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AUSTRALIA · CANBERRA

University of Canberra

public · Founded 1967 · Languages: en

In short

The University of Canberra, located in Australia's capital, offers practical, industry-relevant degrees and boasts strong graduate employment outcomes. It provides a modern learning environment with excellent student support and ranks highly for reducing inequalities.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1967
Students: 17,000
International students: 5,000
Acceptance rate: 75%
Tuition (intl): €18–26k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Canberra, Australia

The University of Canberra (UC) is a public university located in Australia's capital, Canberra. Established in 1967, it became a university in 1990. UC offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees, focusing on practical skills relevant to a global workforce across faculties like Arts and Design, Business, Government and Law, Education, Health, and Science and Technology. UC stands out for its strong connections with industry, ensuring that its courses are current and meet employer needs. This emphasis on real-world application contributes to its recognition for graduate employment and skill development. The campus provides a modern learning environment that uses technology and innovative teaching methods. Beyond academics, UC supports a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, societies, and dedicated support services for both domestic and international students. Research at the University of Canberra addresses important global issues, with particular strengths in areas such as health, environmental science, governance, and communication. The university is committed to inclusivity and social responsibility, reflected in its global rankings for reducing inequalities. UC is also Canberra's only Adobe Creative Campus, providing students with access to leading creative software.

Why study here

Access to comprehensive undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees with a focus on practical, industry-relevant skills.
Benefit from strong industry connections that ensure curriculum relevance and enhance graduate employment prospects.
Study in a modern and supportive learning environment that integrates innovative teaching methodologies and technology.
Engage with a vibrant student life through various clubs, societies, and dedicated support services for international students.
Contribute to impactful research addressing global challenges in areas like health, environment, governance, and communication.
Utilize industry-standard creative tools as Canberra's only Adobe Creative Campus.

Student life

The University of Canberra offers a vibrant student life with numerous activities and support services. Students can engage with UCLifeX events, including O-Week, and participate in a variety of sports through UC Sport. On-campus facilities include a gym (UCFit), an on-campus bar (UC Bar), and a student lounge that hosts a Food Pantry. The Ann Harding Conference Centre hosts events, and UCLive! provides live music events. The campus also has a UCX shop for stationery, merchandise, and textbooks, and a post office. Extensive learning support services are available both online and face-to-face to help students achieve their academic goals.

Fees

InternationalInternational undergraduate tuition at the University of Canberra is typically around AUD 30,000-38,000 per year, while postgraduate coursework ranges from roughly AUD 32,000-40,000 per year, depending on the program.

HomeDomestic Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students pay reduced student contribution amounts set by the Australian Government; full-fee domestic places vary by course.

LivingStudents should budget for accommodation, food, utilities, and transport. On-campus accommodation starts from $162 AUD per week. Off-campus options range from $160 AUD per week for a share house room to $400-$500 AUD per week for a 2-3 bedroom house. Food and groceries typically cost $100-$150 AUD per week. Utilities range from $20-$50 AUD per week. Tertiary students are eligible for public transport concession cards, reducing trip costs to $1.61 AUD, capped at $4.80 AUD per day.

International students must also budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and meet the Australian student visa financial capacity requirements. Tuition is charged per unit, so the annual total depends on study load.

Admissions

Master of Business Administration (Shanghai)Bachelor qualification or equivalent in a related field; OR Bachelor qualification or equivalent in an unrelated field AND three years' work experience; OR Bachelor qualification or equivalent in an unrelated field AND Graduate Certificate in Business or higher.

Academic IELTS6.5 overall with no band score below 6.0 (for Master of Business Administration)

Rankings

GUG, 2025#1 in Canberra for graduate employment

GUG, 2025#1 in Canberra for skill development

THE Impact Rankings, 2024Top 10 globally for reducing inequalities

University scholarships

Snow Scholarship ProgramUp to $30,000 AUD per year for the duration of the degree

Accreditation

CRICOS 00212K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12003 (Australian University)

For international students

Australia

Student visa & funds

International students need the Student visa (subclass 500), which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a health and character check. Since May 2024 applicants must show financial capacity of at least AUD 29,710 for one year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and around AUD 2,500 for travel. Since March 2024 all applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test.

Working while you study

Student visa holders may work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session — a cap re-introduced in July 2023 — and unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Students enrolled in a master’s by research or a doctoral degree have no work-hour limit at any time. Work must not begin before the course start date.

After you graduate

Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) within six months of completing their studies. In the Post-Higher Education Work stream, bachelor’s and master’s (coursework) holders receive up to two years and master’s (research) or doctoral holders up to three years; regional study and the Australia–India trade agreement can add further time. The general age limit is under 35 at the time of application, rising to under 50 for research-degree holders.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; Group of Eight typically 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0
TOEFL iBT79–100; UG 79–90, PG 90–100
PTE Academic50–65; UG 58+, PG 65+

Main intakes

FebruaryJuly

Typical living cost

€1,600/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesDepartment of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500) · Study Australia — Student visa (subclass 500) work rights · Study Australia — Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) · IDP IELTS — Minimum IELTS scores for Australian universities · AECC — Cost of living in Australia for international students

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Canberra · Australia

Master of Business Administration

The University of Canberra's Master of Business Administration (MBA) is designed to equip you with advanced skills for executive and senior management roles, or to foster an entrepreneurial career. The program comprehensively covers key business administration areas including finance, marketing, economics, strategic processes, and people management. A significant component of the MBA is a research project of your choosing, allowing you to delve deeper into a specific area of interest. With a strong emphasis on Work Integrated Learning (WIL), you will gain practical experience and develop a global business perspective, preparing you to navigate complex legal, industrial, and cultural landscapes in an increasingly interconnected business world.

University of Canberra · Australia

Master of Physiotherapy

The Master of Physiotherapy at the University of Canberra is designed for individuals who already hold a health-related degree and wish to transition into a physiotherapy career. This intensive 2-year, full-time program allows you to build upon your existing qualifications and graduate faster than traditional pathways. It integrates comprehensive learning with practical experience to meet professional requirements and career aspirations. Throughout the course, you will develop a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and the principles of physiotherapy. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, equipping you to critically evaluate research and apply it to patient care. You will also hone essential communication skills and learn to assess, prevent, and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal, cardiothoracic, and neurological conditions, adhering to professional ethics and standards.

Scholarships

for Australia

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Australian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia Awards)

ASEAN-Australia Awards Scholarships

Open to citizens of eligible ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste) applying for a master's degree by coursework or research at an Australian university. Applicants need a strong academic record, leadership potential, relevant work experience and English proficiency, and must meet Australian visa and health requirements. Exact terms are set each cycle by the Australian Government.

Forrest Research Foundation (Minderoo Foundation)

Forrest Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowships

Open to early-career post-doctoral researchers of any nationality and from all academic disciplines. Applicants must be in the final year of their PhD or no more than two years past PhD completion at the time of taking up the fellowship, be proficient in English, and meet the employment-eligibility conditions of the host Western Australian university. Fellows must reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the full term and commit to mentoring Forrest Scholars, undertaking ambassadorial duties and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.

University of Melbourne

Hansen Scholarship at the University of Melbourne

Australian citizens, permanent residents or holders of an Australian temporary or permanent protection visa who are enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or IB programme, aged 16-20 at application, with a predicted ATAR of 90+ (or IB equivalent) and demonstrated financial hardship (e.g. a family receiving Centrelink benefits). Asylum seekers are eligible for full fee remission.

Australian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

Australia Awards Scholarships

Open to citizens of ~30+ eligible developing countries (mostly the Indo-Pacific), who are not married to/engaged to an Australian or NZ citizen, meet academic and English requirements, and commit to returning home for at least 2 years after study. Fields must align with the partner country's development priorities.

University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS)

For international students undertaking a postgraduate research degree (a master's by research or a PhD) at the University of Sydney. It covers tuition fees and a living-allowance stipend; applicants need a strong research background and a confirmed place and supervisor for their research project.

University of Melbourne (School of Computing and Information Systems)

University of Melbourne CIS PhD Scholarship

Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold a Master of Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, apply for the Doctor of Philosophy – Engineering and IT (Computing and Information Systems) programme (DR-PHILEIT), and demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and research potential. A research proposal, a personal statement, and a letter of support from the proposed PhD supervisor are required.

Frequently asked questions

What are the typical tuition fees for international students at the University of Canberra?

International undergraduate tuition at the University of Canberra generally ranges from AUD 30,000 to AUD 38,000 per year. Postgraduate coursework programs typically cost between AUD 32,000 and AUD 40,000 annually, depending on the specific program.

What are the estimated living costs for students in Canberra?

Students should budget for accommodation, food, utilities, and transport. On-campus accommodation starts around $162 AUD per week, while off-campus options vary. Food and groceries typically cost $100-$150 AUD per week, with utilities ranging from $20-$50 AUD weekly.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

For the Master of Business Administration program, international students generally need an Academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0. Specific requirements may vary by course, so it's best to check individual program details.

Does the University of Canberra offer scholarships for international students?

Yes, international students are automatically considered for scholarships upon application. The Snow Scholarship Program, for example, offers up to $30,000 AUD per year for undergraduate students aiming to support visionary leaders and innovators.

What makes the University of Canberra stand out for students?

The University of Canberra is recognized as #1 in Canberra for graduate employment and skill development. It also ranks among the top 10 globally for reducing inequalities and is Canberra's only Adobe Creative Campus.

Last updated 3 July 2026