Updated: 12 November 2026 · SpecTa Education
Is the Bachelor of Political Science at ANU available to Indonesian high school graduates?
Yes. Australian National University (ANU) offers a 3-year Bachelor of Political Science that Indonesian high school graduates can enter, but usually through a pathway such as foundation studies or one year of university, unless they hold equivalent qualifications (A-Level, IB). Estimated international tuition AUD 20,000–45,000 per year and living costs AUD 20,000–25,000 per year; Subclass 500 student visa with minimum IELTS 6.0.
This page explains the entry pathway, costs and 2026 visa rules for Indonesian high school graduates considering ANU's Bachelor of Political Science.
Key facts
| Program | Bachelor of Political Science, ANU (3-year bachelor's; foundation pathway common for Indonesian high school graduates) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (international, general) | AUD 20,000–45,000 per year (Check ANU official page for exact figure) |
| Living costs (general) | AUD 20,000–25,000 per year (Canberra generally lower than Sydney/Melbourne) |
| Student visa Subclass 500 charge | AUD 2,000 (Raised from AUD 1,600 in 2026 [verify]) |
| Minimum living-cost evidence | AUD 29,710 per year (Excludes tuition and travel; more for dependants [verify]) |
| Minimum IELTS for visa | 6.0 overall (Universities often require 6.0–6.5; target 6.5 Academic) |
| SSVF Indonesia status | Level 2 (Financial evidence and valid English test mandatory) |
| Estimated total for 3 years | AUD 120,000–200,000 (Includes living costs; excludes annual increases [verify]) |
Pathway for Indonesian high school graduates
Indonesian SMA graduates are not usually admitted directly to ANU's Bachelor of Political Science. ANU typically requires a recognised foundation studies programme or one year of successful university study. Students with A-Level, IB Diploma or equivalent qualifications may be considered for direct entry.
- Check the official ANU degree page for current entry requirements, as they change by year and qualification.
- SpecTa can help you choose an ANU-recognised foundation programme.
Costs for a 3-year political science degree
International tuition at Australian universities generally ranges from AUD 20,000 to AUD 45,000 per year. For ANU, check the official study page for the exact Bachelor of Political Science figure because fees are revised annually.
Living costs in Canberra are typically AUD 20,000–25,000 per year, often lower than Sydney or Melbourne. A three-year bachelor's degree usually totals AUD 120,000–200,000 including living costs, before annual increases.
2026 visa and English requirements
You will need a Subclass 500 student visa. In 2026 the visa application charge is AUD 2,000, up from AUD 1,600, and Indonesia is classified as SSVF Level 2, so financial evidence and a valid English test result are mandatory in most application combinations.
The visa minimum is IELTS 6.0 overall, but universities often require 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate study; aim for IELTS Academic 6.5 to be safe. You must also meet the Genuine Student requirement by answering questions about your course choice and career goals.
- Proof of living costs: at least AUD 29,710 per year, excluding tuition and travel; more for dependants.
- After graduation, the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows post-study work; duration depends on qualification.
Scholarships and next steps
Indonesia has over 22,000 students in Australia, the largest national group. Scholarships such as Australia Awards and LPDP can reduce costs; deadlines change annually, so verify each year. A free 20-minute SpecTa consultation can map your ANU pathway and timeline.
- Australia Awards Indonesia: scholarships for Indonesian students to study in Australia.
- LPDP: Indonesian government funding; suitability varies by level and scheme.
Key takeaways
- ANU's Bachelor of Political Science is open to Indonesian high school graduates, but almost always through foundation studies or equivalent qualifications.
- Prepare for IELTS Academic early; aim for at least 6.5 to be safe for university entry.
- Budget AUD 120,000–200,000 for three years including living costs.
- 2026 visa: Subclass 500, AUD 2,000 fee, AUD 29,710/year living-cost evidence, IELTS 6.0 minimum, SSVF Level 2 for Indonesia.
- Use SpecTa's free consultation to map your exact ANU pathway and requirements.
Related questions
Do I need a foundation programme after SMA to enter ANU's Bachelor of Political Science?
Most Indonesian SMA graduates need foundation studies or one year of university study. A-Level, IB Diploma or equivalent may be accepted for direct entry; check ANU's current entry requirements.
What IELTS score do I need for the student visa?
The 2026 student visa minimum is IELTS 6.0 overall. ANU may require 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate admission, so aim for IELTS Academic 6.5.
How much money should I prepare for the entire degree?
Estimate AUD 120,000–200,000 for three years of tuition and living costs, excluding annual fee increases, visa fees and travel.
Can I work in Australia after graduation?
Yes, the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) allows post-study work. The duration depends on your qualification and current rules.
Are there scholarships for Indonesian students?
Yes, options include the Australia Awards Scholarship, LPDP and university scholarships. Deadlines change annually, so verify each year.
Sources
- Australian National University – Study
- Department of Home Affairs – Student visa (subclass 500)
- IELTS – Test types and scores
- Australia Awards Indonesia
- LPDP – Ministry of Finance Indonesia
Book a free 20-minute consultation to map your pathway to ANU