The Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is located in the south-eastern region of New South Wales. Canberra is the ACT’s capital city as well as Australia’s federal capital and was designed by architect Walter Burley Griffin in the early 1900s. Canberra boasts many impressive buildings housing government and national centres.
While the ACT’s quality higher education institutions make it an excellent place to study just about anything, its status as the home of the Australian Government make it the ideal place to study courses in politics, public service, law, journalism and security. It’s concentration of national research centres also make it a top choice for research higher degree candidates. International students make up 18 per cent of the total number of students studying in the ACT.
Canberra, the capital, has a small-town feel with the cosmopolitan comforts of a capital city — you will find top-quality sporting events, restaurants, shopping malls, festivals, restaurants, bars and live music venues. The tranquil Lake Burley Griffin is a great spot to relax or ride a bike.
Parliament House is the city's focal point. It is open for viewing by the public, giving you the opportunity to observe Australian politics in action and appreciate the Australian art featured throughout the building.
Old Parliament House was home to Australia's Federal Parliament for more than 60 years until the move to the new location in 1988. Today, this much-loved heritage building offers visitors a unique glimpse into Australia's past.
For a taste of Australia's military history you can visit Canberra's major ceremonial avenue, Anzac Parade, which has 11 memorial sites dedicated to the many Australian and New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives in war. The stirring Australian War Memorial is located at the northern end of the Parade.The avenue is easily recognisable from the Mt Ainslie lookout. 
The Snowy Mountains are located within a two-hour drive of Canberra and offer a range of outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding and horse riding. The beautiful coastline of New South Wales is also an easy drive away, along with the bigger city offerings of Sydney. In addition to housing Australia's major federal government departments, Canberra is also home to some of the nation's most significant cultural centres. Among them is the National Gallery of Australia, which has the largest collection of modern art in the Southern Hemisphere; the National Library; and the Australian Film and Television Archives, which showcases the history of Australia's film, television and radio industries, dating from 1890. The National Science and Technology Centre, Questacon, is also based in Canberra and is Australia’s leading interactive science and technology centre.
