Comparison
Australian National University vs University of Melbourne
Australian National University and University of Melbourne are both Group of Eight universities, so both carry the research reputation and both sit near the top of the tuition range. The decision comes down to city, the strength of your specific course, cost, and whether you want the skilled-migration points that come with studying regionally.
Australian National University is in Canberra and University of Melbourne is in Melbourne. That affects your rent and lifestyle more than almost anything else on this page: see the cost-of-living comparison below.
Australian National University's main campus counts as regional for skilled migration, which adds points on the skilled visa points test and opens the 491 and 190 nomination pathways. If permanent residence is part of your plan, that is a real advantage.
| Australian National University | University of Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| City | Canberra | Melbourne |
| Group of Eight | Yes | Yes |
| Regional (migration) | Yes | No |
| International tuition | from A$48,000/yr | from A$47,968/yr |
| First-year budget | A$81,000 to A$93,000 | A$83,000 to A$95,000 |
| English (IELTS) | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Application fee | A$150 | A$154 |
| Intakes | February, July | February, July |
| Selectivity | Selective | Selective |
Choose Australian National University if
- You want the regional skilled-migration points
- You want to live in Canberra
Choose University of Melbourne if
- You want to live in Melbourne
Who Australian National University suits
ANU is the strongest choice for research-oriented students, especially in the sciences, economics, politics, and Asia-Pacific studies, where its ties to national institutes give undergraduates early exposure to active research. Canberra is smaller and quieter than Sydney or Melbourne, with lower living costs and an easier rental market. Graduate entry is broad from a solid bachelor's, though the flagship undergraduate programs are competitive, so it suits students who want a research-heavy rather than vocational degree.
Who University of Melbourne suits
Melbourne suits students who value a broad first degree and are comfortable specialising later through a professional graduate qualification. Its Melbourne Model is deliberately different from direct-entry programs elsewhere, so it is a strong fit if you want time to explore before committing, and a weaker one if you want to start a professional degree immediately. It is highly ranked, and entry to the graduate professional degrees is competitive.
Australian National University vs University of Melbourne: common questions
Is Australian National University or University of Melbourne cheaper for international students?
They are close. The lowest tuition on record is A$47,968 at one and A$48,000 at the other, and course choice moves the number more than the university does.
Which is harder to get into, Australian National University or University of Melbourne?
They are broadly similar on selectivity. Entry depends far more on the specific course than on the university, so check the requirements for the program you want.
Which is better for permanent residence, Australian National University or University of Melbourne?
Australian National University has the edge for a PR plan: its main campus is in a designated regional area, so studying there earns regional points and opens the 491 and 190 nomination streams. Neither guarantees PR; that depends on your occupation and points.
Which is more prestigious, Australian National University or University of Melbourne?
Both sit in a similar tier. Prestige is not a strong tie-breaker here; look at rankings in your specific field and where you want to work afterward.
Can I apply to both Australian National University and University of Melbourne?
Yes. Australian universities assess applications independently and many charge international students no application fee, so applying to both and comparing your offers is normal.
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Other comparisons
Tuition figures are approximate and drawn from this site’s database, and selectivity is a band, not an official rate. This is general information, not admissions advice.