Last Updated on July 9, 2024 by Rojgar Buddy Team

Canberra, the capital of Australia, is home to several top universities. Indian students are the second-largest group of international students in the city. Since 2016, the number of Indian students in Canberra has been doubling.

In 2023, there were 1,362 Indian students studying at Canberra’s universities, the highest number on record. Indian-born residents also form Canberra’s largest overseas-born population, with over 17,500 as of the last Census in 2021.

Canberra’s Top 5 Universities

1. Australian National University (ANU)
   • Ranked 30th on the QS World University Rankings.
   • Guaranteed accommodation for first-year students.
   • Leading in engineering, science, and cultural studies.
2. University of Canberra (UC)
   • Ranked 403rd on the QS World University Rankings.
   • Top 5 in the world for reducing inequalities (THE Impact Rankings, 2023).
   • Ranked 1st in Canberra for graduate employment.
   • Guaranteed accommodation for first-year students.
   • Leading in health, education, and management studies.
3. Australian Catholic University (ACU) – Canberra Campus
   • Ranked in the 901–950 band on the QS World University Rankings.
   • Focuses on programs in teaching and allied health, including nursing, occupational therapy, speech pathology, and social work.
4. University of New South Wales (UNSW) Canberra
   • Ranked 19th on the QS World University Rankings.
   • Attached to the Australian Defence Force Academy for undergraduate studies; international students are accepted for postgraduate courses.
   • Building a new $1 billion campus in Canberra’s city center, set to open in 2025.
5. Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT)
   • Largest provider of technical/vocational education (TAFE) in Canberra.
   • 90% graduate and employer satisfaction rate.
   • New $250 million campus to be completed in 2025.
   • Offers short courses and Graduate Diplomas in various fields, including allied health, fitness, trades, finance, ICT, renewable energy, and education.

Popular Programs for Indian Students

• Information Technology: The most popular field.
• Management and Commerce: Highly chosen by Indian students.
• Natural and Physical Sciences: Another preferred area of study.
• Specific Programs: Nursing, Artificial Intelligence, Accounting, and Business Management.
• Degree Level: Most Indian students pursue their Master’s degree or higher.

Scholarships for Indian Students

• University of Canberra: Offers the UC International High Achiever Scholarship and the UC International Course Merit Scholarship.
• ACU: Provides the ACU International Student Scholarship, Global Excellence Scholarship, and ACU International Student Accommodation Scholarship.
• ANU: Multiple scholarships recognizing academic achievement and athletic performance.
• UNSW Canberra: Offers scholarships specifically for Maharashtrians, including 20 PhD scholarships annually under a MoU with the Maharashtra State Government.

Part-time Employment Opportunities

• Canberra offers well-paid job opportunities for students, particularly in hospitality and retail.
• Students can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while studying, with no work restrictions during breaks.
• Education providers support students in finding jobs and have connections with local employers for internships and employment opportunities.

Staying Back After Graduation

• Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485): Allows graduates to live and work in Canberra temporarily.
• Regional City Benefits: Eligible graduates can apply for an additional year on their Temporary Graduate Visa.
• Job Market: Over 60% of jobs are in the private sector, with more than 35,000 businesses.
• Start-up Support: The Canberra Innovation Network offers accelerator programs, workshops, coaching, and funding.

Internships

• Internships provide valuable local work experience in public and private organizations.
• They are an important step but do not guarantee employment.

Welcoming Cities Network

• Canberra is part of the Welcoming Cities Network, joining in 2019 and being accredited as an ‘Advanced’ city in 2023.
• The network helps international students assimilate through orientation programs, language support, cultural events, and community engagement opportunities.