Thank you for considering the University of Canberra, situated in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). On this page you will find some useful information about Australia, Canberra and the ACT.
International students should visit the Study in Australia website. This is the official Australian Government site about studying in Australia. It will give you up-to-date facts about living costs, money matters and other important information. This site is available in several languages other than English.
About Australia
Australia is the world's smallest continent and the world’s largest island.
The Australian population of some 21.5 million is made up of people from more than 90 different countries. They form a harmonious multicultural society which reflects the influences of many different cultures.
The capital city and seat of its national government is Canberra, home to many international Embassies and large corporate and public service headquarters. It has a population of some 325,000 which makes it small enough to be relaxed and sociable, yet it offers all the facilities and cosmopolitan lifestyle of a much larger city. It is located in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), approximately midway between Australia’s two largest cities Sydney and Melbourne.
Cost of Living
The cost of living for international students is significantly lower in Australia than in countries like the USA and the UK. The average cost per year in Australia is AUD$9,306 compared to the US ($12,861) and the UK ($12,768). This figure includes accommodation, food, transport, clothing, fuel, power, telephone and entertainment. See the Study in Australia Study Costs pages for up-to-date information.
The Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs advises students to allow $A12, 000 per year (2008 figures).
Canberra
You’ll enjoy the Canberra lifestyle
Its ethnic diversity is reflected in its multicultural dining options, vibrant nightlife, fashionable cafés, bars and clubs. The name Canberra means ‘Meeting Place’ in the local Ngunnawal Aboriginal language.
The University of Canberra contributes to a considerable social calendar by hosting StoneFest, the country’s largest campus based music festival held each November to commemorate the unveiling of the University’s foundation stone.
Canberra is well planned and easy to get around – locals call it ‘the 20 minute city’ because nothing is very far away. It is built round beautiful Lake Burley Griffin and surrounded by parks and reserves. You’ll find it’s a friendly place offering a wide range of amenities and attractions. There are excellent entertainment and sporting venues, schools and hospitals, great shopping, affordable public transport and much less traffic than other Australian cities.
Canberra offers four distinct seasons. It’s hot in summer and cold in winter. Many avenues of trees put on a spectacular show as their leaves turn gold and red in autumn, in spring the gardens are a blaze of colour. The countryside around the capital is perfect for outdoor activities such as bushwalking, horse riding, cycling or camping. In winter the snow and ski fields of the Snowy Mountains and the Kosciusko National Park are just a couple of hours drive away as are the white sand beaches of the New South Wales South Coast, with their superb swimming, surfing, diving and fishing in summer. If you’re feeling adventurous you can try drifting serenely above Canberra in a colourful Hot Air Balloon.
Religious Communities
Canberra is the home of many different religious communities. There is a mosque, a Hindu temple, a synagogue and several Buddhist centres as well as Christian churches of many denominations. The chaplains at the UC Spiritual Meeting Place can give you more information.
Getting Around
Canberra is very easy to navigate by car, bus or taxi. Coach services are also available to the snowfields, the beaches, Sydney or Melbourne. The city of Sydney is three and a half hours by car or bus and 50 minutes by air.
On-line guides to Canberra
For more information about shopping, food, entertainment and various attractions in the region please visit
Live In Canberra and
We look forward to seeing you soon!
