Living in the ACT
Australia's capital is home to just a handful of universities scattered in and around the city centre. This limited choice of providers does not reflect the breadth of course offerings, with a selection that rivals any of the bigger states. Interstate students should feel at home amongst the city's diverse and largely imported population. Like its politicians and public servants, a significant proportion of Canberra's student body hails from outside the ACT.
What does the ACT have to offer?
Where can you study?
Number of universities: 5
Other higher education providers: 3
The ACT's student population is around 27,000. Of these, around 25 per cent of students are from interstate and a further 23 per cent are international students (DEEWR, 2008).
Your study options
As the nation's capital it's not surprising the ACT offers study options in international relations, public policy and defence. There's a good range of undergraduate courses across all fields of study, from the traditional sciences to specialties like aviation and sports management.
Student life
Canberra is a friendly, liveable city within easy reach of the mountains, the coast and the bustling metropolis of Sydney. The seat of government and home to much of Australia's public service, it boasts the sophistication and cultural variety of bigger cities with a relaxed pace. As you would expect from the nation's capital, Canberra is chock full of museums, monuments and memorials including Parliament House, the War Memorial, Questacon and the National Gallery.
For those seeking less intellectual pursuits there are a wide range of sporting and leisure activities. Canberrans are passionate rugby fans and turn out in droves to support local teams, the Canberra Raiders and ACT Brumbies. Amateur sporting clubs of all kinds run weekend competitions and the peaceful surrounds of Lake Burley Griffin are a popular place for students to enjoy some time out from study. While the nightlife may not be quite as pumping as in Sydney or Melbourne there are plenty of venues catering for party animals and live music fans. Annual events such as the National Folk Festival and Summernats car show draw visitors from around Australia. For shopping on a student budget try the city's produce markets or factory outlets in nearby Fyshwick.
Living in Canberra |
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For an idea of the cost of living at an individual campus, do an institution search.
Housing
Two-bedroom flat weekly median rental price: The student rental market is very competitive. Visit your university housing service for referrals or advice. Figures presented here are intended as a guide only. Prices vary within and between suburbs. Source: REIA.
Transport
Climate |
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