ANU taps Bishop for chancellor

Former foreign minister Julie Bishop will become the first female chancellor of the Australian National University.

Ms Bishop will replace another former foriegn mininster, Gareth Evans, and begin a three-year term on January 1 .

ANU pro-chancellor Naomi Flutter said Ms Bishop knew ANU well and had a deep interest in education.

"In Julie, I know we will have a compelling and effective advocate for our university including with the Australian government," she said.

"As Australia's foreign minister, she always represented our national interests strongly, navigating often sensitive foreign policy issues."

Ms Bishop said she was looking forward to working with the university,

"ANU is playing a vital role in the research and development to create a better world, and is equipping our students with the skills and abilities and knowledge to make a significant contribution to that world," she said.

Ms Bishop left federal parliament at the election in May after more than 20 years as the member for Curtin.

Since retirement, she has been appointed to the chair of the Telethon Kids Institute, and as a non-executive director of foreign aid contractor Palladium.

Her Palladium appointment garnered controversy, as she was responsible for privatising foreign aid spending.

Mr Evans has been ANU's chancellor for 10 years.