Two of the most prestigious universities in the land down under, choosing when it comes to ANU vs UNSW can be quite a quandary for prospective students. The Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) based primarily out of Sydney are titans when it comes to higher education in Australia. They are globally renowned for their top notch academic and research facilities, interdisciplinary approaches to learning, and cultures of entrepreneurship and innovation.
While one cannot go wrong in deciding between UNSW vs ANU, knowing the similarities and differences will give you insights into how these two universities stand apart – whether it is academics, campus culture or employment opportunities.
Overview of ANU and UNSW
Both the Australian National University and the University of New South Wales are among the top 10 institutions for higher education in Australia. ANU is located in Canberra, the Australian capital, while the main campus of UNSW is located in Sydney, one of the largest and most densely populated cities in Australia. UNSW also has a campus in Canberra that offers a few select programs.
Besides their location, another thing that sets them apart is their academic reputation. ANU is internationally renowned for social sciences, humanities, health care, and business, while UNSW has made a name for itself when it comes to STEM subjects.
As you consider two of the best universities in the land down under, it is important to remember that your choice will ultimately depend on your individual needs, goals, interests, and preferences.
Brief History and Background
Australian National University [ANU]
Located in the national capital, Canberra, Australian National University, more popularly known as ANU, is a public research university. Set up in 1946 by the Parliament of Australia, its main campus is located in Acton, a suburb of Canberra. ANU is one of the top universities in the world, a member of the Group of Eight, and known for a variety of disciplines, including science, technology, social sciences, humanities and arts.
In addition to the Acton campus, the university also has
- Kioloa Coastal campus
- Mount Stromlo Observatory
- North Australian Research Unit (NARU), about 15 km from Darwin
- Siding Spring Observatory (SSO) and
- Spring Valley Farm
ANU ranks 30th in the world and 4th in the country according to QS World University Rankings 2025 and 73rd in the world according to the Times Higher Education rankings 2025. In addition, the university ranks 8th in the world for Politics and 25th for law and legal studies.
University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales or UNSW is also a public research university that is based primarily out of Sydney, New South Wales in Australia. Since its foundation in 1949, UNSW Sydney has grown to become one of the premier universities in the world, particularly for the study of science, technology and engineering.
UNSW’s campus locations are –
- Main Kensington campus, 12 km from Sydney CBD
- The Paddington campus, which houses UNSW Art and Design
- UNSW Canberra, located at the Australian Defense Force Academy
A world leader in engineering, technology and healthcare programs, UNSW ranks 19th in the world, and 3rd in the country according to QS WUR 2025 and 83rd in the world according to THE. The university ranks 3rd in the world for mineral engineering, 10th for petroleum engineering and 31st overall for engineering and technology.
Key Statistics and Rankings
Here is a table comparing the key stats and ranks when it comes to Australian National University vs University of NSW.
| ANU | UNSW | |
| Main Campus | Acton, Canberra | Kensington, Sydney |
| Motto in English | “First to learn the nature of things” | “Knowledge by Heart, Hand and Mind” |
| Mascot | The Owl | Clancy, the Lion |
| THE World Rank 2025 | 73 | 83 |
| QS World University Rank 2025 | 30 | 19 |
| Undergraduate Student Body | 10,252 | 37,200+ |
| Graduate Student Body | 7,128 | 20,900 |
| % of International Enrollment | ~ 29% | ~41% |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | 11:1 | 22:1 |
| Number of Undergraduate Programs | 50 single degrees, over 600 flexible double degrees | 160+ |
| Number of Graduate Programs | 160+ | 200+ |
| Endowment | Over $340 million | Over $230 million |
| Number of Clubs and Student Organizations | 110+ | 330+ |
UNSW vs ANU: Academic Comparison
One of the primary parameters to consider when researching Australian National University vs. UNSW is academics. At the outset, there is no doubt that both UNSW and ANU are top-notch universities known for their state-of-the-art facilities, world-class faculty, and research infrastructure. They are both large, multidisciplinary universities, each with its niche areas of specialisation.
In this section, we look at both ANU and UNSW to analyse their undergraduate and graduate courses, choices and flexibility, ranking, degrees and class sizes, academic calendars, and research facilities, all of which can become important factors in deciding between the two universities.
Undergraduate Programs
Program Options: Both ANU and UNSW are comprehensive universities offering a wide range of programs to their students, across disciplines. ANU has over 50 single degrees and over 600 double degree options, while UNSW allows you to choose from over 160 options for undergraduate study.
Both universities have the option of double degrees (two undergraduate specialisations) and integrated degrees (a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in the same field).
Ranking and Reputation: Both UNSW and ANU are Tier 1 universities, among the top 10 in Australia, along with
- University of Melbourne
- University of Sydney
- Monash University
- University of Queensland
- University of Western Australia
- University of Adelaide and
- University of Technology Sydney and
- RMIT
On a global scale, QS World University Rankings 2025 places UNSW in the 19th spot while ANU ranks 30th.They are both prestigious universities and globally renowned. That said, for a prospective student, the overall standing of the university should not be as important as how departments perform and their subject rankings.
In that regard, it is clear that ANU has a better academic reputation for humanities, social sciences and arts programs while UNSW has some of the finest science, engineering, and technology programs in the world.
Eligibility criteria and Standardised test scores: Both ANU and UNSW have a set of general university-level admissions and specific requirements for a course. The general entry requirements are –
- Be at least 16 years of age on the program start date
- Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent. This includes Australian Year 12, New Zealand level 3, International Baccalaureate, and International high school/ secondary schooling, depending on countries. Meet the minimum English language requirements.
- Some programs might also require you to pass a course-specific entrance exam.
The standard minimum ATAR requirement to get into ANU is 80. However, depending on the popularity/ ranking of a program, competitive ATAR scores can be as high as 98. Considering how competitive ANU can be, meeting entry requirements does not guarantee admission. The minimum ATAR requirement at UNSW varies depending on your program choice. The competitive ATAR score at UNSW to get into a BA/ Law program is around 86.
ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank. It is a number between 0 and 99.95 that indicates your position in your year group. Essentially, it is a percentile position for those completing high school in the same year. For example, if you have an ATAR score of 80, it means that you are in the top 20%.
Both ANU and the University of New South Wales offer pathways for those who do not meet the eligibility criteria. In addition to traditional degrees, both universities offer foundation programs, diploma programs, and Master’s qualifying programs.
Australian students can apply through VTAC, while international students typically use the university’s online application system.
Core Curriculum: Unlike American universities, most Australian universities do not have a core curriculum or a mandatory component for general education. The core component varies with the discipline of your choice to ensure the fundamental modules are covered.
Class Sizes: At UNSW, a lecture can have anywhere between 20 and 150 students while typical tutorials have no more than 30 students. Their student ratio to faculty is typical of a public university with about 22 students per faculty member. In contrast, ANU has a reputation for smaller classes and also has a lower student to faculty ratio, averaging at about 11:1.
Top Majors:
| Australian National University | University of New South Wales |
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Graduate Programs
Graduate Program Options: If you are looking at the number of options, UNSW has more master’s and doctoral programs when compared to ANU. UNSW has over 200 programs to choose from, while ANU has over 160. As mentioned earlier, ANU has a global reputation for business, social sciences, humanities and arts programs, while UNSW is generally better known for STEM. Both universities also have top-notch graduate-level programs in law and medicine. ANU is the only Australian university offering a postgraduate degree in nuclear science.
In terms of the level, both universities offer
- Graduate certificate programs
- Graduate diploma programs
- Masters by coursework
- Masters by research
- Doctoral program
If you are looking at the graduate student body, UNSW is bigger than that of ANU. UNSW has about 20,900 master’s and doctoral students while ANU has over 7,128 grad students.
Like UK universities, Australian universities also differentiate between MSc and MRes programs. While a master’s degree typically means an MSc or MS (or any taught programs), UNSW has a few options should you want to graduate with a research master’s and gain an MRes qualification. In most cases, an MRes typically is a precursor to a PhD. At ANU, research is integrated into almost all master’s programs. The university also offers MPhil degrees.
College Admissions: The minimum admission criteria in both universities include
- A valid baccalaureate degree and transcripts from a recognised university (Minimum GPA varies with departments). Unlike the United States, Australian universities also accept 3-year bachelor’s degrees for most of their programs.
- A strong application form
- A well-written Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Relevant work experience (for some courses),
- Letters of recommendation (LORs)
- English proficiency test scores like IELTS or TOEFL (for international students).
- Standardized tests like the GRE are not mandatory in both ANU and UNSW. Both universities also have a GRE waiver. There are some specific programs that might require you to submit a GRE score. That said, GMAT is required for applying to MBA programs.
Top Graduate Programs
| ANU | UNSW |
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Overall and Subject Rankings
| Australian National University | University of New South Wales |
| Times Higher Education WUR 2025: 73 | Times Higher Education WUR 2025: 83 |
| QS WUR 2025: 30 | QS WUR 2025: 19 |
| Subject and Other Ranking (QS Subject Rankings 2023 – 24) | |
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From the table, it is clear that both schools are consistent, among the top 10, and have their general areas of expertise. When comparing such top universities, it is important to look at other other factors such as location, campus life, student experience, the cost of tuition, specific programs, course curriculum and so on. Ultimately, the decision should rest on individual preferences and what best aligns with your career goals.
Constituent Schools
Australian National University (ANU) has seven academic colleges that are composed of a number of schools and research.
- College of Arts and Social Sciences
- College of Asia and the Pacific
- College of Business and Economics
- College of Law, Governance and Policy
- College of Science and Medicine
- College of Systems and Society
University of New South Wales has the following faculties, which are further divided into schools and departments
- Arts, Design and Architecture
- Business School
- Engineering
- Law and Justice
- Medicine and Health
- Science
- UNSW Canberra which has the following departments
- School of Business
- School of Engineering & Technology
- School of Humanities & Social Sciences
- School of Science
- School of Systems & Computing
- Canberra School of Professional Studies
Research Opportunities
Both UNSW and ANU are members of Group of Eight, an association of the top tier research intensive universities in Australia. They are both known for their multidisciplinary research facilities, state of the art infrastructure, research excellence and impact.
Australian National University enables an environment of research and innovation that will have a meaningful impact on the challenges faced by the world today. The eight critical focus areas of research at ANU are –
- Biodiversity, food systems and water supply
- Climate change, resilience and energy transition
- Cultural Life of the Nation
- Defense, national security and sovereignty
- Economic progress and policy innovation
- Institutions, governance and democratic renewal
- Social Implications of Disruptive Technologies
- Health and Wellbeing
Some of their top research initiatives include InSpace, Agrifood Innovation Institute, Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions (ICEDS), Sustainable Farms, Tech Policy Design Centre, Institute for Water Futures (IWF), Zero Carbon Energy for the Asia-Pacific Initiative (ZCEAP), ANU Integrated AI Network and many others. The university has also partnered with numerous organisations and institutions, including the government, across a range of sectors to solve industry challenges and create new opportunities.
Similarly, UNSW is also a highly research-intensive university, ranking 2nd in the country for the Australian Research Council (ARC) 2025 Discovery Projects. The university has been awarded over $41 million in grants that will support fundamental research across a diverse range of areas. The key areas of research strength at UNSW include –
- Biomedical Sciences
- Water, Climate, Environment and Sustainability
- Next-Generation Materials and Technologies
- Social Policy, Government and Health
- ICT, Robotics and Devices
- Law, Business and Economics
- Fundamental and Enabling Sciences
- Contemporary Humanities and Creative Arts
- Defense and Security
The university’s focus on research resulted in their scholars developing the world’s first hydrogen battery and numerous lifesaving HIV drugs. In addition to state of the art research infrastructure, and national and international research partners, UNSW also emphasises research training from the undergraduate level.
When it comes to research opportunities, both Australian National University and UNSW foster robust research environments so that their students can push the boundaries of the discipline.
Key Dates for Application
In this section, we will be looking at the application timeline into undergraduate programs. Graduate schools have a different timeline. It is also recommended that you verify with the specific department / school that you are applying to, just to ensure they do not follow a different cycle.
| Important Dates | ANU | UNSW |
| Intakes | February and July (Semester 1 and 2) | January, May and September (Terms 1, 2 and 3) |
| Application Opens | Sem 1 – 26 February Sem 2 – 17 June (Of the previous year) |
Early August |
| Application Deadlines | Sem 1 – 31 December Sem 2 – 30 May |
Term 1 – 15 November Term 2 – 31 March Term 3 – 14 July |
| Regular Decision Posted in | Outcomes are posted typically within weeks of submitting the completed application | |
| Application Fee | AUD $110 | AUD $150 |
Admission Options to be considered in the ANU – UNSW debate:
- Like most Australian universities, both ANU and UNSW have multiple intakes. ANU has two intakes, at the beginning of its two semesters while UNSW has three.
- However, it is important to verify if the course that you are applying for begins at the term that you are applying to. Not all courses take in students throughout the year.
- Both universities have early bird options, but they are for Australia and New Zealand students only.
- Typically, the first term has all courses available, while the second and third only have select programs. So it is important to schedule your admission cycle around the intake during which the course of your choice is available.
- Applications are typically open until the seats get filled. The onus is on the international student to apply early to make time for student visa and other immigration processes.
Academic Calendar
Australian National University follows a semester system wherein an academic year is divided into two terms, beginning in February and July. UNSW follows a trimester system where the terms begin in February, June, and October.
Australian National University vs UNSW: Campus Life and Environment
In addition to academics, UNSW and ANU offer varied campus life and learning experiences to their students. Here are some of the other factors that can help you choose when it comes to ANU vs UNSW.
Location
ANU is located in Canberra, while the main campus of UNSW is located in Sydney. Canberra is the capital of Australia, while Sydney is the capital of the state of NSW and the largest city in Australia. Sydney is also densely populated and is known for its tech industry and tourist attractions including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and its stunning beaches. In contrast, Canberra has a reputation for its government buildings and employment opportunities across industries and is generally considered “boring” when compared to a happening destination like Sydney.
That said, the cost of living, especially when it comes to accommodation, rent, and public transport is much higher in Sydney than in Canberra. The Australian capital is more car dependent and does not have as extensive a public transport system.
Considering the population, Sydney has greater networking opportunities and employment options when compared to Canberra but is also more expensive.
It is also important to remember that UNSW has a campus in Canberra that includes the schools of Business, Engineering & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Science, Systems & Computing and Professional Studies.
Campus Size and Facilities
ANU’s campus size is about 358 acres in the Acton suburb of Canberra while, despite its larger student body, UNSW has a smaller campus spanning about 98 acres in Kensington, Sydney. In addition to state-of-the-art academic and research facilities, both universities are known for the amenities they provide to their students. It includes dedicated study spaces, sports centres, recreation areas, libraries, cafes and other food outlets.
Both universities also offer a wide host of extracurricular activities that include clubs, sports, events and various volunteer opportunities.
Housing and Accommodation
ANU has about 18 different options when it comes to on-campus accommodation including residence halls, lodges, and colleges. Rents range from $290 – $580 per week, depending on whether it is shared and catered. ANU’s life on campus is vibrant with inter-hall sports, arts and cultural activities that are often conducted.
When it comes to on-campus accommodation UNSW has the option of colleges and apartments for its students. Colleges are shared spaces that offer a vibrant, community living lifestyle. There are 8 university-operated colleges on campus. In contrast, UNSW apartments provide a more self-sufficient, independent lifestyle. About 4,200 live on campus.
ANU vs UNSW: Financial Aspects
Finance is an important consideration in your decision-making process when choosing between UNSW vs ANU. As public universities, both ANU and UNSW Sydney are generally more affordable when compared to private universities.
When it comes to fees, the rates vary vastly, depending on cost per unit and a student’s citizenship. An international student at ANU can approximately budget anywhere between AU $42,000 and $50,000 per year for an undergraduate program. At UNSW, a bachelor’s degree can cost anywhere between $40,000 and $50,000 per annum. The actual cost of your degree can vary widely, depending on the course and the citizenship.
This range is indicative of tuition fee, not inclusive of additional fees, books, cost of living and so on. Accommodation at both ANU and UNSW cost about $300 – $500 per week, depending on the nature of housing, whether it is a shared or a single space.
Both ANU and UNSW also have a wide range of scholarship options for both domestic and international students, both on financial need and academic merit. They vary with departments, your nationality, and the programs. Work-study or part-time employment options are also available, provided the student visa is approved.
ANU vs UNSW: Career Prospects and Alumni Network
Besides academics, campus life, and the financial aspects, an important factor that can alter your decision is the return on investment. Of the two universities in question, which university has the higher graduation rate, which has better employment prospects, and how big is their alumni network are all important questions to ask.
That said, considering the name and fame of the two universities, and their extensive alumni networks, there is no doubt that a graduate of these schools will have numerous opportunities of
their choosing after graduation. The academic rigour and culture of research in these two universities create a pedigree that recruiters often compete to get for their organisations.
Employment Rates
ANU has a high employment outcomes averaging about 89%. This number varies depending on the course and the degree. The university ranks 79th in the world for graduate employability. About 90% of UNSW grads are employed six months after graduation. UNSW ranks 3rd in Australia for graduate employability and is one of the top when it comes to employer reputation.
Notable Alumni
ANU has over 129,000 living alums across the globe, while UNSW’s alumni network is also extensive and spans across a community of 350,000 people who are some of the brightest minds in science, technology and business.
Notable Alums of Australian National University
- Kevin Rudd, Former PM of Australia
- David Morrison, Former Chief of Army
- Jennifer Robinson, Human Rights Lawyer
- Dipesh Chakrabarty, Historian
Notable Alumni from UNSW
- Rebel Wilson, Actor
- Simon Baker, Actor
- Scott Morrison, Former PM of Australia
- Markus Zusak, Author
Career Services
From internships to employment opportunities, both ANU and UNSW provide support and advice throughout studies and beyond when it comes to career planning and the job search process.
At ANU, you will have access to the ANU Career Central, which will help you navigate employability skills, including career planning, job applications and decision-making. You can access their services for up to a year after graduation.
UNSW has Employability that helps you with innovation, mentorships and leadership experiences. In addition, it assists their students in gaining practical experience, building networks, and communicating their aptitudes and skill sets to prospective employers. You can also get on the UNSW Job Board to look for opportunities.
In both universities, the career centre connects students to internship opportunities and prospective employers through seminars, job fairs, and numerous other on-campus events. Their goal is to clarify career aspirations, identify opportunities, and offer support at every stage of career development.
UNSW vs ANU: Conclusion
It is not an easy task choosing between two of the top rated universities in Australia. Making a decision when it comes to ANU and UNSW involves carefully analysing various parameters – academic strengths, campus life, financial implications, and career prospects. Both universities offer unparalleled opportunities, but your decision should align with your personal and professional goals.
Both ANU and UNSW are fairly similar when it comes to their reputation and the opportunities they provide for their students. They are both public universities renowned for their quality education, research opportunities and extracurricular activities. Beyond that, the following list highlights the key similarities and differences.
- When it comes to overall global rankings, UNSW stands marginally ahead of ANU. UNSW ranks 19th in the world while ANU ranks 30th according to QS WUR 2025. However, if you are looking at Times Higher Education Rankings, ANU ranks higher than UNSW.
- They are both in the list of tier 1 universities in Australia along with the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University, University of Queensland, RMIT, and others.
- Generally, ANU has a better reputation for humanities, healthcare, business and social sciences, ranking top 10 in the world when it comes to Politics, Anthropology, Developmental Studies and Geography. UNSW is world renowned for its STEM programs such as the various specialisations of engineering, computer science and data sciences.
- In terms of student body, ANU is notably smaller than UNSW. ANU has about 10,250 undergrad and 7,128 grad students. In comparison, UNSW has over 37,200 undergraduates and over 20,900 grad students.
- This also means that ANU typically has smaller classes and a lower student to faculty ratio (around 11:1) when compared to UNSW’s 22:1.
- ANU divides its academic year into semesters while UNSW divides its academic year into trimesters.
- They both are known for their updated curricula and practical approaches, but generally take on a more academic and research oriented approach, unlike a technical university like RMIT.
- The ANU campus is located in Canberra while the main UNSW campus is located in Sydney. UNSW also has a smaller campus in Canberra. Sydney is more populated and has more employment opportunities when compared to the Australian capital but Canberra is relatively cheaper when it comes to the cost of living.
- Both universities are known for their scholarship options and student support services.
Considering their reputation, the ultimate call rests on whether the course curriculum and the learning outcomes meet your career plans. The most significant part of your research is to compare courses, syllabi, electives, faculty and research facilities of your preferred degree program, speak to current students, and then decide depending on which school better suits your needs.
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FAQs
Is the University of Canberra different from ANU?
Yes. The University of Canberra is a public research university located in Bruce, Canberra. That said, in the 60s, Canberra University College (different from the University of Canberra) amalgamated with ANU and became the School of General Studies at ANU.
Is ANU better than Melbourne Uni?
When it comes to overall rankings, the University of Melbourne ranks marginally higher than ANU. UniMelb ranks 13th in the world while ANU ranks 19th (QS WUR 2025). Some of the top ranked subjects at the University of Melbourne include sports sciences, law and legal studies, and education.
When can I begin at ANU?
An academic year at ANU is divided into Semester 1, beginning in February and Semester 2 beginning in July. These are the two intakes. You can begin your course in either of these semesters, provided your degree is open for application in that term.
Which is better, UTS or UNSW?
If you are looking at the metrics, UNSW is ranked much higher than University of Technology Sydney. However, as a technological university, UTS is known for its programs in nursing, data sciences and AI, and engineering programs. It is also generally considered one of the more affordable universities in Australia.
Does UNSW give full scholarships to international students?
If you are applying to UNSW it is important to look into the wide range of scholarships that are meant for international full-time students. These options can vary depending on the department that you are applying to, your nationality, your financial status, and academic merit. There are a few scholarships that cover the entire cost of tuition, but there are more options that cover partial tuition fees or provide a stipend.
