University of Canberra

University of Canberra

The University of Canberra (UC) is a public university located in Bruce, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. It offers more than 200 courses across undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD study, with a strong focus on practical learning and real-world outcomes.

UC's study areas include Arts, Built Environment, Business, Communication and Media, Design, Education, Health, Law, Government, Science, Sport and Technology.

What is the University of Canberra Known For?

The University of Canberra is particularly known for:

• Business
• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Health
• Education
• Law
• Government and Public Policy
• Communication and Media
• Design
• Sport
• Science
• Built Environment

The university places a strong emphasis on industry connections, practical learning, internships and clinical placements, giving students opportunities to gain professional experience alongside their studies.

Business

UC offers business-related programs covering areas such as:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Business
• Management
• Marketing
• International business

These programs can help prepare students for careers in business, finance, management, consulting and related professional fields.

Information Technology & Computing

UC's technology study areas include:

• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Business Informatics
• Game Development
• Data and digital technologies

Students can develop technical and problem-solving skills relevant to software development, technology, data and digital careers. UC's 2026 international course materials include undergraduate programs such as Information Technology and Software Engineering.

Health & Medicine

Health is one of UC's major study areas. Students can explore disciplines including:

• Nursing
• Physiotherapy
• Pharmacy
• Psychology
• Health sciences
• Medical and clinical fields

The university's practical focus is particularly relevant to students pursuing professional health careers.

Education

UC offers programs in education and related disciplines, preparing students for careers in teaching, education support, leadership and related professional areas.

Law, Government & Public Policy

Students interested in law and government can explore:

• Law
• Government
• Public policy
• Politics
• Governance

Studying these subjects in Canberra also places students close to Australia's national government and public-sector environment.

Science

Science study areas at UC include disciplines such as:

• Environmental science
• Biomedical science
• Applied science
• Data and quantitative fields

Students can develop analytical and research skills that can be applied across scientific, environmental and professional careers.

Academic Environment

UC provides undergraduate, postgraduate and research study options. Courses can be delivered through different modes, including face-to-face, blended, online and intensive study, depending on the program.

Students can experience:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Practical classes
• Laboratory work
• Independent study
• Research
• Industry-based learning
• Internships and placements

Quick Facts

• University: University of Canberra
• Location: Bruce, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
• Type: Public university
• Main campus: Bruce
• Study levels: Undergraduate, Postgraduate and PhD
• Courses: 200+ courses
• Study areas: Arts, Built Environment, Business, Communication and Media, Design, Education, Health, Law, Government, Science, Sport and Technology
• International students: Yes
• Study modes: Face-to-face, blended, online and intensive, depending on the course

Q. Is the University of Canberra a good university?

A. The University of Canberra can be a strong choice for students looking for practical, career-focused education, particularly in areas such as health, business, technology, education, law, government, design and sport. The university places emphasis on industry connections, internships and practical experience.

Q. Where is the University of Canberra located?

A. The university's main campus is located in Bruce, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory.

Student Life at the University of Canberra

The University of Canberra offers an inclusive student environment at its Bruce campus, with students able to participate in academic, social, cultural and sporting activities alongside their studies. The university also provides dedicated support to help international students adjust to life in Australia.

Campus & Facilities

Students can access:

• Study and library facilities
• Teaching and learning spaces
• Practical and specialist facilities
• Sport and fitness facilities
• Student support services
• Accommodation
• Cafés and student amenities
• Careers and employment services

The university's Canberra location also gives students access to Australia's political and public-sector environment.

Student Societies & Activities

UC has more than 70 social, cultural, sporting and academic clubs and societies, giving students opportunities to meet people, develop interests and build connections outside their courses.

Students can participate in:

• Academic clubs
• Sports clubs
• Cultural societies
• Social activities
• Volunteering
• Student events
• Peer mentoring

UC also offers UC Thrive, a student mentoring program designed to help students transition into university life and understand the education and professional environment in Canberra.

International Student Experience

UC provides dedicated support for international students from the beginning of their studies through graduation.

Support includes:

• Academic support
• Study skills assistance
• Careers guidance
• Resume and interview support
• Internship and placement guidance
• Wellbeing support
• Student mentoring
• International student assistance

The university also provides ASK Advisors and PALS (Peer-Assisted Learning Sessions) to help students with assignments, study skills and foundational subjects.

Q. What is student life like at the University of Canberra?

A. Student life at UC combines practical academic learning with a supportive campus community. Students can participate in more than 70 clubs and societies, attend university events and access mentoring, study and wellbeing support.

University of Canberra Courses – Business, Technology, Health, Education, Law and More

The University of Canberra offers more than 200 courses across undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD study. Its main study areas include Arts, Built Environment, Business, Communication and Media, Design, Education, Health, Law, Government, Science, Sport and Technology.

Popular Subject Areas

Business

UC offers business programs covering areas such as:

• Accounting
• Finance
• Management
• Marketing
• International business
• Business administration

These programs can prepare students for careers in business, finance, management, marketing and consulting.

Information Technology & Technology

Technology-related study areas include:

• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Data and digital technologies
• Game development

Students can develop technical and analytical skills for careers in software, technology, data and digital industries.

Health

Health is an important area of study at UC, with programs covering fields such as:

• Nursing
• Physiotherapy
• Pharmacy
• Psychology
• Health sciences

Many health programs incorporate practical or professional experience as part of the learning process.

Education

UC offers education programs preparing students for careers in:

• Teaching
• Education
• Educational leadership
• Learning support
• Related professional fields

Law & Government

Students interested in legal and public-sector careers can study:

• Law
• Government
• Public policy
• Politics
• Governance

Studying in Canberra can provide students with exposure to Australia's government and public-sector environment.

Science

Science-related study areas include:

• Environmental science
• Biomedical science
• Applied science
• Data and quantitative disciplines

These programs can provide foundations for careers in scientific research, environmental organisations, healthcare and industry.

Sport

UC also has a strong focus on sport-related education, with study and practical opportunities connected to sport, exercise, health and performance.

Q. What are the best courses at the University of Canberra?

A. UC offers a broad range of career-focused programs. Popular areas include Business, Information Technology, Health, Education, Law, Government, Science, Sport and Technology. The most suitable course depends on the student's academic background and career goals.

Practical Learning

Practical experience is a major part of UC's approach to education. The university's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program includes opportunities such as:

• Internships
• Professional mentoring
• Clinical placements
• Industry projects
• Research projects
• Community projects
• Teaching experience
• Volunteering
• Simulated business environments

UC says that almost all of its degrees include a component of Work Integrated Learning, and it matches close to 6,000 students with internships and placements each year.

Careers & Employability

UC's Careers UC team supports students with career planning and employment preparation.

Students can access:

• Career advice
• Resume support
• Interview preparation
• Internship and placement guidance
• Employer events
• Job opportunities
• Graduate career support
• Professional development workshops

UC also provides opportunities for students to gain paid work experience through campus jobs and access employment opportunities through its career platform.

Career Areas

Depending on their chosen course, graduates can pursue careers in:

Business

• Accounting
• Finance
• Marketing
• Management
• Consulting

Technology

• Software development
• Information technology
• Data
• Digital technology

Health

• Nursing
• Physiotherapy
• Pharmacy
• Psychology
• Health services

Government & Law

• Public policy
• Government
• Legal services
• Administration

Education

• Teaching
• Education support
• Educational leadership

Placement & Internship Opportunities

UC places strong emphasis on work-integrated learning. Students may gain professional experience through:

• Internships
• Clinical placements
• Industry projects
• Research projects
• Professional mentoring
• Volunteering
• International internships

The university's Careers UC team also helps students prepare for and secure internships and placements.

University of Canberra Fees – Tuition Costs, Scholarships and Financial Support for International Students

International tuition fees at the University of Canberra vary according to the degree and study load. UC reviews its international tuition fees annually, and students pay their tuition fees at the beginning of each teaching period.

For 2026, examples from UC's international course guide include:

Course	2026 Annual Fee
Bachelor of Information Technology	AUD 38,000
Bachelor of Software Engineering	AUD 38,000
Bachelor of Business Informatics	AUD 38,000
Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science)	AUD 41,500
Bachelor of Medical Science	AUD 41,500
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)	AUD 43,000
Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)	AUD 41,500
Master of Information Technology and Systems	AUD 42,000
Master of Data Science	AUD 42,000
Master of Business Informatics	AUD 42,000
Master of Engineering	AUD 42,000

These are examples rather than a university-wide fixed fee, and tuition fees may increase annually.

Tuition Fees for International Students

International students should budget for:

• Tuition fees
• Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)
• Accommodation
• Food and living expenses
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Books and study materials
• Transport
• Visa and travel expenses

For 2026, the maximum SSAF for a full-time student is AUD 373 per year.

Undergraduate Tuition Cost

The total cost of an undergraduate degree depends on the selected course and its duration.

For example, a three-year Bachelor of Information Technology currently has an annual international tuition fee of AUD 38,000. At the current rate, a simple three-year calculation would be:

AUD 38,000 × 3 = AUD 114,000

This is only a current-rate calculation because UC reviews and indexes tuition fees annually.

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is separate from tuition fees.

UC currently guarantees a place in campus accommodation for all first-year domestic students and new or continuing international students, subject to the university's accommodation arrangements.

Students should also budget for:

• Food
• Transport
• Personal expenses
• Study materials
• Mobile and internet costs
• Visa expenses
• OSHC
• Travel

International Student Cost of Attendance

The overall cost of studying at UC depends on the student's course, accommodation and lifestyle.

A student's total budget should therefore consider:

Tuition + Accommodation + Food + Transport + OSHC + Study Materials + Personal Expenses

Students should use UC's current fee information and their accommodation/living arrangements to calculate their individual budget.

Scholarships & Financial Support

UC provides hundreds of scholarships and bursaries to commencing and current students, including international students. Scholarships can help with tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks and living costs.

International students are generally automatically considered for eligible scholarships when applying to UC, so a separate application may not be required for many awards.

UC High Achievers Scholarship

The UC High Achievers Scholarship currently provides 20% off tuition fees for eligible students.

UC International Partners Scholarship

Eligible students can receive 10% or 30% off tuition fees through the UC International Partners Scholarship, subject to the scholarship's conditions.

UC Alumni Scholarship

Eligible students can receive 10% or 30% off tuition fees through UC Alumni Scholarships, subject to applicable conditions.

Scholarships for International Students

UC's international scholarship system automatically assesses eligible international applicants as part of the application process. Students should check the current scholarship listings for eligibility, available courses and conditions because awards can change between intakes.

Payment of Tuition Fees

International students are required to pay their tuition fees upfront and in full at the beginning of each teaching period, according to UC's current international fee information.

Students should follow the payment instructions and deadlines stated in their offer and enrolment information.

Cost Example for an International Student

Suppose an international student chooses the Bachelor of Information Technology, which has a 2026 annual tuition fee of AUD 38,000.

Without a scholarship:

AUD 38,000 per year

If the student receives a 20% tuition scholarship:

AUD 38,000 × 20% = AUD 7,600

Remaining tuition:

AUD 38,000 − AUD 7,600 = AUD 30,400 per year

This is an illustrative calculation. Scholarship availability and eligibility depend on the student's circumstances and the applicable scholarship conditions.

The Honest Verdict – Is the University of Canberra Worth the Cost?

The University of Canberra is a strong option for international students looking for a practical and career-focused Australian university in the country's capital.

UC Is an Excellent Choice If You...

• Want to study in Canberra
• Are interested in Information Technology or Software Engineering
• Want to study Business
• Are interested in Health or Psychology
• Want to study Education
• Are interested in Law or Government
• Want practical and industry-focused learning
• Want internship and placement opportunities
• Are looking for international scholarship opportunities

It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...

• Need the lowest possible tuition fees
• Prefer studying in a major city such as Sydney or Melbourne
• Want a university focused primarily on theoretical or research-based study
• Prefer a very large metropolitan university environment

Frequently Asked Questions About University of Canberra Fees

Q. How much does it cost to study at the University of Canberra?

A. International tuition fees vary by course. For example, 2026 annual fees include AUD 38,000 for Bachelor of Information Technology and AUD 42,000 for Master of Information Technology and Systems.

Q. Does the University of Canberra offer scholarships to international students?

A. Yes. UC offers a range of international scholarships, including tuition-fee reductions. Eligible international applicants are automatically assessed for many scholarships when applying.

Q. How much can international students save through UC scholarships?

A. Current scholarship listings include awards such as the UC High Achievers Scholarship at 20% and UC International Partners Scholarships offering 10% or 30% off tuition fees, subject to eligibility and conditions.

Q. Is accommodation available at the University of Canberra?

A. Yes. UC currently guarantees a place in campus accommodation for all first-year domestic students and new or continuing international students, subject to the applicable accommodation arrangements.

Q. Is the Student Services and Amenities Fee included in tuition?

A. No. The SSAF is charged separately. In 2026, the maximum annual SSAF for a full-time student is AUD 373.

Q. Do tuition fees remain the same throughout the degree?

A. Not necessarily. UC reviews international tuition fees annually, so students should expect fees to be subject to annual review and indexation.

A Final Word – Why the University of Canberra Deserves Your Consideration

The University of Canberra combines career-focused education, practical learning, industry experience and an international student environment in Australia's capital city. Its broad range of programs includes technology, business, health, education, law, government, science and sport.

For international students, scholarships can help reduce tuition costs, while UC's accommodation guarantee can provide additional support when planning the move to Canberra.

Overall Verdict: The University of Canberra is a strong choice for international students seeking practical, career-oriented education in Canberra, particularly those interested in technology, business, health, education, law, government and sport. Students should compare their specific course fee, scholarship eligibility and living costs before making a final decision.