Astronomy Schools and Programs in Australia

Astronomy Studies in Australia

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Astronomy is the study of planets, stars, galaxies, black holes and the universe as a whole, and of the instruments used to observe them. In Australia it is usually taught as astronomy and astrophysics: a branch of physics that relies on mathematics, programming and data analysis. Teaching is in English.

SpainExchange lists one school in Australia that teaches astronomy: the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, founded in 1946 and governed by the Australian National University Act 1991. Its Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA) is based at Mount Stromlo Observatory, just outside the city.

How astronomy degrees are organised in Australia

Australian degrees sit within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the national system for tertiary education, which has 10 levels. According to Study Australia, the government's official study portal, a bachelor's degree typically takes 3 years (4 years for a bachelor honours degree), a postgraduate degree 1 to 2 years and a doctorate about 3 years. The academic year usually starts in March, with two semesters.

Astronomy is rarely a separate bachelor's degree. Students normally take a Bachelor of Science and choose astronomy as a major. At ANU the Bachelor of Science is a 3-year full-time degree of 144 units, and the Astronomy and Astrophysics major makes up 48 of them. It builds on first-year mathematics and physics and includes courses such as Foundations of Astrophysics, Quantum Mechanics and Electromagnetism, with options in galaxies and cosmology, stars and planetary science.

After the bachelor's degree there are three main routes:

• An honours year: at ANU a one-year specialist programme designed as preparation for PhD research, in which a research project accounts for 50% of the year
• A master's degree: the ANU Master of Science in Astronomy & Astrophysics takes 2 years full time, with an advanced option that adds a supervised research project
• A PhD, in which coursework is not compulsory at ANU

Admission and language

For undergraduate study, applicants need an Australian Year 12 certificate or an equivalent; postgraduate applicants must have completed at least one undergraduate degree. ANU lists an ATAR of 80 or an IB score of 31 for its Bachelor of Science.

Programmes are taught in English. For undergraduate admission, ANU asks for IELTS Academic with an overall score of 6.5 and at least 6.0 in each skill, or an equivalent result in another accepted test. After receiving an offer and a confirmation of enrolment (CoE), students apply for the visa.

Where to study astronomy in Australia

The Australian National University teaches astronomy through its Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics. The school is based at Mount Stromlo Observatory in the Australian Capital Territory and also operates research telescopes at Siding Spring Observatory, near Coonabarabran in New South Wales, at an altitude of 1,164 metres. According to the school, Siding Spring is Australia's leading facility for optical and infrared astronomy; RSAA runs the ANU 2.3m telescope there, and its students also have access to the 3.9m Anglo-Australian Telescope and the radio telescopes operated by CSIRO.

The school states that it has more than 50 PhD students, over a third of them international, and around 50 astronomers and instrument scientists. Its research areas include cosmology, extra-solar planets, galaxy evolution, star formation and instrumentation.

Costs and visa

Tuition fees for international students depend on the provider, the level of study and the location. ANU gives an annual indicative fee of $56,120 for international students in its Bachelor of Science in 2026. Living costs vary across Australia, and the student visa has its own financial requirements.

Full-degree students need a Student visa (subclass 500), which covers higher education and also study abroad and exchange semesters. From 1 July 2026 the visa application fee is from AUD$2,500. Student visa holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session, and must keep health insurance for their whole stay.

Recognition and careers

AQF qualifications are nationally accredited and recognised internationally in many industries. ANU is registered with the national regulator TEQSA as an Australian university and with CRICOS as a provider for overseas students.

The ANU astronomy major prepares students for careers where physical science matters, including research, teaching and industry. According to the university, its master's prepares graduates for data science roles, for jobs with space and defence companies and national space agencies. PhD graduates often continue to postdoctoral research, usually overseas; others work in meteorology, computing, finance and teaching. Graduates with a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) to stay and work in Australia.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study a bachelor's degree in astronomy in Australia?

Usually astronomy is a major within a Bachelor of Science rather than a separate degree. At ANU the Astronomy and Astrophysics major takes 48 of the 144 units of the 3-year Bachelor of Science.

How long does a master's in astronomy take in Australia?

Postgraduate degrees in Australia take 1 to 2 years. The ANU Master of Science in Astronomy & Astrophysics takes 2 years full time.

Can I work while studying astronomy in Australia?

Yes. Student visa holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session; students in a master's by research or a doctorate have no work hour limit once the course has started.