About Canberra

Canberra is a modern city just over ninety years old, chosen as Australia’s national capital in 1908 as a diplomatic solution when both Melbourne and Sydney wanted the role. Its name comes from the local Aboriginal word ‘Kamberra’ meaning ‘meeting place’.

As Australia’s capital city, Canberra is the focal point for activities and events that affect and influence the nation. It is the home of Federal Government and the public service, a focus for business and industry, home to the international diplomatic community, a place of study or just a great place to live.

As a planned city, Canberra is known for its large open spaces, parklands and natural beauty. Coupled with fantastic town centres, a café culture and an outdoor lifestyle, Canberra is an ideal place for students of all ages to call home. Located within a few hours drive of both the beach and Australia’s best ski fields, Canberra offers an almost endless range of things to see and do. The other eastern seaboard cities of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane can be easily reached by bus, train or plane.

With almost 320,000 residents, Canberra is a cosmopolitan city enriched by strong national and international ties, a thriving cultural, educational, entertainment and sporting life and all set amidst extensive natural parks.

There are four well developed seasons in Canberra. Summer is from December to February, Autumn from March to May, Winter from June to August, and spring from September to November. There is no wet season and rainfall is usually spread evenly throughout the year. Canberra is cold in winter with night temperatures dropping below 0° Celsius. Day temperatures in summer are as high as 35° Celsius with mild nights.

Canberra also offers unparalleled access to a range of research and study resources and is the base for a host of national organisations like the Australian Institute of Sport, the National Library, the National Gallery of Australia, a showcase Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, government departments and CSIRO. Canberra offers a lively cultural life and is home to four universities and other higher education institutions.

Employment Possibilities

The following website could be useful if you or your family are eligible and interested in working in Canberra. Visa requirements must be met.