Mature Study

The Australian National University (ANU) is ranked as Australia's leading university and one of the world's great research universities by the Times Higher Education Supplement and the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Institute of Higher Education. Australia's only national university, ANU was established by the Commonwealth parliament in 1946 to enhance the social, economic, cultural and intellectual development of the nation. Located in Canberra it has state of the art technology, well equipped lecture theatres, five main libraries and extensive computing and laboratory facilities.

Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis, taking into account all relevant academic qualifications. Program intakes are determined by the number of places available, and the number of eligible applicants seeking entry to those programs. If you hold more than one qualification, admission will usually be based on the overall record. Tertiary qualifications are generally weighted more heavily than secondary. If you have completed an approved tertiary preparation course or alternative entry scheme you will be assessed on the results of that scheme alone, unless you have undertaken subsequent study.

If you do not meet any of the University's minimum admission requirements and are aged 21 years you can apply through the University's Special Adult Entry Scheme (SAES). Entry is on the basis of performance in both components of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) (multiple choice and written English). If you have studied at degree level within the last two years, you are not eligible to apply through SAES. Local residents who meet the age requirements may also qualify for admission by completing the University Preparation Scheme (UPS) offered by the University's Centre for Continuing Education and sitting the STAT Multiple Choice.

Applicants over 21 years of age can be considered for admission on the basis of performance in the ANU University Preparation Scheme, the Certificate in Pre-Tertiary Studies offered by the Canberra Institute of Technology, or other approved tertiary preparation schemes. Applicants through a tertiary preparation course or the Special Adult Entry Scheme will be assessed on the results of that scheme alone unless they have undertaken subsequent study.

If your previous academic performance has been adversely affected by circumstances beyond your control you may submit a Request for Special Consideration. This is only open to students that apply for admission through UAC. Requests are considered in conjunction with all other information and are generally granted to applicants whose overall entrance rank is just below the cut-off. Requests for special consideration must include original supporting documentation from relevant authorities such as a school counsellor or medical practitioner. Requests should be submitted as early as possible otherwise they cannot be considered before the main round of offers.

If you are a SAES or UPS applicant whose performance in the STAT has been affected by illness you may apply to ANU for special consideration. Requests must be accompanied by medical evidence of illness on the test day and be submitted as soon as possible after the test so that another sitting may be arranged if appropriate.

The Disability Services Unit (DSU) is the first point of call for students with disabilities studying at ANU. Examples of the services provided by the DSU include:

• the provision of a DSU card (registering the holder as having a medically verified disability)
• assessment and organisation of reasonable adjustments
• advice on and use of assistive technological equipment
• referral to other services or agencies
• advice to staff on teaching and assessment practices
• other support and advice as needed, including contributing to ANU policy development
  

The DLU is open 9:00-5:00pm weekdays and can be contacted telephone (02) 6125 5036.

Refer to Worksheet 5 -Questions to ask the Disability Liaison Officer or Student Support Officer (worksheet 5 as text 23KB or worksheet 5 as PDF 81KB ) and Worksheet 7 - Key questions (worksheet 7 as text 46KB or worksheet 7 as PDF 87KB) to assist you identify questions for disability staff.

The Australian National University (ANU) offers a range of scholarships for undergraduate and post graduate students. The university also offers a series of equity scholarships and scholarships for students with disabilities. Examples of the university's equity scholarships include:

• Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships (CECS)
• Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships (CAS)
• Institution Equity Scholarships (IES)
  

Applications for the Commonwealth Education Costs and Accommodation Scholarships at ANU are processed centrally through UAC. This includes applicants who are apply direct to ANU or through the UAC. It also includes students who are currently enrolled. The IES scholarships are a group pf eight scholarships available to applicants in financial need. Selection is based on academic merit and financial need and the support of two referees that know the applicant. Students with disabilities are also eligible to apply for one of two ANU Enterprise Access Scholarships of $4,000 per year. Further information about these scholarships can be obtained from the Equity Scholarships booklet produced by UAC or from the ANU Prizes and Undergraduate Scholarships Office.

The University in association with the Credit Union of Canberra has a loan scheme for full time students in short term financial need. Further information can be obtained from the Student Welfare Officer on (02) 6125 2444. Refer to Worksheet 6 - Financial planning (worksheet 6 as text 27 KB or worksheet 6 as PDF 79KB) to assist you budget for tertiary education.

Refer to student loans for further information.