Established in 1967, the University of Canberra is an open university which is associated with the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning and the New Generation Universities. Earlier, the university was known as the Canberra College of Advanced Education. It gained the status of a university in 1990. A Stone Day is celebrated at the university which is known to be a remark of its establishment. It continues throughout the week. It is now called the Stonefest and is among the most popular music festivals in Australia.

The university campus is extended over an area of 290 acres and comprises about 28 buildings. The library comprises a huge collection of journals, books, and research papers. The campus features the best of services and facilities like a salon, cafes, ATMs, a fitness centre and basket & football courts. Also, it provides accommodation facilities. There are three housing residences, namely Uni Lodge, University of Canberra Village and the University Gardens. The campus provides all the facilities required by students at the campus. It is set close to many cafes and restaurants. In addition, a few stationery shops, departmental stores and medical shops are located nearby the campus. Public conveyance is easily accessible from the university.

The academic curriculum of the university involves a broad range of subjects that are categorised into five faculties, namely Arts & Design, Business, Government & Law, Health, Education and Science & Technology. Also, there are a number of research institute and centres within the premises, including the Institute for Applied Ecology, Research Institute for Sport & Exercise, Centre Therapeutic Solutions, Centre for Creative & Cultural Research, NEXUS Research Centre, News & Media Research Centre, and the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre. These centres allow students to take a visit and learn about the fieldwork and gain exposure as well as practical knowledge under the guidance of well-experienced faculty members and other professionals of the research centres. There are about 13,000 students at the university.

The university has a list of notable alumni that includes John Dryzek (Political Scientist), Donald Horne (Journalist, Writer, Social Critic and Historian), Arthur Hoyle (Historian), Peter Leahy (Former Chief of Army in Australia), Kelly Hoare (Member of Australian House of Representatives), Susan Ryan (Labour Government Minister), Betty Kitchener (CEO of Mental Health First Aid International), Dr. Lotay Tshering (Present Prime Minister of Bhutan, 2018-19), Will Anderson (Comedian), Cate Kennedy (Famous Author), Vivek Wadhwa (Technology Entrepreneur), and Jonathan Uptin (Member of Nine News Queensland)