Study in Canberra, Australia
Canberra is Australia's national capital and home to the country's highest-ranked university — the Australian National University (ANU), which sits at #30 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. The city is compact, safe, and purpose-built, with a population of approximately 470,000 and around 30,000 international students. Canberra ranks #32 in the QS Best Student Cities index and has the highest average income of any Australian city, reflecting its concentration of government, research, and policy institutions. The ANU campus is walking distance from the CBD, Parliament House, national museums, and foreign embassies — giving students unique access to internships in government, diplomacy, and public policy. Living costs sit between Adelaide and Melbourne: shared accommodation runs AUD $150–$220/week in suburbs like Belconnen and Bruce, with the city's free bus service (in the CBD zone) and light rail reducing transport costs significantly.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Next review: March 2027 · Let's Go Study Australia editorial team
Canberra — Livability & Outcomes Data
EIU Global Liveability Index 2025
#30 globallyOverall: 91.2/100
QS Best Student Cities 2026
#32 globallyGraduate Outcomes (QILT GOS 2024)
82.5%
Full-time employment
$75,000
Median salary (AUD)
88.2%
Employer satisfaction
Sources: EIU Global Liveability Index 2025, QS Best Student Cities 2026, QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024. Data is indicative and updated periodically — verify with official sources.
Universities in Canberra
QS World University Rankings
Why Canberra for International Students
Study Canberra — ACT Government
Services available online and through university-based support
Study Canberra is the ACT Government's international student initiative. While smaller in scale than Study Melbourne, it runs regular welcome events, job-readiness workshops, and social programs. Canberra's small size means the student community is tight-knit — ANU and UC both have active international student associations. ANU also operates one of Australia's most comprehensive on-campus residential college systems, with over 6,000 beds across multiple colleges.
- ✓ Welcome events for new international students
- ✓ Job-ready workshops and career development
- ✓ Social and cultural events program
- ✓ Safety resources and emergency support
- ✓ Accommodation search guidance
- ✓ Connect with student communities and clubs
Cost of Studying in Canberra
Tuition fees
Undergraduate
AUD $25,000–$47,000
per year
Postgraduate
AUD $24,000–$49,000
per year
VET / TAFE
AUD $5,000–$20,000
per year
Weekly living costs
| Expense | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Shared rental | $150/wk | $280/wk |
| Private rental | $300/wk | $480/wk |
| Groceries | $70/wk | $170/wk |
| Myki (public transport) | $/mo | $/mo |
| OSHC health cover | $50/mo | $120/mo |
A realistic monthly budget in shared accommodation is AUD $1,800–$2,800, excluding tuition. Canberra sits between Adelaide and Melbourne on living costs. The main saving is transport — free CBD buses and the compact city layout mean many students cycle or walk to campus, spending very little on commuting.
Rent by suburb
Acton / Turner
$200–$280/wk
Walking distance to ANU campus, adjacent to CBD and Lake Burley Griffin
Belconnen
$150–$210/wk
University of Canberra campus located here, bus to CBD in 25 min — large shopping centre and diverse dining
Bruce / Kaleen
$150–$200/wk
Near University of Canberra, bus to ANU in 20 min — quiet residential suburb popular with students
After Graduation — Can You Stay in Australia?
Most graduates qualify for a Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate). The length depends on your qualification level:
Bachelor degree
2 years
Master degree (coursework)
2 years
Master degree (research)
3 years
Doctoral degree
4 years
Regional study bonus
+0 years
Permanent residency routes
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
Points-tested, no employer or sponsor needed. Most successful applicants hold 85–95 points. Your Australian degree contributes 15–20 points.
Subclass 190 (ACT Nomination — Canberra Matrix)
The ACT uses the Canberra Matrix points system to rank 190 applicants. Points are awarded for ACT residency, study at an ACT institution, ACT employment, English proficiency, and partner skills. Graduates of ANU or UC who have been living and working in Canberra receive significant Canberra Matrix points. IT, healthcare, engineering, and accounting are priority fields. ACT nomination adds 5 points to your federal points test score.
Subclass 186 (Employer Nominated)
Requires an employer to sponsor you after 2+ years on a 482 visa. Canberra's government and public sector, defence contractors, and growing tech sector are sources of employer sponsorship — though the private sector is smaller than Sydney or Melbourne.
Let's Go Study Australia is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration assistance or migration advice as defined by the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Information on this website is general in nature. For advice about your specific visa situation, consult a registered migration agent at mara.gov.au or an Australian legal practitioner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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