The Australian National University has made the difficult decision to cancel a popular university pathway program for Canberra college students, citing annual costs exceeding $1 million.
Program Scrapped After Review
The ANU Extension program, which allowed ACT year 12 students to undertake university-level H courses, will not accept new enrollees after the 2024 intake. A university spokesperson confirmed the move followed a 2023 review, labelling it a "difficult decision." The program's high operational cost, even after accounting for external funding, was deemed unsustainable.
The spokesperson emphasised that ANU remains committed to engaging with local secondary students and is exploring alternative, more sustainable initiatives. "ANU intends to develop and pilot new community-facing education initiatives from 2026," they said. These future programs will focus on equity of access and giving students meaningful exposure to university-level learning.
Impact on Canberra's High Achievers
The cancellation leaves a significant gap for many high-achieving students. A number of the ACT's top performers in 2025 completed an ANU H course and plan to attend the university in 2026. While the specific extension program is ending, ANU clarified that students who complete similar pathway programs at other institutions may still be eligible for equivalent credit upon enrolment, in line with the university's standard credit transfer arrangements.
Academics will continue outreach through other activities, but a direct replacement for the structured H course offering has not been finalised.
New Players Fill the Educational Space
As one door closes, another opens. The ACT government has announced a new partnership with the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Starting in 2026, the UNSW ACTivate program will offer 32 year 11 students the chance to study cyber security and systems architecture, with courses counting as credit towards UNSW undergraduate degrees.
UNSW is expanding its Canberra footprint, having taken over the former CIT Reid campus and begun construction on new buildings. University vice-chancellor Attila Brungs, while in Canberra to mark the start of construction, stated there was ample room for three universities in the capital. UNSW has maintained a campus next to the Australian Defence Force Academy in Campbell for six decades.
Meanwhile, The University of Canberra continues to run its own accelerated pathway, offering seven H courses under its Accelerated Pathways Program. An ACT government spokesperson highlighted the importance of these classes in supporting the local economy and skills base. The UC courses include systemic anatomy, creative writing, business decision making, and politics and democracy.
The spokesperson said these government-supported courses provide vital opportunities for Canberra's talented youth, helping to build the knowledge needed for the future.
