Degree overview
The Master of Forestry provides a unique opportunity to learn about the science, economy and society of forested landscapes and their management. You will study in our world renowned Fenner School of Environment and Society; a world-leading centre for interdisciplinary research on the conservation and management of Australia's distinctive biodiversity.
Gain skills in understanding contemporary issues and challenges in forestry and forest science, while applying analytical skills in conservation and management of forests and woodlands.
Our researchers take an interdisciplinary approach to learning about forestry, which is underpinned by studies in environmental science, policy and management.
Key facts
What you'll learn
Master of Forestry
The Master of Forestry offers you flexible and advanced study to develop knowledge and skills in forestry, forest sciences and their relationship to other land management discipline.
The structure of this two year program has its core a strong focus on Forest Policy, Forest Management, Forest Science and Research Methods which reflects the diversity of perspectives needed for effective forest resource management.
Advanced program
The Advanced program focuses on competing a substantial research project supervised by an academic, which constitutes appropriate research training for a PhD.
Student experience
Call the Fenner Building home
Study in a world-leading building in sustainable design and construction.
Meet Forestry student David Stock
“ANU does a great job at that balance between science and society… we’ve done forest inventories, we’ve talked to farmers about Whole of Paddock Restoration, and we’ve also seen the forestry production cycle from seedlings to harvesting.”
Virtual tour
Explore ANU science places, classrooms, laboratories and more through our interactive virtual tour.
Meet some of your teachers

Associate Professor Cris Brack
Cris is a member of the Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA)and a Director of the National Arboretum Canberra Foundation. He has influenced the development of the National Carbon Accounting System for Australia, a comprehensive initiative working across the country. Cris is principal investigator on major forestry research projects, including the National Arboretum and urban forests/urban greening.

Professor Peter Kanowski
Peter was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, where he also lectured in forestry for seven years. At the Fenner School at ANU Peter’s research focuses on forest and environmental policy, and on sustainability; and policy learning and development, and community engagement, associated with forest-related issues. Peter works extensively in each of these areas, representing a diversity of forest- and environment- sector interests, internationally, nationally, and locally.
Careers
The Master of Forestry is internationally recognised. The degree will help enhance your existing skills and expertise, building on your undergraduate experience to retrain for a new career, or provide you with new tools and insight into your work or study ambitions.
Our graduates are employed as:
- Forest researchers
- Managers
- Rangers
- Technicians
- Policy specialists.
Our graduates are also employed in a range of consulting roles in the government and private sectors. As a graduate, you will be highly employable for work for senior and specialised roles in forestry, natural resource management and science in Australia and across the world including project management, research and analysis, education and community awareness, and policy.
You will graduate from the world renowned Fenner School of Environment and Society, with a strong suite of career-relevant skills. Access to scientists, managers and other forest industry professionals gives you a thorough understanding of the sector, which can help increase your knowledge of forestry, and improve career outcomes.
The Australian National University has been ranked as the top university for graduate employability in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking 2020. As a student at ANU, you gain access to the ANU CareerHub – an online career development and employability tool that includes a jobs board and careers resources. You also have access to drop-in chats with a career consultant and to attend our career fairs to meet potential employers.
Oh forestry, oh forestry: An un-fir-gettable ANU love story
Lee Adamson-Ringk, a GIS Operator for Timberlands Pacific, and her husband Chris Ringk, a consulting forester, fell in love at ANU.
Fees & Scholarships
Tuition fees: Tuition fees
Featured scholarships: Featured scholarships
ANU offers many scholarships both to overcome disadvantage and to recognise academic merit.
Watch the webinar
How to apply
Understand the entry requirements
- Check domestic admission dates on the ANU Study website.
- Check admission requirements and deadlines for this degree on the Handbook website. Read the requirements carefully to make sure you understand them.
- You must also meet the University's English language admission requirements.
Gather supporting documents
If you graduated from an Australian university, UAC will be able to access your results in most cases. However, you may be asked to provide transcripts or other documentation, so it is a good idea to prepare your records just in case.
You can still apply before you complete your bachelor degree if you are in your final year, and you must advise UAC in your application. You may need to provide a copy of your academic transcript directly to UAC as soon as you complete your degree. UAC will provide instructions during the application process.
Submit an application
Start your application on the Universities Admissions Centre website.
Receive an offer
All offers are made through UAC and are released on a rolling basis. You can access your offers and correspondence by logging into your UAC account.
Accept your offer
Once you receive an offer it is very important that you accept it to ensure your place at ANU is reserved.
Understand the entry requirements
- Check international admission dates on the ANU Study website.
- Check admission requirements and deadlines for this degree on the Handbook website. Read the requirements carefully to make sure you understand them.
- You must also meet the University's English language admission requirements.
Prepare entry requirements & support documents
When you apply to ANU, you must be prepared to provide specific documents that we need to assess your application.
Submit your application
Start your application on the ANU Admissions website.
Receive an offer
You can apply at any time throughout the year. Most applications submitted before the 15th day of each month will be considered for an offer on the 1st day of the following month.
You can change your degree preference between the 9th and 15th day of each month. You will have two months to accept your offer from ANU.
View the application dates on the ANU Admissions website.
Accept your offer
Accept the offer and enrol at ANU!
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