University of Canberra Logo University of Canberra

Address: University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
Phone: +61 2 6201 5111
Email: info@canberra.edu.au
Website: www.canberra.edu.au


The University of Canberra (UC) requires international students to meet specific English language proficiency standards to ensure they can succeed in their academic programs. Below are the general language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs:

1. English Language Proficiency Tests:

International students whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency through one of the following tests:

Undergraduate Programs:

  • IELTS (Academic):

    • Overall score of 6.0 with no individual band score below 6.0.

  • TOEFL iBT:

    • Minimum overall score of 60 with no less than 16 in reading, 16 in listening, 18 in speaking, and 21 in writing.

  • PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English):

    • Minimum overall score of 50 with no communicative skill below 50.

  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE):

    • Overall score of 169 with no less than 169 in any component.

Postgraduate Programs:

  • IELTS (Academic):

    • Overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.0.

  • TOEFL iBT:

    • Minimum overall score of 79 with no less than 20 in reading, 20 in listening, 20 in speaking, and 24 in writing.

  • PTE Academic:

    • Minimum overall score of 58 with no communicative skill below 50.

  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE):

    • Overall score of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

2. Program-Specific Requirements:

Some courses, particularly those in health sciences, law, and education, may have higher language proficiency requirements. For example:

  • Nursing and Midwifery Programs: Typically require a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0.
  • Law Programs: May require an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with no band less than 6.5.

3. Alternative English Proficiency Options:

UC also accepts the following alternatives for meeting the English language requirement:

  • Completion of a recognized tertiary qualification (e.g., a diploma or degree) in an English-speaking country such as Australia, Canada, the UK, or the US.
  • Completion of an approved English language pathway program, such as the University of Canberra College (UCC) English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program.

4. Pre-sessional English Programs:

If you do not meet the direct English language requirements, UC offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses through the University of Canberra College (UCC) to help students improve their English proficiency before beginning their degree program.

5. Exemptions:

Students who have completed secondary education in English or a tertiary qualification in English in certain countries may be exempt from providing English language proficiency test results.

Always check the specific requirements for your chosen program, as some programs may have higher or different English proficiency standards.

The University of Canberra (UC) offers a wide range of specialized courses across various disciplines. Below are some of the key course specialities that UC is known for:

1. Health and Sports Science:

  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy: A highly regarded program focused on clinical physiotherapy, preparing students for careers in rehabilitation, sports injury treatment, and clinical practice.
  • Bachelor of Nursing: Known for its emphasis on practical skills and partnerships with local hospitals, this program prepares students for registration as professional nurses.
  • Bachelor of Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation: Focuses on exercise science and the role of exercise in rehabilitation, particularly for people with chronic health conditions or injuries.
  • Master of Public Health: Covers areas like health policy, epidemiology, and health promotion, preparing graduates to work in both national and international public health contexts.

2. Education:

  • Bachelor of Education (Primary/Secondary): Offers practical and theory-based training for aspiring teachers, with a strong focus on classroom management, curriculum design, and teaching methods.
  • Master of Education (TESOL): Specializes in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, equipping educators to teach English in diverse linguistic and cultural settings.
  • Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership: Aimed at professionals looking to take on leadership roles within schools or educational institutions.

3. Business and Management:

  • Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship and Innovation): Focuses on fostering entrepreneurial skills and innovative thinking, preparing students to start their own businesses or lead in dynamic industries.
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA): UC’s MBA is highly regarded and offers specializations in areas like marketing, human resource management, and digital transformation.
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting): A professionally accredited program that prepares students for careers in accounting, auditing, and financial management.

4. Law and Government:

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB): Offers a comprehensive legal education, preparing students for legal practice, with a focus on Australian law and global legal systems.
  • Bachelor of Politics and International Relations: Focuses on public policy, international relations, and diplomacy, with opportunities for students to engage with government institutions in Canberra.
  • Master of Public Administration: Tailored for professionals working in or aspiring to work in government, policy-making, and public sector leadership.

5. Information Technology and Cybersecurity:

  • Bachelor of Information Technology: Offers specializations in software development, data science, and networking, preparing students for a wide range of IT roles.
  • Master of Cybersecurity and Intelligence: A specialized program aimed at meeting the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, with a focus on threat analysis, cyber defense, and digital forensics.
  • Bachelor of Data Science: Focuses on big data analytics, machine learning, and AI, providing skills for careers in data-driven industries.

6. Design and Creative Arts:

  • Bachelor of Graphic Design: Emphasizes creativity and technical skills in visual communication, including digital design, branding, and multimedia production.
  • Bachelor of Communication and Media (Journalism): Trains students in news reporting, media production, and digital journalism, preparing them for careers in journalism, public relations, and media management.
  • Bachelor of Built Environment (Architecture): Prepares students for careers in architecture and urban planning with a focus on sustainability and innovative design.

7. Environmental Science and Sustainability:

  • Bachelor of Environmental Science: Focuses on ecology, conservation, and sustainable resource management. Students engage in fieldwork to address environmental challenges and policy.
  • Master of Urban and Regional Planning: Specializes in sustainable urban development, preparing students to work in urban planning, land use management, and environmental assessment.

8. Psychology and Counselling:

  • Bachelor of Psychology: A foundation in cognitive, behavioral, and developmental psychology, preparing students for professional careers or further postgraduate study in clinical psychology.
  • Master of Counselling: Trains students in counselling techniques, therapeutic interventions, and mental health support, focusing on both clinical and community settings.

9. Arts and Humanities:

  • Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing): A program focused on developing skills in storytelling, fiction writing, and non-fiction, with an emphasis on the creative process and publishing.
  • Bachelor of Cultural Heritage and Conservation: Specializes in preserving cultural heritage through museum studies, archaeology, and heritage conservation.

10. Engineering:

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Network and Software Engineering): Prepares students for careers in software development, networking, and systems engineering, with an emphasis on digital technologies and innovation.

11. Sports Management:

  • Bachelor of Sport Management: UC is known for its strong connections to professional sports organizations and focuses on preparing students for careers in sports marketing, event management, and sports governance.

12. Social Work and Human Services:

  • Bachelor of Social Work: Trains students to work in social services, community welfare, and mental health support, with a strong focus on practical placements and fieldwork.
  • Master of Human Services: Prepares graduates for leadership roles in social services, focusing on policy development, community services, and organizational leadership.

The University of Canberra (UC) has several distinguished professors who are recognized for their expertise and contributions to their respective fields. Here are a few notable faculty members:

1. Professor Michelle Grattan AO

  • Field: Political Communication & Journalism
  • Notable Contributions: Michelle Grattan is one of Australia's most respected and longest-serving political journalists. She is a Professorial Fellow at the University of Canberra and the Chief Political Correspondent for The Conversation. She has written extensively on Australian politics and government and is widely known for her insightful analysis of political affairs.
  • Awards: Appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her services to journalism.

2. Professor Ross Thompson

  • Field: Environmental Science & Ecology
  • Notable Contributions: Professor Thompson is an expert in freshwater ecology and biodiversity conservation. He has led important research on water management and the health of river ecosystems, particularly in relation to Australia's Murray-Darling Basin.
  • Research Focus: Biodiversity conservation, freshwater ecosystem management, and ecological responses to environmental change.

3. Professor Lorana Bartels

  • Field: Law and Criminology
  • Notable Contributions: A well-known academic in the field of criminology, Professor Bartels focuses on sentencing, corrections, and restorative justice. She is recognized for her work on prison reform and Indigenous justice in Australia.
  • Research Focus: Sentencing, criminal justice policy, and the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system.

4. Professor Deep Saini

  • Field: Plant Biology & University Leadership
  • Notable Contributions: A prominent plant biologist and former Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra. His work has focused on plant biology and environmental sustainability.
  • Awards: Recognized for his leadership in education and research.

5. Professor Rachel Davey

  • Field: Public Health & Sports Science
  • Notable Contributions: Professor Davey is known for her work in public health and physical activity research, particularly in promoting active lifestyles to combat chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Research Focus: Physical activity, health promotion, and prevention of chronic diseases.

As of now, the University of Canberra (UC) has not had any faculty members or alumni win a Nobel Prize. However, UC is recognized for its contributions to research and innovation, particularly in fields like public policy, health sciences, environmental science, and sports science.

While UC may not be directly connected to a Nobel laureate, the university continues to focus on impactful research and partnerships, particularly in the areas of sustainability, digital health, and social policy, which aim to solve global challenges.

The University of Canberra is a young, vibrant and pragmatic university based in Canberra – Australia’s capital city. We’re a place where ideas are born, creativity is explored and opportunity is created.

Whether it’s fostering innovation, meeting health-care needs, solving environmental challenges or equipping the leaders of the future, our University is an embodiment of our city. Though our home is in Canberra, our global connections are deep and far reaching through our research, business connections, alumni networks and partnerships.

With a real-world, practical approach to education and deeply imbedded work-based learning, our graduates enjoy a 90 per cent employment rate and higher starting salaries than the Australian university average. Many of our 86,000 alumni hold influential positions in public and private sectors in 120 countries.

We are a leading sports institution and have strong ties with elite sporting teams. We also have world-class health facilities including UC’s health precinct that integrates healthcare with education, providing access to cutting edge learning and research environments.

The University of Canberra (UC) is renowned for several key attributes that have contributed to its national and international reputation:

1. Strong Industry Connections:

  • UC is known for its close ties with industry and government, particularly due to its location in Australia's capital city, Canberra. These connections provide students with valuable opportunities for internships, work placements, and practical experience across various fields, including public policy, health, business, and technology.

2. Focus on Employability:

  • The university emphasizes career-focused education, ensuring students are equipped with practical skills and real-world knowledge. UC consistently ranks high for graduate employability, with a significant number of its graduates finding employment soon after completing their studies.

3. Health and Sports Science:

  • UC is particularly well-known for its programs in health, nursing, and sports science. The university hosts the University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE), which is a world leader in sports performance research and collaborates with national sporting teams.

4. Public Administration and Policy:

  • As UC is based in Canberra, the political hub of Australia, it has a strong focus on public administration, politics, and public policy. The university offers specialized programs in these areas and provides students with access to government institutions, think tanks, and policy-making bodies.

5. Environmental Science and Sustainability:

  • UC has an excellent reputation in environmental science and sustainability research. The university focuses on ecological conservation, water management, and sustainable practices, reflecting Canberra’s commitment to green initiatives and environmental protection.

6. Education:

  • UC is well-regarded for its education programs, particularly teacher training and curriculum development. The Bachelor of Education and postgraduate programs in education are designed to prepare students for leadership roles in schools and education systems.

7. Innovative Research:

  • UC is emerging as a center for innovative research, with a focus on areas such as health innovation, applied science, information technology, and governance. The university’s research efforts are often aligned with addressing societal challenges and supporting community development.

8. Campus Development and Facilities:

  • The university’s campus is undergoing continuous expansion, with modern facilities and state-of-the-art buildings for teaching, research, and student activities. UC has also developed a "Campus of the Future" strategy, focusing on creating an innovative and digitally enabled learning environment.

9. Diverse International Community:

  • UC attracts a large number of international students and has partnerships with universities around the world. This international diversity enriches the student experience and helps build a global perspective.

10. Research Impact:

  • UC's research is focused on areas of practical impact, such as health and sport, education, urban renewal, and environmental sustainability. The university is known for contributing solutions to real-world problems, particularly in the context of policy, governance, and health outcomes.