ANU Academic Programs · Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees

The Australian National University (ANU) offers over 300 academic programs across seven academic colleges. It is known for its flexible degree structure — particularly the widely emulated Flexible Double Degree program — and its research-intensive curriculum at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

Academic Structure

ANU is organised into seven academic colleges:

  1. College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) — Humanities, social sciences, arts
  2. College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP) — Asian studies, Pacific studies, international relations, strategic studies
  3. College of Business and Economics (CBE) — Commerce, economics, finance, actuarial studies
  4. College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics (CECC) — Engineering, computer science, cybernetics
  5. College of Law — Undergraduate LLB (Hons), Juris Doctor, postgraduate law
  6. College of Health and Medicine — Medicine, health sciences, psychology, population health
  7. College of Science — Physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, environment

Undergraduate Programs

Single Degrees

Standard 3-year bachelor degrees (4 years for honours, engineering, law). Most ANU degrees include a compulsory research component in the final year.

Flexible Double Degrees

ANU’s signature offering: combine any two undergraduate degrees into a single program. Over 750 possible combinations. Duration: typically 4 years (some combinations 5 years). Example: Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of International Relations.

Vertical Double Degrees

Bachelor + Master combined in a single program. Bachelor of Philosophy (PhB) + Master degrees are common. Duration: 4–5 years.

Honours

Available as an embedded 4th year in most bachelor degrees, or as a standalone 1-year Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) or Bachelor of [Discipline] (Honours). ANU has a strong Honours culture — it’s the standard pathway to PhD admission.

Postgraduate Programs

Coursework Masters

  • Master degrees (1–2 years): Advanced professional training + capstone research
  • Graduate Diplomas / Certificates (6 months–1 year): Specialised short qualifications

Research Degrees

  • PhD: 3–4 years of original research under supervision
  • MPhil (Master of Philosophy): 1–2 years research training degree (pathway to PhD or standalone)

Entry Requirements

Domestic Students

  • ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) — varies by program
  • Typical ATAR cutoffs: 80–98 depending on program
  • Bonus points for relevant subjects (maths, science, languages)

International Students

  • Country-specific academic requirements (A-Level, IB, Gaokao, SAT/AP, etc.)
  • English language: IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or equivalent. Higher for Law (IELTS 7.0) and Medicine.
  • Foundation programs available for students who don’t meet direct entry

Key Dates

  • Semester 1 intake: Applications close December (international), January (domestic)
  • Semester 2 intake: Limited programs available; applications close May
  • Direct applications: Through the ANU Admissions Office (not through UAC for ANU-specific programs)