The University of Canberra (UC) is a modern, public university located in Australia’s capital city, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT). Its location is a primary strategic advantage, positioning it closes to the nation’s political, legal, and cultural institutions, providing unparalleled opportunities for work-integrated learning (WIL), policy engagement, and networking. UC has established itself as a leader in producing highly employable graduates, consistently ranking among the top universities in Australia for both graduate starting salaries and full-time employment rates. This success is driven by the university’s strong focus on practical experience and professional relevance, ensuring that the curriculum is co-designed and continually updated in collaboration with industry, government, and professional bodies. The university is deeply committed to embedding experiential learning into every degree, fostering a highly collaborative environment where students work on real-world problems and projects.

UC’s academic structure is built around five main faculties: Health, Business, Government and Law, Arts and Design, Education, and Science and Technology. The university is particularly renowned for its strengths in sports science, nursing, physiotherapy, public administration, and communications. Its campus is designed as an integrated “campus-city”, blending teaching facilities with residential areas, sporting venues, and commercial spaces. Notably, the campus hosts key national institutions like the Canberra Specialist Medical Centre and a dedicated Sports Hub, allowing students in Health and Sports Science to learn and work alongside practicing professionals and elite athletes. This unique co-location of academic, health, and research facilities creates a symbiotic relationship, enhancing the quality of both education and research outcomes.

The University of Canberra’s research strategy is highly focused on making a significant impact on local, national, and global issues, with key strengths in areas relevant to its capital city location. Major research priorities include public policy, governance, and democracy (leveraging access to Federal Parliament); environmental science and water management (particularly through the Institute for Applied Ecology); and health and well-being (supported by its integrated medical precinct). UC has achieved significant research rankings, with multiple areas rated at or above world standard, including ecology, nursing, and human movement and sports science. Furthermore, its commitment to innovation is underlined by its establishment of the Canberra Innovation Network, which fosters entrepreneurship and assists in translating research discoveries into new technologies and businesses.

UC is strongly committed to social inclusion and widening participation in higher education. It is recognized for providing accessible pathways for students from diverse backgrounds and supporting them throughout their studies. Internationally, UC maintains a robust global presence through its international partnerships and branch campuses, notably in China, Vietnam, and other locations, facilitating student exchange and collaborative research. Overall, the University of Canberra offers a distinctive educational proposition: a modern, highly practical, and career-focused university that leverages its unique capital city setting to deliver exceptional graduate outcomes and research impact.