Top STEM Courses at ANU for International Students

Some universities teach you what to think; the Australian National University (ANU) teaches you how to question. It’s not a place built on memorizing formulas. But you will definitely be pushing boundaries in science and innovation. That’s why international students looking for serious STEM careers often come here. Whether it’s decoding AI, designing future cities, or tackling climate change, ANU’s STEM courses mix theory with real research. So, if you’re looking for a degree that demands curiosity over compliance, these are the STEM courses at ANU that truly stand out.

What Are the Top STEM Courses at ANU?

When students consider pursuing a STEM course in Australia, ANU is one of the top universities to choose. It is not the place that gives you degrees. But it is built on research, innovation, and curiosity. This university has many alumni who are in fields like science, policy, and tech today. Below are some of the top courses STEM courses at Australian National University (ANU):

Computer Science & Data Science:

This course is for you if you are into coding, AI, and cybersecurity type of thing. Here you will go beyond theory and get practical experience with algorithms. You will also get exposure to machine learning tools and digital problem-solving skills. The following are the various things that make this stream stand out:

• Focused learning in: Python, Java, C++, algorithms, machine learning, AI, and cybersecurity.
• You will get direct exposure to research through ANU’s School of Computing and CSIRO Data61.
• It has high employability with nearly 90% of graduates stepping into full-time tech roles within six months.
• Students can go into fields like AI development, fintech, data engineering, cloud computing, cybersecurity, etc.
• Annual tuition fees for computer and data science courses fall between AUD 48,000 – 52,000 (approx. USD 31,000 – 34,000).
• To do a UG degree at ANU, applicants will need 12th with Mathematics and a minimum of 75%. And PG graduates require a Bachelor’s in CS/IT or related fields with 6.5+ CGPA.
• The English requirements for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0 or TOEFL equivalent. Intakes are offered in February and July.

Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical & Systems)

Engineering at Australian National University is based on innovation. You will learn about sustainable infrastructure to clean energy systems. It is a solid choice for you if you like building solutions rather than studying them. It will push you to think beyond textbooks. And instead of forcing you into one stream, it gives you the flexibility to explore Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering. Below are the various reasons why Engineering is considered as top STEM courses at ANU:

• Students work practically at ANU MakerSpace and TechLabs. This helps them build prototypes, test models, and collaborate across disciplines.
• There’s room for specialization as well. Civil engineering focuses on infrastructure and urban planning. While Electrical goes into energy and telecommunications. Mechanical leans into robotics, manufacturing, and fluid systems. And Systems Engineering merges them all.
• Annual tuition fees for engineering courses at ANU are typically between AUD 47,000 and 51,000.
• Eligibility for undergraduate entry at ANU usually requires 12th grade with Maths and Physics, scoring 75% or above. While PG courses at ANU require a solid bachelor’s in engineering with competitive grades.
• English requirements for engineering courses at ANU include IELTS 6.5 overall with no band under 6.0 or TOEFL equivalent. Its major intake is in February and July.
• Graduates generally have roles like Civil/Structural Engineer, Electrical Systems Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, and Automation Engineer.

Environmental Science & Biotechnology

If you’re the kind of student who cares about climate change or species loss, ANU’s Environmental Science and Biotechnology courses hit the right balance. It’s not just study-it-and-forget-it content. Students here step into labs, go out on field research, and work with real datasets. That too with Australia’s top scientific agencies like CSIRO and the ANU Research School of Biology. Below are the key highlights of courses at ANU:

• It includes subjects like climate science, ecology, genetics, microbiology, etc. Alongside lab and fieldwork.
• Students pay an annual fee of AUD 45,000 – 50,000, depending on specialisation and research components.
• Eligibility for UG entry at Australian National University (ANU) usually requires 12th grade with a strong Biology/Science background and 70–75%+. While PG applicants need a related bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Biology, or Life Sciences.
• For this course, students are required to go for an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0 or TOEFL equivalent.
• People interested in this subject usually go on to become environmental scientists, sustainability consultants, conservation ecologists etc. Thier starting salaries are typically between AUD 75,000-105,000/ year.

Mathematics, Statistics & Actuarial Science

If you’re drawn to numbers, logic, and problem-solving, ANU’s Mathematics, Statistics, and Actuarial Science programs are some of the strongest in Australia. These courses don’t just sharpen academic skills. They train you to think like an analyst, the kind that banks, research labs, insurers, and consulting firms compete to hire. Following are the various reasons that make this course as top STEM courses at ANU:

• It’s core training is deep into subjects like probability, statistical modelling, financial mathematics, big data analytics, and quantitative research.
• A degree in Actuarial science is industry-based. It offers a direct track to professional credentials through bodies like the Actuaries Institute Australia.
• Annual tuition fees for these subjects is around AUD 45,000 – 48,000.
• For UG entry, students typically need strong Class 12 Mathematics with 75%+.
• And PG applicants at ANU for this subject must have done their Bachelor’s in Maths, Economics, Engineering etc. with a solid academic record.
• Graduates secure roles such as Actuary, Data Scientist, Quantitative Analyst, Risk Consultant etc. They often start to earn between AUD 90,000 – 120,000/year in the early career stages.
• Major recruiters include PwC, Deloitte, EY, Reserve Bank of Australia etc.

What sets ANU apart is simple. You don’t just study science; you work with it. You will also get to question it, and sometimes even contribute to it.

Where do STEM Students at ANU Stay?

Getting the right place for yourself is very important, especially if you are a STEM student. The reason being that you will be spending long hours in labs and late-night study sessions. Thankfully, ANU is located in Acton; Canberra, giving students plenty of housing choices. They will start from university halls to independent student accommodations.

Most international students start with ANU student accommodation as they are convenient and safe for newcomers. Once they get familiar with the city, many move into private apartments or shared houses. Following are the various options you will come across as ANU student pursuing STEM courses:

1. On-Campus Student Accommodation: This one is ideal for first-year students who want everything to be in one place. They are fully furnished with rooms, meal plans, Wi-Fi, and a built-in student community.
2. Off-Campus Flats & Shared Housing: These offer more independence, private kitchens, shared living spaces, and flexible leases. It’s a popular choice for STEM students who form group study circles and split rent with classmates. Below is the typical rent of Australian student rooms:

• Shared Apartment: AUD 250 – 350
• Studio or Private Unit: AUD 350 – 500

If you need help finding secure student Accommodation near Australian National University, platforms like University Living make it easier to book furnished rooms before you even land in Australia.

Conclusion

ANU doesn’t promise comfort, it promises challenge. And for STEM students, that’s exactly the point. You experiment, you build, you fail, and then you break through. And once you’re ready to make the move, don’t leave your stay to luck. University Living can help you secure verified student accommodation in Australia. So that you arrive with a desk to work at and a bed to crash on. Chase the science. We’ll help you find the home.

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