ANU Cost of Living · Fees, Accommodation, and Expenses in Canberra

Canberra is more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne for students, but costs are not negligible. This article provides a detailed budget breakdown for ANU students. All figures in Australian dollars (AUD).

Tuition Fees (2026)

International Undergraduate Students

• Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences: $43,000–$45,000
• Business, Commerce, Economics: $45,000–$48,000
• Law (LLB): $48,000–$50,000
• Science: $47,000–$50,000
• Engineering, Computing: $49,000–$52,000
• Medicine (MChD): Approx. $75,000–$80,000

Range reflects variation by specific program. Check ANU Programs and Courses for exact fees.

Domestic Students (Commonwealth Supported Places)

Domestic undergraduate students pay student contribution amounts, which vary by discipline band:

• Band 1 (humanities, law, commerce): ~$4,000–$12,000/year
• Band 2 (science, health, engineering): ~$9,000–$12,000/year
• Band 3 (medicine): ~$12,000/year

HELP loans (HECS-HELP) cover the student contribution. No upfront payment required for domestic students.

Accommodation Costs

On-Campus (Residential Colleges and Halls)

• Catered colleges (Burgmann, John XXIII, Ursula Hall): $400–$550 · Room + 3 meals/day + utilities
• Self-catered halls (Burton & Garran, Fenner, Wamburun): $250–$400 · Room + utilities (kitchen shared)
• UniLodge @ ANU: $280–$450 · Room + utilities + facilities
• Davey Lodge / Lena Karmel Lodge: $280–$420 · Room + utilities + facilities

Off-Campus Shared Housing

• Room in shared house (near campus: Turner, Braddon, Acton): $220–$320/week
• Room in shared house (further out: Belconnen, Gungahlin): $180–$250/week
• One-bedroom apartment (near campus): $380–$500/week

Living Expenses (Weekly Budget)

• Accommodation (see above): $250–$500
• Food (if self-catered): $80–$150
• Utilities (electricity, gas, internet): $30–$50
• Transport: $20–$40
• Phone plan: $10–$25
• Entertainment, social: $50–$100
• Health insurance (OSHC for international students): $10–$15

Total weekly budget (self-catered, shared housing): ~$450–$650 Total weekly budget (catered college): ~$500–$700 Annual total (40 weeks academic year): ~A$18,000–$28,000 in living costs

Hidden Costs to Budget For

• Textbooks and course materials: $500–$1,000/year (varies by program; science/medical textbooks are more expensive)
• Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF): ~$350/year
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): ~$600–$800/year (mandatory for international students; ANU preferred provider: Allianz)
• Lab coat, safety equipment: ~$100 (one-off, for science/medical students)
• Printing and photocopying: ~$50–$100/semester

Canberra-Specific Savings

Canberra has several student-friendly cost advantages:

• Free city bus (during the day): Transport Canberra operates a free city loop bus
• Student concession on public transport: 50% off MyWay fares (domestic students only; international students may not qualify for concessions in ACT)
• National institutions are free: National Gallery, National Museum, National Library, Parliament House — all free admission
• Cheaper eating out than Sydney/Melbourne: Typical student meal $12–$18 in Canberra vs $15–$22 in Sydney
• Flatter rental market: Canberra rental yields are lower than Sydney/Melbourne, translating to more affordable share housing near campus