Join Charles Darwin University
Hear more from CDU student Kalyani - from India
Get to know International House Darwin Meet Rafat
CDU Alumni – Bella from China
CDU Alumni – Amrit from Nepal
CDU Alumni – Viet from Vietnam
CDU Alumni – Hasan from Bangladesh
CDU Alumni – Harnika from India
CDU Alumni – Shehani from Sri Lanka
CDU Alumni – Cindy from Nigeria
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
At Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a leading Australian university for graduate employment and salary outcomes. Performing across global university rankings, this innovative and inclusive new world university teaches more than 22,000 students from over 70 countries, across campuses and training centres in Darwin and Sydney, as well as a number of 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, both in Australia and across the Asian continent. CDU has built itself on the key values of innovative thinking, maintaining a clear focus on the future and developing solutions to contemporary issues.
The university recognises the capacity of its students to create a positive impact in the world, and invests 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, perfect for students looking to explore everything Australia has to offer from a vibrant, welcoming base.
Study with CDU in 2024/25 and receive a 30 percent scholarship (conditions apply).
CRICOS: 00300K
2023 601 200
2022 801
2025 621 20
2024 601 100
2023 701
2024 401 50
2023 351 150
2022 501
Graduates from CDU have access to some of the best employment and career prospects.
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, IT, the public services sector and in education.
The university has a dedicated careers centre where students can find support on everything from employability skills to finding jobs and succeeding in interviews. Expert advice and resources can be accessed online or in person, with specific assistance for international students.
Students can visit the CDU website for more information on career support and employability at the university.
CDU is a dual-sector university offering students a range of study options from pathways, certificates, diplomas, TAFE courses through to higher education and research courses.
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, an UP Education institution, prepares students for higher education by offering foundation courses, diplomas and preparation courses for postgraduate degrees.
Some of the study areas students can choose from include:
CDU offers a range of scholarships for its EAP, pathway, TAFE, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. CDU awards scholarships of up to 50 percent to students with outstanding academic accomplishments or positive contributions to society.
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.
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:
The University holds a unique position as the Northern Territory’s (NT) only university and the closest Australian university to 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 City 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 government agencies, businesses and the community.
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 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 late 2024.
A$30,910 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
A$31,426 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
A$22,636 Vocational Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
A$21,041 Living costs
A$9,620 To live on campus
Research is central to CDU’s purpose. Its research attracts global recognition in areas including tropical and desert knowledges, human health and wellbeing, Indigenous knowledges, social and public policy, and engineering, energy and resources. Darwin works to see constraints transformed into innovations and new approaches that cross-disciplines.
Twenty-eight outstanding CDU researchers were listed in the top two percent of the most influential researchers in their field in 2023 (Stanford – Elsevier study 2023).
CDU achieved 76th position in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024. The Ranking lists the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger, with 673 universities featured from around the globe. CDU’s ranking improved thanks to high scores in publication citations, international outlook, and research.
Times Higher Education also ranked CDU in the top 300 for impact in 2023. The Impact Ranking benchmarks research against the United Nations’ seventeen Sustainable Development Goals. The university ranked in the top 200 in the areas of Life Below Water, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Reduced Inequalities, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Quality Education, and ranked 55th in Good Health and Wellbeing and 42nd for Gender Equality.
Students can choose to live on or off-campus while they study at CDU with a range of affordable, convenient options.
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 it’s ideal location and 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.
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.
CDU offers students free advice about off campus accommodation options, tenancy advice and assistance where required.
CDU is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all students.
CDU’s security are well-trained in first aid and 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.