Rare bettongs and sumo wrestling robots will be on show as ANU opens its lecture halls, accommodation and science labs to about 8,000 prospective students on Saturday as part of its annual Open Day.

For the first time, prospective students will be able to apply for a new ANU Flexible Vertical Double Degree, which can save students time by combining a Bachelor degree and a Masters degree.

ANU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Marnie Hughes-Warrington said the new degrees had been established after a successful pilot program in 2013.

"We recognise that students want to map out their own journey in their own time," Professor Hughes-Warrington said.

"At 17 it is very hard to know exactly what you want to do, and it's very common for students to change course before they finish their Bachelors degree.

"The new Flexible Vertical Double Degrees provide students with more choice and flexibility to combine undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. They will allow students to decide on a Masters during their studies, rather than before they start."

Other Open Day highlights include:

• Sumo wrestling robots
• Rare native bettongs on show
• Making fluro yellow slime
• Live spiders and stick insects
• Stone tool making workshop
• Live film & video game music composition
• Hot glass blowing
• Tours of the Classics museum
• Food, drink and entertainment

View the full program for 2015 ANU Open Day.