Top city for students

Choosing to study here means you’ll be moving to one of the world’s best student cities, where you’ll enjoy affordable accommodation, affordable accommodation, a relaxed lifestyle and a welcoming community.

Plus, many of the city’s universities, including the University of Canberra (UC), offer guaranteed accommodation for international students, so you’ll be sure to find a great place to live.

Travelling is easy

Canberra is a well-designed city, with most trips taking you less than 30 minutes to get across town, and there’s never much traffic along the way. 

No car? No problem. You can easily walk, ride along the city’s extensive bike lane network, or use the affordable and reliable public transport system of buses and light rail. 

A nature lover’s haven

Known as the bush capital of Australia, Canberra is surrounded by nature and greenery. In fact, national parklands cover over half of the ACT, which is great news for those who love fresh air and nature! 

Put your hiking shoes on and explore nearby national parks and reserves, mountain ranges like Black Mountain, or even some of the stunning wineries. You can also enjoy water sports like sailing, kayaking and fishing on Lake Burley Griffin.

Festivals and events

There’s never a dull moment in Canberra, and the packed yearly calendar of events, live music, markets, art exhibitions and more is sure to keep you busy. 

Celebrate the changing of the seasons with annual festivals like Floriade in spring and Enlighten Festival in autumn. If you’re a foodie, satisfy your taste buds at The Forage, a street food festival showing off the best of the city’s local cafés and food trucks. 

Activities and attractions

Many of Australia’s most celebrated cultural attractions are located in the country’s capital, meaning there’s lots to see and do. Many of these attractions also offer free entry for permanent exhibitions (or offer exclusive discounts for students!).

In particular, make sure you see Australia’s biggest collection of First Nations art at the National Gallery of Australia, learn about the personal stories of military service men and women at the Australian War Memorial, and explore the history of Australian film at the National Film and Sound Archive. The Parliament of Australia is also well worth a visit, with a range of art exhibits on display (and a LEGO Parliament House!), and you can buy limited edition coins at the Royal Australian Mint. 

Food, glorious food

Canberra is home to award-winning dining venues specialising in all types of cuisines.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can enjoy casual gourmet meals for reasonable prices at pubs, cafés and restaurants across the city. 

The region’s cool climate also means incredible local produce, which you can buy directly from farmers at places like Fyshwick Markets or Belconnen Fresh Food Markets.

Sand, snow and sky

The ACT is situated within the state of New South Wales (NSW), which is home to some of Australia’s most iconic beaches, alpine regions and countryside. 

In just a few hours by car, you can enjoy a trip to places like the sunny and picturesque Batemans Bay or one of Kosciuszko National Park's amazing ski resorts.

Job opportunities

The ACT boasts Australia’s highest average income, strongest job growth and lowest unemployment rate, so graduates here have amazing job prospects. 

What’s more, the city’s regional status means international students can stay even longer after their studies on a post-study work visa. UC students can use the careers service to find work, network with industry employers and prepare for a thriving career in Australia or overseas. 

High-quality education 

Canberra offers world-class education and research facilities. It’s also a multicultural city, and universities work hard to provide an inclusive and welcoming learning environment for their diverse student populations. 

Despite being just 30 years old, UC is ranked highly among the world’s top young universities and is number one in Canberra for teaching quality and post-study employment.

Find out more

Ready to experience the perfect student lifestyle in this bright and dynamic city? Enquire about international study at UC today!