Former deputy Liberal leader Julie Bishop has been announced as the first female chancellor of the Australian National University, months after leaving federal politics.

Key points: Julie Bishop replaces another former foreign minister, Gareth Evans, as chancellor of the ANU

Julie Bishop replaces another former foreign minister, Gareth Evans, as chancellor of the ANU Ms Bishop is the first woman to hold the role as ceremonial head of the university

Ms Bishop is the first woman to hold the role as ceremonial head of the university The role is one of several Ms Bishop has taken on since retiring from politics

Ms Bishop will replace another former foreign minister, Gareth Evans, who has been chancellor of the university since 2010.

The former federal MP for the WA seat of Curtin will commence the role in 2020.

Ms Bishop left a long parliamentary career earlier this year, months after unsuccessfully contesting the Liberal leadership against Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton.

She served as Foreign Minister between 2013 and 2018, and was deputy leader of the Liberal Party from 2007 to 2018.

In a pre-recorded message released today, Ms Bishop said she was looking forward to helping lead the university.

"It is a great honour to take up the role of chancellor of [the] Australian National University," she said.

"ANU's strong links globally, and in our region, make it one of Australia's most important institutions, and I look forward to working with it as we continue to support and further our national interest."

Ms Bishop adds the role to a number of positions she has taken on after retiring from politics earlier this year, including a controversial position on the board of Palladium, a beneficiary of the government's privatisation of foreign aid spending.

An investigation by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet last week cleared her of any breach of ministerial standards.

Role to commence in January

The role of chancellor oversees the university's council and high-level operations, as well as conferring degrees.

The university's pro chancellor Naomi Flutter said she hoped Ms Bishop would be a strong voice for the ANU.

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

"Between now and January when Julie's term commences, we will also have opportunities to farewell our current chancellor, Gareth Evans.

"Gareth has served ANU for nearly a decade with incredible energy and intellect, always being a source of great encouragement."