The retired Liberal politician is set to replace Gareth Evans, becoming the first woman to hold the role.

Ms Bishop - who left federal parliament at the election in May after more than 20 years - will begin a three-year term on January 1.

In an email to staff, 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 to support and further the national interest.

"The world is facing unprecedented change," the Liberal Party luminary said in a video message.

"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."

Mr Evans, himself a former foreign minister, has been chancellor of the university since 2010.

The decision to make Ms Bishop his replacement was made after staff were invited to "chancellorship forums" to provide insights into the kind of leader they wanted.

"You highlighted the need for an eminent, distinguished individual, befitting our university's stature," Ms Flutter told staff.

"It was clear you wanted someone who understands our distinctive role as the national university ... and someone who appreciates the transformative power of universities, through their teaching and research.

"In Julie, we have such a person."

Australian Associated Press