About UC

Get to know the University of Canberra

Dynamic and vibrant, the University of Canberra (UC) is embedded deep in the soul of Canberra, the Australian capital. Canberra is a place where ideas are born, creativity is explored and opportunity is created.

Our home in Canberra and connection with our neighbouring communities shapes our purpose as a university. Whether it’s fostering innovation, meeting health-care needs, solving environmental challenges or equipping our future leaders, our University is an embodiment of our distinctive city. Canberra is a wonderful place to live, study and work – a safe, connected, multicultural city which boasts great scenery, excellent entertainment and sports venues, a buzzing food scene and a glittering galaxy of cultural institutions.

UC is a university for the professions, dedicated to providing immersive student experiences focussed on employability outcomes. As of November 2024, more than 18,000 students (11,800+ in undergraduate & 6,300+ in postgraduate) from across Australia and 100 countries study in our diverse community and vibrant campus.

We have been ranked in the top 7 universities in the world for reducing inequalities (THE Impact Rankings 2024), and 15th in Australia in the worldwide Times Higher Education Young Universities Rankings 2024. We are number one in Canberra for fulltime employment, skills development and student support (GUG, 2025). The University of Canberra is also ranked in the top 24% of universities worldwide, placing in the 401-500 band of the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. These are remarkable achievements for a young university only three decades in operation.

This success is in part due to our two-pronged focus, encompassing progressive teaching and learning, as well as strong ties to industry. The latter means that students enjoy real-world work experience, internships and clinical placements meaning UC students get a taste for their future careers, even before graduation.

The university is also devoted to trail-blazing innovation and research with practical impact, and home to leading research institute like the Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE).

There are five faculties at UC, offering undergraduate, postgraduate and higher degree by research (HDR) options.

• Faculty of Arts and Design
• Faculty of Business, Government and Law
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Health
• Faculty of Science and Technology

As new developments continue to expand the campus one thing the University has maintained for over 30 years is its indomitable, distinctive character. Our location in Australia’s capital city has shaped the University as progressive and dynamic – dedicated to public service and building a sustainable and prosperous future. As a hub of learning, practical courses, innovative research and new opportunities, it will always be the University in, of and for Canberra

Our mission

As a university anchored in Australia’s capital, we work with government, business and industry to serve our communities and nation, and to be the capital’s educational window to the world. From this vantage point, we challenge the status quo in a relentless pursuit of original and better ways to teach, learn, research and add value – locally and internationally.

Our vision

Our long-standing excellence in mission-oriented research will be fostered and, together with a renewed emphasis on entrepreneurship, will be woven inextricably into the University’s educational experience.

Through a transformative campus development plan, the University will evolve into a distinctive community for lifelong learning, and serve as a beacon of sustainable, smart and connected living.

We will lead the sector nationally in equity, diversity, inclusion and access.

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