University Guide
University of Canberra
UC began as a college in 1967, and officially become the University of Canberra in 1990. It now hosts just under 17,000 students, as of April 2022, and has seen 70,000 graduates. UC prides itself on its commitment to equality, inclusivity, and diversity and aims to remain Australia’s most accessible university. It has committed itself to supporting and celebrating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
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The overview
The main things you need to know about studying at the University of Canberra.
Rankings
Times Higher Education 2023 has ranked the UC 16th in Australia, tied with 5 other universities. Furthermore, it was ranked #1 in the world for reducing inequalities (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 2022) and #17 in the Young Universities World Ranking. Clinical and Health Disciplines rank in the top 125 universities worldwide (out of over 1600), Social Sciences in the top 175, and Business and Economics in the top 250 (all Times Higher Education, 2022).
Employability
The University ensures students experience strong ties to their respective industries from the second they step through the institution’s doors. Opportunities such as work experience, internships, international study tours, real world projects and clinical placements are available to all students. Gaining real world experience through these sorts of schemes is strongly encouraged by the University and made very accessible.
Fees
Fees vary depend subject areas and units studied, whether you’re a domestic or international student, and they increase annually. Therefore, students are worth looking specifically at their chosen units to calculate their tuition fees. Most domestic students should be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to have their fees subsidised by the Australian Government. Those who do not qualify for a CSP may be able to receive support through a Government HELP Loan. International students need to pay an additional Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Bursaries
Scholarships and bursaries are offered based on academic achievement or financial/personal disadvantage. UC gives out hundreds of these bursaries every year. These aim to alleviate any financial pressures by helping students pay for expenses such as textbooks, living costs, course, or accommodation fees. The university website allows prospective students to browse all available scholarships here.
Accommodation
The University emphasizes to prospective students that securing accommodation can be difficult, so strongly advises that they begin searching early. They do guarantee all first-year domestic students and all international students a place UC’s on-campus accommodation. UC offers 2500 beds on-campus in 4 different locations: UC Lodge, Weeden Lodge, Cooper Lodge and Campus West. These 4 Lodges offer slightly different student experiences, so every student is bound to find an option which fits them. There’s also the option to rent a private place in Canberra itself, with many rooms, houses, flats and townhouses available, along with house-shares and host families.
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UCX is UC’s Student’s Union. They offer a range of clubs, events and student Campus Life Awards. Clubs and societies include, but are not limited to, a debate, music, economics, social activities, and a film society. The annual Campus Life Awards event is a big celebration which recognises clubs pushing to make a difference on campus for students. The UCX ensures social events are held throughout the year to allow students to meet their peers outside the classroom, this can involve free barbeques, live music, market days, and more. The UCX events calendar for the year can be viewed here.
Famous for
UC is home to one of Australia’s popular music festivals, Stonefest, which is held at the end of classes every year. It celebrates the placing of the foundation stone of the university by then Prime Minister, John Gorton in 1968. In 2019 the headline act was internationally renowned artist Example. The festival now lasts an entire week, though has not been held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
News
In December 2022, two researchers from the Faculty of Science & Technology have joined forces with researchers from another 11 universities to form the Biodiversity Council. It aims to provide independant advice about Australia’s threatened flora and fauna.
Accommodation for Students says
"You can rest-assured that Canberra will provide you with a rich and distinctive experience. Whether you get involved with the various cultural institutions, wonderful scenery, vibrant entertainment, inspiring food, or the plethora of sports venues. Australia’s capital is not to be underestimated and has something for everyone to enjoy."
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