How to get into ANU comes down to three things: reach the selection rank for your degree, meet the English and subject rules, and apply through the right portal on time. The Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra publishes a rank for every bachelor degree, so families can plan ahead. This guide uses ANU's own 2027 figures, for students in Australia, India, the US, the UK, Singapore, China and beyond.
Key takeaways
- ANU has three core admission requirements: a selection rank for your program, English language proficiency, and any program-specific rules such as a maths prerequisite.
- Australian Year 12 students can apply early through ANU's own ASA Early Entry portal (it closed on 8 May 2026 for 2027 entry) or through UAC.
- International students applying directly for Semester 1, 2027 must apply by 15 December 2026. The direct application fee is AUD$150.
- 2027 selection ranks range from 80 (Science, Commerce, Arts) to 99 (PhB Science). Engineering and Advanced Computing need 85 and a maths prerequisite.
- 2027 international fees for most science, engineering and commerce degrees are $57,640 a year (indicative), with merit awards of 20% or more for eligible students.
How to get into ANU: what does it actually take?
Quick answer: For 2027 entry, you need an ANU Selection Rank at or above your program's published rank (80 to 99), the English score ANU asks for, and any prerequisite subjects, usually maths. Australian students apply through ANU's ASA Early Entry portal or UAC. International students mostly apply directly to ANU.
ANU's minimum admission criteria are a selection rank (your results turned into an ANU Selection Rank out of 99.95), English language proficiency, and program-specific rules such as prerequisites or a supplementary form (Domestic undergraduate admission).
Does ANU still need a co-curricular or service activity?
ANU's current admission requirements page lists only those three items, and the old co-curricular and service requirement page is no longer public. So it is not listed as a 2027 requirement. Check the How to apply page before you submit, because ANU says its requirements can change.
Does meeting the rank guarantee a place?
Not always. Most program pages say applicants at or above the selection rank are "guaranteed admission", subject to prerequisites (Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)). The same pages, and ANU's international Assessment page, also warn that meeting all requirements does not guarantee entry. Domestic applicants below that rank may still be considered if their unadjusted rank is at least a lower minimum, such as 70 for Engineering.
What ATAR or selection rank do you need for ANU in 2027?
Every program page lists a 2027 selection rank and an IB score. Here are some popular degrees.
ANU selection ranks and IB scores for 2027 entry, from ANU Programs and Courses.
The Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Commerce need a rank of 80 (IB 31). Engineering (Honours) and Advanced Computing (Honours) need 85 (IB 33). Actuarial Studies needs 92 (IB 36), Health Science 90 (IB 35) and Laws (Honours) 97 (IB 41).
| Degree (2027 entry) | Selection rank | IB score | Maths prerequisite? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science | 80 | 31 | No formal one (some courses assume maths) |
| Bachelor of Commerce | 80 | 31 | Assumed knowledge only |
| Bachelor of Arts | 80 | 31 | No |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | 85 | 33 | Yes |
| Bachelor of Advanced Computing (Honours) | 85 | 33 | Yes |
| Bachelor of Health Science | 90 | 35 | No (chemistry recommended) |
| Bachelor of Actuarial Studies | 92 | 36 | Yes |
| Bachelor of Laws (Honours) | 97 | 41 | No |
| Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) – Science | 99 | 43 | No formal one |
Source: ANU Programs and Courses, 2027 academic year, checked 7 November 2026.
Which ANU degrees need maths?
Engineering, Advanced Computing and Actuarial Studies list a maths prerequisite. In NSW that is HSC Mathematics Advanced. In Victoria and Queensland it is Mathematical Methods. For the IB, it is Maths AA (SL or HL) or Maths AI HL. Actuarial Studies also recommends Mathematics Extension 1.
Choosing senior subjects now? See our HSC Maths Advanced and VCE Maths Methods guides.
The Bachelor of Science has no formal prerequisite, but chemistry is needed for many biology majors, and first-year MATH1013 expects HSC Mathematics Extension 1 (or a good pass in Mathematics Advanced) or equivalent.
Which ANU degrees have extra selection steps?
- Bachelor of Health Science: a compulsory supplementary form. Thirty percent of domestic offers go to students from rural backgrounds. Up to 40 domestic students a year get an offer to ANU's Doctor of Medicine and Surgery.
- PhB (Honours) Science and the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience and Psychology: compulsory supplementary forms. The second has about 50 places each intake.
- Music, Design and Visual Arts: from Semester 1, 2027 the portfolio is optional. You need a rank of 80, and a good portfolio can add up to 10 points (rank 70 or more).
Source: ANU programs with additional selection criteria.
How do Australian students apply to ANU?
Domestic students (Australian and NZ citizens and Australian permanent residents) have two portals (How to apply).
1. ASA Early Entry (ANU direct). This is for students finishing Australian Year 12 with an ATAR, or the November-session IB Diploma. One form covers admission, scholarships and on-campus accommodation, and accommodation is guaranteed (ASA Early Entry).
- ANU first ranks you on your Year 11 results plus any adjustment factors. Early offers came out on 3 September 2026.
- After Year 12, ANU uses the higher of your Year 11 rank or your final ATAR (or IB equivalent).
- You list up to five preferences, in order.
- Adjustment schemes (Education Access, Diversity, Elite Athlete and Subject Adjustment) can raise your rank if it is 70 or more first.
2. UAC. Students who missed ASA, May-session IB students, people with other or older qualifications, and transfer students apply through the Universities Admissions Centre. UAC applicants apply for accommodation and scholarships separately.
When are the ANU deadlines for 2027 entry?
These are the key dates still ahead as of 7 November 2026.
Key ANU and UAC dates for Semester 1, 2027.
ASA change of preference closes on 30 November 2026. International direct applications close on 15 December 2026, and NSW and ACT ATARs come out on 16 December 2026. UAC's December Round 2 offers are on 23 December 2026. International offers must be accepted by 15 January 2027 if you are overseas. ASA offers must be accepted by 31 January 2027, and classes start on 22 February 2027.
Sources: ASA key dates, international applications, UAC key dates.
ANU only joins some UAC offer rounds. For Semester 1, 2027 it is listed for December Round 2, January Rounds 1 and 2, and February Round 2, but not March Round 1 (UAC offer rounds). Apply by 26 November 2026 for December Round 2, or by 28 January 2027 for February Round 2. The UAC fee is $215 from 1 October 2026.
If your child is in Year 10 or 11 now, ASA dates for 2028 entry are not yet announced. ANU says ASA applications open "from March to May every year".
How do international students apply to ANU?
You are an international applicant if you are not an Australian or NZ citizen and do not hold Australian permanent residency. Most international students apply directly to ANU. If you are doing Australian Year 12, the IB Diploma or NZ NCEA, apply through UAC International instead (International applications).
The main steps of a direct ANU application.
First check the entry requirements and your score conversion. Then prepare your transcript with its grading scale and your English evidence; scans must be in colour, and self-translated documents are not accepted (Documentation requirements). Apply online with up to three preferences and pay AUD$150. ANU says most applications are assessed within ten business days. Accept your offer by 15 January if you are overseas. Finally, you must pass the Genuine Student check before ANU issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (Assessment).
Can I apply with predicted grades?
Only in some cases. A-level, IB and HKDSE students can use predicted results, but only for Semester 2 (July) starts and only for programs with a minimum of 94 or below. The prediction must be on school letterhead and signed by the principal or registrar.
What scores do international qualifications need?
ANU converts your results into an ANU rank. These are the indicative scores ANU lists, checked on 7 November 2026.
| ANU rank | IB (outside Australia, 2027) | A-levels (best 3) | CBSE (English/Hindi + best 4) | ISC (%) | Singapore A-levels | SAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 31 | 13 | 14.0 | 84 | 10.5 | 1170 |
| 85 | 33 | 14 | 15.5 | 87 | 13 | 1210 |
| 90 | 35 | 15 | 17.0 | 90 | 15 | 1270 |
| 94 | 38 | 16 | 18.5 | 93 | 16 | 1330 |
| 97 | 41 | 17 | 19.0 | 95 | 17 | 1390 |
| 99 | 43 | 18 | 20.0 | 96 | 17.5 | 1470 |
Sources: ANU indicative entry pages for IB, GCE A Levels, CBSE, ISC, Singapore A Levels and SAT.
How the points work:
- A-levels: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1, from your best 3 or best 4 subjects (best 4 needs 16 for rank 85). See our A-Level Maths guide.
- India: CBSE uses English or Hindi plus your best four subjects (A1=4 down to D2=0.5). ISC uses the average of English and your best three. See our CBSE board exams 2027 guide.
- Singapore: best three H2 subjects plus your best H1 or General Paper.
- US and China: ANU takes the SAT or ACT with a US High School Diploma or a Chinese High School Diploma (academic stream). On the ACT, rank 85 needs 25. AP is optional. See our Digital SAT Math guide.
IB students in Australia use a slightly different table (35.25 for rank 90). ANU encourages IB students to apply through UAC, since direct applications get no adjustment factors. Our IB Diploma Programme guide explains how points add up.
What English score do you need for ANU?
These are ANU's minimum undergraduate test scores for study starting on or after 1 January 2027 (English language policy):
| Test | Overall | Each part |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6.0 in each band |
| TOEFL iBT | 81 | Reading 16, Writing 19, Listening 16, Speaking 19 |
| PTE Academic | 64 | 60 in each skill |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 169 | Reading 163, Writing 170, Listening 163, Speaking 179 |
Tests must usually be under two years old and taken at a test centre. Online IELTS, PTE Online and TOEFL Home Edition are not accepted.
You may not need a test. School results can count. For example, CBSE students need C2 in English Core. HKDSE students need 4 in English Language. IB students qualify if the Diploma was taught in English or they passed English A. Students from certain English-speaking "Group A" countries, such as the UK, US, Singapore and Canada (not Quebec), may qualify through their schooling.
Book a free demo class if your child needs help reaching the maths or science results their ANU degree asks for, or see our plans and fees.
How much does ANU cost in 2027?
International students pay a band fee per 48 units, which is one full-time year (2027 schedule of tuition fees). Program pages show indicative 2027 fees of $57,640 for Science, Engineering, Advanced Computing and Commerce, $54,540 for Laws and International Relations, and $51,170 for Arts. ANU says fees are reviewed each year and may rise during your degree.
Domestic students in a Commonwealth supported place pay a student contribution for each course. For 2027, one full-time year of courses costs $4,908 in Band 1 (such as maths and English), $9,880 in Band 2 (such as science, engineering and computing) and $18,025 in Band 4 (such as law, commerce and humanities) (Student contributions). Eligible students can defer through HECS-HELP.
What scholarships does ANU offer?
- ANU International Achievement Award: 20% off tuition for up to four years (25% for South East Asia, 50% for the Pacific), with a rank of 85 or equivalent. No separate application.
- ANU Vice-Chancellor's International Achievement Award: 20% off first-year tuition for residents of China (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan), Japan, Mongolia and Korea, with a rank of 85.
- Tuckwell Scholarship: for 25 Australian school-leavers each year, worth $29,100 a year. Apply through ASA; the 2027 window closed in April 2026.
- ANU All-Rounder Scholarship: $8,000 a year for Tuckwell finalists with an ASA rank of 90 or more.
Find more on the ANU scholarships page.
How does ANU decide who gets in?
How an ANU application moves from results to an offer.
ANU first converts your results into an ANU Selection Rank out of 99.95. It then adds any adjustment factors. Next it checks prerequisites, English and any extra criteria. Finally it offers you your highest eligible preference.
So preference order matters. Put your dream degree first and a lower-rank backup after it. ANU names the Bachelor of Science as a pathway into Engineering.
What is a good plan from Grade 9 or Year 9?
- Year 9 (Grade 9): build strong algebra, because ANU's maths prerequisites build on it.
- Year 10: choose senior subjects. For Engineering, Computing or Actuarial Studies, pick the right maths.
- Year 11: treat it as a real exam year. ASA early offers are based on Year 11 results.
- March to May of Year 12: Australian students apply through ASA. Apply for Tuckwell if you qualify.
- Year 12: international students check the English rules and book a test if needed. Apply directly by 15 December for a February start.
- After results: change preferences if needed and accept your offer on time.
What are the most common mistakes?
- Wrong portal. IB students in Australia and international Year 12 students in Australia should usually use UAC, not the direct portal.
- Missing a prerequisite. A high rank does not help if you lack Mathematics Advanced or Methods for Engineering.
- Wrong English test. At-home tests are not accepted, and tests over two years old usually are not either.
- Using predicted grades for February. Predicted results only work for July starts.
- Only one plan. Compare other options too, such as the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne.
How 1-on-1 tutoring helps with getting into ANU
Asymptode helps with the maths and science results behind ANU's prerequisites and ranks:
- One dedicated mentor, live online and 1-on-1, who follows your child's own syllabus (HSC, VCE, IB, A-levels, CBSE or the US curriculum) and exam dates.
- Method-first lessons: the mentor watches each step of the working, so mistakes in algebra, calculus or physics get fixed early.
- Personalised homework with feedback, short parent updates, and every class recorded to rewatch before exams.
- Planning help: for the parts that are not maths or science, such as subject choice and timelines, the mentor helps with planning and method. You can start with a free demo class.
Facts checked against official sources on 7 November 2026.
FAQ
What ATAR do you need to get into ANU?
It depends on the degree. For 2027 entry, ANU lists a selection rank of 80 for Science, Commerce and Arts, 85 for Engineering and Advanced Computing, 97 for Laws (Honours) and 99 for PhB Science. Your ANU Selection Rank can include adjustment factors.
Is it hard to get into ANU?
It depends on the program. Most program pages say you are guaranteed admission at the published rank if you meet prerequisites, though ANU also says meeting requirements does not guarantee entry. Programs like Health Science and the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience and Psychology are competitive and use supplementary forms.
Can I still apply to ANU for 2027?
Yes. International students can apply directly for Semester 1, 2027 until 15 December 2026, or for Semester 2 until 15 May 2027. Australian students who missed ASA can apply through UAC. ANU's last listed UAC round for Semester 1 is February Round 2, with applications due by 28 January 2027.
Does ANU accept CBSE and ISC students from India?
Yes. ANU converts CBSE results using English or Hindi plus your best four subjects, and ISC using English plus your best three. For example, rank 85 needs 15.5 CBSE points or 87% in ISC. CBSE students also meet English rules with C2 in English Core.
Do US students need the SAT for ANU?
ANU uses SAT or ACT scores together with a US High School Diploma. For example, rank 85 needs an SAT of 1210 or an ACT of 25. AP subjects are optional but may earn adjustments.
Does ANU have interviews?
ANU's list of programs with additional selection criteria does not show interviews for 2027 bachelor entry. Selection uses your rank, prerequisites and English. Health Science, PhB Science and the Bachelor of Philosophy, Neuroscience and Psychology use supplementary forms instead, so check your program page.
Ready to start? Book a free demo class and advisor call, or see our plans and fees.
Sources
- ANU: Domestic undergraduate admission
- ANU: How to apply (domestic undergraduate)
- ANU: ASA Early Entry application
- ANU: ASA Early Entry key dates
- ANU: Programs with additional selection criteria
- ANU: International applications
- ANU: International assessment
- ANU: Documentation requirements
- ANU: English language admission requirements policy
- ANU: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) 2027
- ANU: Bachelor of Science 2027
- ANU: Bachelor of Health Science 2027
- ANU: International Baccalaureate indicative scores
- ANU: GCE A Levels indicative scores
- ANU: CBSE indicative scores
- ANU: SAT indicative scores
- ANU: Schedule of Tuition Fees 2027
- ANU: Student contributions
- ANU: International Achievement Award
- UAC: Key dates
- UAC: Institutions participating in each offer round