Australian Capital Territory

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is home to one major city - Canberra - a young, vibrant community that embraces diversity. As Australia's capital, Canberra is home to some of the country’s preeminent educational and cultural institutions. 

Study in Australia’s capital city and you’ll feel welcome, included and safe. You’ll love the beautiful natural environment. You’ll enjoy a high standard of living and experience a diverse, exciting culture all year round.

Canberra thrives on knowledge

Canberra attracts the best and brightest minds through a culture of innovation and creativity. Canberrans have made outstanding achievements in science, research, education and business.

The city values education deeply. More than half of Canberra’s population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher. Students are surrounded by decision-makers, innovative thinkers, leaders and Nobel Prize winners. They learn from award-winning artists, researchers and business entrepreneurs.

Collectively, Canberra’s five leading universities and TAFE offer thousands of courses. It’s home to Australia’s top-ranked university. The city’s universities all rank in the top 4% in the world.

You'll feel welcome in Canberra

Canberra is culturally diverse. Nearly 20,000 international students from over 100 countries typically choose to study there. It is home to more than 100 embassies and diplomatic missions. A quarter of Canberra’s population was born overseas.

Make friends and ease into campus life during Orientation Week. There’s ongoing settlement support and Canberra’s educational institutions work hard to create a community where everyone can belong.

Study Canberra also provides support and information to international students, helping them to have the best possible time while studying and living in the capital.

Guaranteed accommodation

Canberra’s major universities offer new undergraduates guaranteed accommodation on campus. It’s clean, safe and close to everything you need.

Affordable and accessible

Canberra is one of the most liveable cities in the world. Everything you need is close by, so it’s easy to get around. Public transport is affordable: students get discounts on bus and light rail networks. The city is built for cycling, with more than 400km of cycle paths across the capital.

Your budget goes further in Canberra: the cost of living is lower than in many other Australian cities.

Rewarding employment opportunities

Canberra's graduates have strong job opportunities:

• The average income is consistently the highest in Australia
• The city has the country’s highest employment rate
• Canberra’s tertiary education and training sector supports more than 20,000 jobs

Eligible international students can access an extra year of post-study work rights. There are strong opportunities for internships and work experience in public and private organisations. And it’s easy to find part-time employment while you study in Canberra.

Canberra is more than the nation's capital

Canberra’s cultural calendar offers world-class concerts, exhibitions, festivals and sporting events.

Explore national galleries and museums, the science centre or even the NASA Deep Space Tracking Station just minutes from Canberra’s outskirts.

Dine at an award-winning restaurant or at popular food truck and cafes in the city.

There’s an array of Canberra region wine and beer and international food on offer. The city is proud of the international awards it has won for its coffee.

It’s an easy day trip to Sydney, or to some of Australia’s best ski-fields and pristine beaches. Or stay home and enjoy Canberra’s parklands, nature reserves, lakes and hills. Even in winter, the skies are clear and sunny.

There’s a lot to love about living in Canberra.

If you're interested in studying and living in Canberra, visit the Study Canberra website for more information.