Australian National University, state-subsidized university in Canberra, Australia. Founded in 1946, the university was originally confined to graduate study. In 1960, when Canberra University College (1929) became part of the university, undergraduates were admitted for the first time. Affiliated with the university are the Institute of Advanced Studies, the unit responsible for doctoral degrees, and research schools of medicine, physical and biological sciences, social sciences, and Pacific studies.