, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from ANU. Use this CoE to apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500) through the Department of Home Affairs. This 3-step process ensures you are on the right track to studying at ANU. Remember to apply early, as popular courses fill quickly.

Studying in Canberra

Canberra is a purpose-built capital city with a high standard of living and a strong focus on education and research. The city is home to over 20 CRICOS-registered providers, including two major universities, and has a student population of tens of thousands. Living costs in Canberra are moderate compared to Sydney and Melbourne; indicative weekly expenses include rent ($300-$500 for shared accommodation), groceries ($100-$150), and public transport ($30-$50). The city is known for its safe neighbourhoods, excellent public services, and vibrant cultural scene. ANU's main campus in Canberra City West is well-served by bus and light rail, making it easy to commute from surrounding suburbs. The Mount Stromlo Observatory campus offers a unique environment for astronomy and space science students. International students at ANU enjoy access to support services, including orientation programs, academic advising, and career counselling. With a strong job market for graduates and a high quality of life, Canberra is an excellent choice for international students.

CRICOS Verification

Always verify an institution's CRICOS registration status before applying. Australian National University's CRICOS provider code is 00120C, and its registration can be confirmed on the official CRICOS register at cricos.teqsa.gov.au. All data on this page is sourced from the CRICOS register as at 1 April 2026. HeadStart Academy is a free resource that provides accurate, up-to-date information to help you make informed decisions. We do not charge referral fees or receive commissions from any provider. Remember that only CRICOS-registered providers can lawfully enrol international students in Australia. Additionally, all CRICOS-registered courses are protected under the ESOS Act, which safeguards your tuition fees and ensures you receive the education you are entitled to. If you have any doubts about a provider's status, always check the CRICOS register directly.

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