Bachelor of Arts
at The Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory.
A three-year arts degree at ANU in Canberra with a very wide range of majors, from ancient history and archaeology to Asian languages and Indigenous studies. ANU's published minimum selection rank is 80.00, and there are no prerequisites or assumed knowledge.
Lowest selection rank
The lowest selection rank (LSR) is the lowest ATAR plus adjustment factors (equity, subject and regional bonuses) that received an offer to the ANU Bachelor of Arts for that intake. Universities publish it in their admissions student profiles. Only intakes with a published figure are listed.
| Intake | Lowest selection rank | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 80.05 | uac.edu.au |
| 2024 | 80.00 | uac.edu.au |
| 2023 | 80.05 | uac.edu.au |
A lowest selection rank describes a past intake, not a guaranteed entry score. Check the current entry requirements on the official course page before you apply through UAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
No formal Year 12 subject prerequisites; assumed knowledge may still apply.
What you will study
Majors and minors include Ancient Greek, ancient history, anthropology, Arabic, archaeology, art history and theory, Asian history, Asian studies, Asia-Pacific culture, media and gender, Australian Indigenous studies, biological anthropology, Chinese language and many more humanities, language and social science areas. Internships through the Australian National Internships Program are available, and Honours is offered as an additional year in most disciplines.
Placement and industry experience
Students can take internships through the Australian National Internships Program, which places students with organisations such as federal parliament, government departments and policy bodies in Canberra.
Career outcomes
- Graduates work in writing, editing and publishing roles across media, government and the not-for-profit sector.
- Many alumni pursue policy and research positions in the public service or NGO sector.
- Common further-study pathways include teaching, law (graduate JD) and a research Honours year.
Typical first jobs
- Graduate policy officer in APS departments (DFAT, Treasury, PM&C, Home Affairs, ATO)
- Research officer at the Australian Parliamentary Library or Parliamentary Budget Office
- Departmental liaison officer or ministerial adviser in Parliament House
- Communications adviser at Canberra-based NGOs and peak bodies
- Research assistant in ANU research schools and the Australia Institute
- Electorate officer for federal MPs and senators
Graduate starting salary
$55,000 - $72,000 per year
Source: qilt.edu.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
After graduation
Graduates can add an Honours year, take a Master of Teaching or a Juris Doctor, or start in policy, communications, research and public service roles, including Australian Public Service graduate programs.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students who enjoy reading 100 plus pages a week and writing long-form research essays
- People comfortable defending an argument in 10 to 18 person tutorials
- Those drawn to the ANU research-school model and a possible Honours or PhB pathway
- Students considering DFAT, Treasury or Crawford-style policy careers
- Independent learners willing to design their own pathway across two majors
It is probably not for you if
- Students who want a vocational timetable with a fixed job at graduation
- Those who prefer technical problems with a single correct answer
- Anyone hoping to avoid 3000 to 4000 word seminar essays
- Students uncomfortable with self-directed reading and unstructured study time
Careers this leads to
Australian career pathways that name this Bachelor of Arts as an entry route. Each page shows uni, TAFE and apprenticeship alternatives.
Related courses at ANU
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the Australian National University website and on UAC before applying.