A centre for innovation and exploration
Canberra’s unique environment for collaboration is unrivalled, providing easy access to government and industry leaders in science, research and education. This reputation as a hotbed for innovation and business growth has led to the emergence of several support organisations such as the Canberra Innovation Network, Renewables Innovation Hub and Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology.
The city’s focus on knowledge attracts an eclectic mix of leaders, innovative thinkers, Nobel Prize winners, artists and researchers, as well as strong representation from multi-national corporations keen to establish and grow their presence in Australia. In fact, more than 60 per cent of employment is with the private sector across more than 25,000 businesses. Many of Australia’s leading government agencies are headquartered in Canberra and enjoy strong connections with the institutions. The unique mix of prominent public and private organisations result in unparalleled internship and work experience opportunities for students, and with Australia’s lowest unemployment and highest average incomes, Canberra’s graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes.
A short drive from Canberra you’ll find the CSIRO’s Deep Space Communication Complex which is operated on behalf of NASA and offers the chance for students to gain incredible hands-on experience as part of the country’s leading space and spatial sciences degrees.
Canberra is also a hub for students studying health and sports sciences. Conveniently located between the city’s two largest universities is the Australian Institute of Sport where many of our current and future star athletes train to compete on the world stage.
Young at heart
Canberra is a young city having only celebrated its centenary in 2013. It’s one of only a few planned cities in the world, with a unique mix of unspoilt nature reserves, contemporary and dynamic urban spaces, and bustling precincts with a seamless integration of developed and natural elements.
With students making up approximately 25 per cent of the population, Canberra has a lower median age than many other Australian cities. Its youthful identity has seen Canberra blossom as a creative hub with first-rate cultural, social and gourmet experiences on offer.
The city’s events calendar is packed with world-class sporting events, concerts and festivals which give Canberra a level of vibrancy and sophistication seen in bigger cities - but on a smaller scale.
An exploration of Canberra’s national attractions, galleries and museums helps to tell a story that is uniquely Australian. Collectively they offer something to appeal to everyone – from dinosaurs to sculptures; animals to sport; and the ever changing line up of national and international blockbuster exhibitions.
Room to breathe
No matter where you are in Canberra, it’s just a short walk or bike ride to unspoilt parkland or stunning nature reserves. That’s why it’s known as Australia’s Bush Capital.
Canberrans are very active people who take advantage of the amazing recreational activities available and the 246 days of sunshine each year. The city’s hilly landscape offers a great range of bush walks and biking trails with spectacular views and all levels of experience are well catered for.
Hike or cycle around beautiful Lake Burley Griffin and stop in at the National Arboretum, home to 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from around Australia and the world.
As a planned city Canberra has less congestion and boasts an average commute time by car of just 25 minutes. Many students choose to make use of over 400km of dedicated cycle ways or the discounted student fares available on buses and light rail.
Canberra is also perfectly placed as a gateway to the surrounding region, just a short two hour drive from pristine beaches and beautiful snow-capped mountains, and three hours from Sydney.