The Australian National University is a globally renowned institution known for its world-class research and education and is ranked 4th in Australia1 and 32nd in the world2. ANU produces the most employable graduates in Australia3. We have more subjects ranked in the world top 20 than any other Australian university and four disciplines ranked in the top 10 in the world4.
To ensure we maintain our high standards of education and continue to best support our students, ANU must reshape its operating model to ensure long-term academic and research excellence, financial sustainability, and alignment with its national mission by 2026. Renew ANU is the university-wide program of organisational change focused on achieving this. Launched in late 2024, it aims to strengthen how the University functions by streamlining our operating model, reducing duplication and delivering more consistent, high-quality services across all areas.
Changes to the curriculum occur independently of the Renew ANU organisational change program and are designed to ensure our pedagogy remains aligned with contemporary best practice.
1. THE World University Rankings 2025; 2. QS World University Rankings 2026; 3. Times Higher Education Global University Employability Rankings 2025; 3. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024; 4. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, and 2024, and 2025.
School of Music FAQ's
Will the University share their response to the Joint Letter from Students of the ANU School of Music to the College Dean on 21 August 2025?
Yes, the College Dean’s response to the Joint Letter is now published here on the ANU Renew ANU website.
Is it true that the School of Music is closing?
This is a moment of renewal and opportunity. Music at ANU is not ending, it’s evolving. Under the proposal, Music will become part of a new structure: the School of Creative Arts and Cultural Practice. This proposed new School is an ambitious initiative that will bring together music, visual arts, design, heritage and museum studies, and art history and theory. The new School reflects how creative practice is happening today, collaboratively and across a range of media and disciplines. It ensures that Music at ANU will continue to flourish within a sustainable, internationally relevant framework.
Music will remain a vital part of ANU: offering world-class education and research; contributing to innovative research and creative practice; enriching campus life with vibrant ensembles, concerts, and events; and maintaining deep connections with the Canberra community and cultural partners. The proposal affirms our commitment to music as a discipline and ensures it continues to thrive within a sustainable and future-focused framework.
Are the changes proposed to the School of Music in the College of Arts and Social Sciences Change Management Plan now finalised?
No. The Renew ANU Change Proposal is currently under review. The Implementation Plan has not yet been developed and agreed to, nor commenced.
What is the difference between the College of Arts and Social Sciences Change Management Proposal and the amendments to the Bachelor of Music program?
They are two separate processes. The Change Management Proposal is part of the University-wide Renew ANU initiative focussed on financial sustainability and organisational structure. For the School of Music, it proposes reducing 3.5 FTE positions and creating a new School of Creative and Cultural Practice, without changing the content of the Bachelor of Music.
The amendments to the Bachelor of Music program come from an 18-month curriculum review led by the School of Music. This is a normal renewal process to ensure alignment with best practice, disciplinary trends, and student demand. It is unrelated to the structural changes proposed under Renew ANU.
Have the performance and composition curriculum been disestablished?
No. The amended curriculum does not disestablish performance and composition. Students will continue to have opportunities to study performance, composition, and musicology in depth. The amended Bachelor of Music has been carefully designed to ensure there are no fewer opportunities in performance and composition than before. No fewer than six courses in each area will continue to be offered, alongside a range of small and large ensembles including the ANU Orchestra, ANU Jazz Orchestra, Recording Ensemble, Songroads Ensemble, Baroque Ensemble, ANU Chamber Choir, Llewellyn Choir, and multiple small classical and jazz ensembles.
Why are changes being made to the School of Music?
It is a core responsibility of any world-leading university to continually refresh and refine its pedagogical offerings to ensure they remain fit for purpose and aligned with global best practice. When such evolutions are made for future cohorts, they will be clearly and accurately reflected in our promotional and marketing materials for incoming students.
Do the proposed changes affect all students currently studying at the School of Music?
The changes to the curriculum will affect students entering the Bachelor of Music from 2026. Current students will continue in the structure and delivery of the degree in which they enrolled. This includes the provision of one-on-one performance tuition for those students currently in that pathway. While there may be some changes to the range of courses on offer, this is a usual process across the University, as we amend our programs regularly, and is in alignment with the policies that govern tertiary education providers.
Is ANU selling off Llewellyn Hall in its attempt to reduce the music curriculum?
Llewellyn Hall continues to operate as a commercial venue, which means access for students must be balanced with external demands. This is not a new challenge and has not changed over the course of current students’ enrolment.
Are the assets from the 1991 merger still being used for music education?
Yes. These assets support music education and continue to be used for that purpose in 2025.
Additionally, the National Institutes Grant recognises the University’s role as a national University and provides funding to maintain research and education excellence, including in music. The ANU as a National Institute is fundamentally aligned with this purpose; and upholds this obligation in re-orienting some of the core functions of the College of Arts and Social Sciences to enhance its research productivity and focus which must be a key element and output of a university-based music program.
Will the Renew ANU process reduce the quality of music education?
No. The University is committed to maintaining the quality and breadth of its educational offerings. If a staff member leaves, for whatever reason, students will still be supported by other professional teachers with strong academic and industry experience.
No single teacher is solely responsible for a students’ development. We remain committed to ensuring that every student has access to professional, high-quality teaching and students will continue to learn from a range of experienced academics and practitioners.
Music clearly remains a vibrant discipline at ANU, and one that we continue to fully support.
How is ANU supporting students during this change process?
The University recognises that change inevitably brings a sense of uncertainty. ANU has provided structured feedback opportunities through Town Halls, meetings with the School Executive and Dean, and will continue to share updates via On Campus, Renew ANU, and through individual and group conversations, as the change proposal progresses.
Students can also access support through the University’s usual support services including their College, Student Health and Wellbeing, Dean of Students, Student Central, or any other relevant services.
How do I get help now?
Continue accessing the support services you’ve been using, including your College, Student Health and Wellbeing, Dean of Students, Student Central, or any other relevant services. Please note that the Academic Change Proposal released to the ANU community on Thursday 31 July is currently open for consultation and discussion. Only business-as-usual changes are occurring at this time – no changes to existing services are being implemented.
How will I get help in the future?
The Change Proposal includes ongoing discussions about how to improve student support management and student enquiry services. As part of this process, we’ll be consulting with students to help shape future service arrangements. We will share new arrangements as final decisions are made, as part of the implementation plan.
I'm having trouble getting help. What should I do next?
If you’re experiencing issues, email the relevant service provider (e.g. College, Student Central, Accessibility, etc.) with details of your concern. If you don’t receive a timely response, consider contacting the Dean of Students office or Student Central for further assistance. Keep in mind that the current flu season in the ACT may cause delays to some services.
As a student, how do I give feedback on the proposed changes?
All of the Change Proposals under Renew ANU are published on the Renew ANU website for consultation with ANU staff, students and union representatives. Each Change Proposal is open for a 2–4-week consultation period, and a feedback form is provided. All feedback received during this time is carefully reviewed and considered in shaping the implementation plan; a summary of key themes and the University's response to feedback will be shared on the Renew ANU website.
Do I need to be worried about my degree? Will I be able to complete my degree?
Renew ANU is a program of organisational change and is not about changing programs and courses. All programs will remain available for students currently enrolled to complete.
Curriculum changes occur independently of the Renew ANU initiative and are part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining high quality, contemporary pedagogy. We regularly review and update our programs to ensure they align with student needs and reflect best practices in teaching and learning. This process continues independently of Renew ANU change proposals.
How will Renew ANU and the change proposals affect me as a Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidate?
The Research and Innovation Portfolio's change proposal, currently available for consultation on the Renew ANU website, proposes a new, centralised Graduate Research School and a more consistent HDR support model. While some HDR administrative functions may move into a central team, you will still have access to staff in your area. If any proposed academic changes affect your supervision, your College and School will work with you to ensure continuity and support throughout your candidature.
Will the University still teach the same programs even if a college is disbanded?
The recent academic restructure at ANU only impacts the college structure. No programs are being disbanded due to this process. Please check the website for specific programs and course information if you are unsure. Some programs may now be based in different colleges due to the restructure that took place at the beginning of 2025; however, this does not impact the teaching quality or learning experience for students at ANU.
Are there any changes to the admissions process for programs in the affected colleges and schools?
No. While the Renew ANU process includes a change to the structure of colleges, the admissions processes for international and domestic students remain the same. Future students can rest assured that the Renew ANU process will not impact their applications.
Is ANU still welcoming international students?
Yes, absolutely. International students are crucial to our vibrant cultural and intellectual life on our campus and remain most welcome at our University. The Renew ANU process does not impact the ability of prospective international students to apply to study at ANU. We remain committed to providing the highest-quality education and learning experience for all of our students.
Does Renew ANU impact student visa applications for international students?
No, it does not. ANU will continue to issue the necessary enrolment documents for students to make visa applications, with no change occurring as a result of Renew ANU. As Australian Government policy changes from time to time, prospective international students are encouraged to check with the Department of Home Affairs for all visa matters.
Is the offer I received from ANU in 2025 still valid? Will I be contacted directly if my program is no longer available?
All offers made to future students remain valid, subject to any conditions in your offer letter. The Renew ANU process does not impact the admissions and offer process at ANU, nor does it result in current programs no longer being offered by the University. Prospective students are encouraged to call 1800 620 032 within Australia, or +61 2 6125 7257 outside Australia, should you have any questions about your offers. International education agents, kindly contact your ANU Regional Manager directly.
Will these changes impact my accommodation offer?
No. The Renew ANU process does not impact the accommodation offerings at the University, and therefore there will be no change to accommodation offers for students.
I received a scholarship from ANU. Does Renew ANU impact my scholarship in any way?
No. The Renew ANU process does not impact the current and future scholarship options at ANU, and all current and future scholarships will continue to be offered. If you have questions about your scholarship at ANU, please contact future.student@anu.edu.au or call 1800 620 032 within Australia, or +61 2 6125 7257 outside Australia.
Will my tuition fees remain the same for the duration of my degree?
While tuition fees vary from year to year, ANU is not considering increasing student tuition fees as a direct result of the Renew ANU process. The changing Australian Government policy landscape constrains the University’s ability to grow international student numbers for the foreseeable future. ANU is focused on controlling its costs, and living within our projected revenue, rather than changing student tuition fees.
If I am coming from an articulation arrangement from an overseas college, will it still be recognised?
Yes. The Renew ANU process does not impact articulation arrangements from overseas colleges, and such arrangements will continue to be recognised. Should a student who is part of these arrangements be affected by the changes in schools and colleges at ANU, they will be directly contacted. If you have any questions about articulation arrangements, please contact future.student@anu.edu.au or call 1800 620 032 within Australia, or +61 2 6125 7257 outside Australia.
How will these changes impact the University’s rankings?
The Renew ANU process is about securing the University’s financial future and ensuring that Australia's only national university continues to offer a high-level education to students. During and after the Renew ANU process, ANU will continue to strive for excellence and increase its higher education rankings.
How do I contact ANU to discuss my situation directly?
Current students are encouraged to contact their College if they require reassurance about their course of study at ANU. For key student contacts in the colleges, click here. For wellbeing or personal support, contact the Student Safety and Wellbeing team or the Dean of Students Office.
Future and prospective students are encouraged to contact future.student@anu.edu.au or call 1800 620 032 within Australia, or +61 2 6125 7257 outside Australia, to discuss their specific circumstances. International education agents, please contact your ANU Regional Manager directly. Some answers may already be available on the Renew ANU microsite: https://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/faqs-renew-anu.
