Overview

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a leading Australian university for graduate employment and salary outcomes. Performing across global university rankings, this sustainable, creative, innovative and inclusive new world university teaches more than 22,000 students from over 70 countries, across 11 campuses and training centres in more than 100 regional and remote locations.

　　CDU is the only university in the Northern Territory region of Australia and is the closest Australian university to Asia. Due to its long heritage of educational delivery in northern Australia and history of innovation, the university is well positioned to improve lives and contribute to the future development of the region and wider Asian continents. CDU has built itself on the key values of innovative thinking, maintaining a clear focus on the future and developing solutions to contemporary injustices.

　　The university recognises the capacity of all its students to create a positive impact in the world, and as a result invests heavily in providing its learners with the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence to improve lives. Whether it's quality taught programs or cutting-edge research, CDU brings them together to deliver quality outcomes for students.

　　The university's main campus is located just 20 minutes from the city of Darwin and 10 minutes from an international airport, a perfect location for students looking to explore everything Australia has to offer and learn within a welcoming, vibrant community.

　　Study with CDU in 2024 and receive a 30 percent scholarship (conditions apply).

　　

What's new

New Education Community Precinct

The University holds a unique position as the Northern Territory's (NT) only local university and the closest Australian university to South-East Asia. Its research, knowledge and education strengths are vital exports underpinning the NT's growth.

　　The Australian Government, the Northern Territory Government (NTG), and CDU are building an iconic education and civic precinct in the heart of Darwin to help attract more international students to the city and improve access to tertiary education for Australians.

　　The university's goal is to create more open and engaged university campuses and communities across Darwin, foster knowledge exchange, and encourage partnerships with governments, businesses, the community and First Nations people.

　　The university's new iconic city campus will have state-of-the-art infrastructure to enhance teaching quality and the student learning experience. The close proximity of students to the working realities of their chosen industries in the city will strengthen ties between government, the private sector and their future workforce.

　　A vibrant city centre campus with residential facilities will enhance both the domestic and international student experience in Darwin and is expected to be a drawcard for the growing number of students wishing to study in Australia. In addition, it will increase opportunities for students to live, work and study in the city.

　　The new campus is set to open in 2024.

　　

Graduate outcomes

Graduates from CDU have access to the best employment and career prospects.

　　

Rankings

The following are some of the university's rankings:

　　CDU is the No.2 Australian university for postgraduate full-time employment outcomes (Good Universities Guide 2023) CDU is ranked the No.4 Australian university for undergraduate full-time employment outcomes (Good Universities Guide 2023) CDU graduates earn 8 percent more than the average university graduates (2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey National Report) CDU students are well equipped with the skills needed when entering the workplace. A testament to this is the large and successful university alumni working across the globe and in various industries.

　　The Northern Territory has a high demand for qualified and skilled workers in engineering, accounting, tourism and hospitality, health, nursing, IT communications, the public services sector, and education.

　　Students can visit the CDU website for more information on career support and employability at the university.

　　

Study options

CDU is a dual-sector university offering students a range of study options from pathways, certificate II courses, diplomas, TAFE courses through to higher education and research courses, such as PhD programs.

　　

English for Academic Purposes (EAP)

EAP is designed for international students who meet academic entry requirements for their course, but don't yet meet the English proficiency required. The course builds both English Language skills and the academic skills students need to succeed at the university.

　　

CDU International College

CDU International College and UP Education prepares students for higher education by offering foundation courses, diplomas and preparation courses for postgraduate degrees.

　　

Study areas

Some of the study areas students can choose from include:

　　

TAFE study areas

Event Management Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Services Kitchen Management and Baking Tourism and Hospitality

HE study areas

Accounting Arts Business Education Engineering Exercise and Sport Science Health Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management Humanities and Social Sciences Indigenous Knowledges IT, Cyber Security and Network Engineering Law and Legal Studies Nursing and Midwifery Psychology Public Health Science, Environmental Science and Management Social Work

Scholarships

CDU offers a range of scholarships for its EAP, pathway, TAFE, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. CDU rewards scholarships of up to 50 percent to students with outstanding academic accomplishments or positive contributions to society.

　　

Entry requirements

To gain admission to CDU, students must meet academic and English language entry requirements.

　　Details about the English entry requirements for CDU courses can be found on the CDU course page under the 'entry requirements' tab.

　　Students who do not meet the entry requirements for entry to CDU programs can undertake pathway or EAP programs at CDU International College.

　　

Accommodation & safety

Accommodation

Students can choose to live on or off-campus while they study with CDU.

　　

On-campus accommodation

International House Darwin (IHD) – CDU Casuarina Campus

International House Darwin (IHD) is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, located on the CDU Casuarina campus. There is a vibrant community that takes advantage of the Territory lifestyle through a range of events run by IHD for residents.

　　The rooms are semi-furnished and IHD residents have access to a variety of onsite facilities, including Wi-Fi, an outdoor swimming pool, games room, BBQ area, bicycles and a complimentary shuttle bus service to key locations around Darwin.

　　Visit the IHD website for more information.

　　

Alice Springs

The Alice Springs Student Accommodation (ASSA) accommodates CDU students, students from other universities undertaking placements, CDU staff, and visiting guests and groups. All rooms are semi-furnished. Students can choose from twin-share and sole occupancy rooms across two houses and take advantage of communal kitchen areas, a self-service laundry and Wi-Fi. Stay for a couple of nights, a week, or longer, as the university has flexible contracts to suit.

　　

Off-campus accommodation

CDU offers students free advice about off campus accommodation options, tenancy advice and assistance where required.

　　

Student safety

CDU is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students.

　　CDU's security are well-trained in first aid and have easy access to first aid kits if there is a need for medical assistance. They are also trained as first responders in the event of any emergency/incident on campus.

　　The university security officers can help students by escorting them between buildings, local public transport points at several university sites, and campus car parks after hours.

　　Students can also follow the 'corridors of light' walkways, all of which are placed strategically around the campus. These corridors run from every main building to the car parks.

　　

Industry partnerships

CDU provides higher education and TAFE industry partnerships - being a dual sector university.

　　CDU has built a range of strong networks in research and education. It has developed various industry relationships with not-for-profit organisations, professional associations, government-funded research agencies, and regional partnerships.

　　The university's higher education partners offer students opportunities to gain practical experience. CDU enjoys collaborations for training that are extensive with the regional trades, businesses, and industry.

　　The university enjoys connections with organisations and universities across the globe, in countries such as:

　　Austria Canada China PRC Denmark France Germany Indonesia Japan Malaysia Netherlands Norway Spain Sweden United Kingdom United States Vietnam

　　

Research at CDU

CDU is one of the most research-intensive and innovative teaching universities in Australia. It ranked as a top 200 university globally for its research and impact (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023).

　　Students can learn more about research at CDU on the university's website.

　　

Northern Australia Universities Alliance

Northern Australia is set to benefit from the combined academic and research powers of its three major universities, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish the Northern Australia Universities Alliance. Under the MOU, Charles Darwin University, Central Queensland University and James Cook University will partner on projects that support the social, environmental and economic development of Northern Australia.

　　

Research excellence

According to the ERA (Research Excellence Rankings Analysis), 82 per cent of CDU's research is rated as world standard and above, and enjoys a rating of five in: environmental science and management (4-digit level), medical and health sciences (2-digit level), and ecology (4-digit level). It also has a four at the 2-digit level in: biological sciences, environmental sciences, agricultural and veterinary sciences.

　　

Expert researchers

In 2021, 22 researchers from CDU and Menzies School of Health Research were recognised as leaders, featuring in the Public Library of Science Biology's recently updated list of top 2 percent world scientists in their fields, according to the citation impact.

　　

Research strengths

CDU addresses industry, government, and community priorities by focusing on its research strengths in the areas of environment, health, public policy, social science, First Nations, energy and resources.