The ANU Master of Applied Cybernetics is our flagship education program. It is the first of its kind and the only master’s program in applied cybernetics in the world.

Through this program we are establishing cybernetics as an important tool for navigating major societal transformations, through capability building, policy development and safe, sustainable and responsible approaches to new systems.

Our goal is to build a new generation of practitioners who will shape a future that we want through and with technology. ​Entry to the program is by competitive application only, and the number of students is strictly limited to 20.

Applications for study are accepted annually from June to August for study in the following year.

Applications opening on
Friday, 1 June 2026.

Download Application Pack

At a glance#

*Fee information

Our graduated Master’s students have gone on to senior leadership roles in digital, data and AI in Federal and State governments, non-profits and industry, as well as on to PhDs at the ANU and other leading global universities.

At a minimum, all applicants must meet:#

• Program-specific academic/non-academic requirements
• Policy: English language requirements for admission

We welcome applications from candidates who come from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, including those who have pursued non-traditional academic pathways but have met the professional experience levels of assumed knowledge.​

Scholarships#

Scholarships are available to remove barriers to entry and encourage diversity through recognition of individual background, education, and industry experience. Recipients will be notified upon successful admission by the ANU into the Master of Applied Cybernetics. Please note, scholarship recipients may only receive one of the scholarships attached to the Master of Applied Cybernetics.

Full details about scholarships and eligibility criteria are listed on the ANU Scholarships page and on the links below.

• School of Cybernetics Scholarship
• School of Cybernetics Scholarship for Indigenous Students
• The Florence Violet McKenzie Master of Applied Cybernetics Scholarship for Non-Traditional Pathway Students

All applicants will have the opportunity to apply for a School of Cybernetics scholarship as part of the application process.

Application process#

Step 1 - Prepare#

• Most recent CV / resumé including
  • Statement of formal qualifications and dates awarded.
  • Statement of employment history.
  • Information on other skills, achievements, capabilities, and interests outside of work.
  • A minimum of 2 referees.
• A cover letter (max 2 A4 pages) addressing criteria for selection.
• A Portfolio Piece that succinctly demonstrates your interest in the program
  • Your portfolio piece must be your own work and can be in any format. For example, a short piece of writing, an artwork, a video recording, a piece of software, a poem, a blueprint – we encourage you to be creative!
• Statement of English proficiency (International students only)

Please contact us early if your portfolio piece is a large file or if you require any form of assistance.

Step 2 - Submit#

When completed, name each file using the following naming convention:

• Surname_Firstname_Resume
• Surname_Firstname_CoverLetter
• Surname_Firstname_Portfolio
• Surname_Firstname_Statement

Step 3 - Complete#

Please submit your application before 12 pm AEST, 21 August 2026.
Apply here.#

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Questions?#

If you have further concerns or queries, please contact us at cybernetics@anu.edu.au