Charles Darwin University
You make CDU. For you, for us, for the Territory.
📍 Darwin, Australia 🇦🇺
🏆 #29 in Australia · QS World #584 · THE World #401 · ARWU #601
Quick Facts about Charles Darwin University
- Type: Public
- Students: 22,338
- International: 41%
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $16,000 – $31,000/year
- Language: English
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 28:1
- Intakes: Fall, Spring
About Charles Darwin University
Academics
CDU is a dual-sector university, providing both higher education and vocational education and training (VET) courses. Key faculties and research strengths include Indigenous and tropical health, environmental science, information technology (including AI), disaster management, education, and public policy. The university is known for its practical learning approach, integrating work-integrated learning and other hands-on components to prepare students for their careers. CDU researchers are among the top 2% globally in their fields, with significant impacts on social, cultural, economic, and environmental issues.
International Students
CDU offers a wide range of support services for international students, including personal and academic assistance, help with student visas, and a "New to CDU checklist" for smooth integration. International students make up 17% of the total student population, increasing to 27% within degree programs, contributing to a diverse and global campus community. The university also has various student organizations, including cultural groups like the Bhutanese CDU Student Association and the Indian Student Forum, fostering cultural integration. English language proficiency is a key admission requirement, with accepted tests including IELTS (overall 6.0 with no band less than 6.0 for undergraduate, or higher for specific courses), TOEFL (minimum 79 iBT), and PTE.
Campus & Location
Located in Darwin, a multicultural and cosmopolitan tropical city, CDU offers a distinctive student experience. The main Casuarina campus provides various facilities, including cafes, a modern gym, sports facilities, gardens, and on-campus accommodation options. Darwin's proximity to unique ecosystems like Kakadu and Arnhem Land provides unparalleled opportunities for fieldwork and research, especially in environmental sciences. The university also has campuses in Alice Springs, Palmerston, and Katherine, and study centers in Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek, extending its reach across the Northern Territory.
Career Outcomes
CDU boasts strong employment outcomes for its graduates, with a five-star rating for undergraduate and postgraduate employment. Undergraduate students achieve a median starting salary of $61,400 and a full-time employment rate of 79%, while postgraduate students have a 93% full-time employment rate and a median salary of $68,400. The university is ranked among the top five in Australia for undergraduate employment in fields such as engineering, humanities and social sciences, law, psychology, and social work. CDU actively fosters industry connections through partnerships and initiatives like the Darwin Innovation Hub, which supports startups and provides mentorship and commercialization pathways for university research.
Information for International Students at Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University in Darwin, Australia welcomes international students, with 41% of the student body coming from abroad.
- 41% of students are international
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for Charles Darwin University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Charles Darwin University:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 60
- Duolingo minimum: 110
- GPA minimum: 2.5
- Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%)
- Application deadline: August 25, 2025 (November intake)
Scholarships & Tuition at Charles Darwin University
Annual tuition for international students: $16,000 – $31,000/year
✅ Charles Darwin University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Charles Darwin University
- National Ranking: #29 in Australia
- QS World University Ranking: #584
- Times Higher Education (THE): #401
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #601
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at Charles Darwin University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
Key Highlights
- Dual sector university in Northern Territory
- Leader in Indigenous leadership and education
- Top ranked for graduate employment outcomes
- Ranked highly for global impact research
- Extensive network of regional study centers
- Deeply connected to the Northern Territory
Accreditation
- TEQSA
Fields of Study at Charles Darwin University
- Indigenous Studies
- Environmental Science
- Engineering
- Business
- Health
Notable Alumni
- Loraine Braham
- James Burke
- Lia Finocchiaro
- Michael Gunner
- Lauren Moss
Frequently Asked Questions about Charles Darwin University
What is Charles Darwin University?
Charles Darwin University is a public university located in Darwin, Australia. It has approximately 22,338 students, with 41% being international students.
How much does it cost to study at Charles Darwin University?
Tuition fees at Charles Darwin University for international students range from $16,000 – $31,000/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Charles Darwin University?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 60. Duolingo minimum: 110. GPA minimum: 2.5. Selectivity: Moderate (40-60%). Application deadline: August 25, 2025 (November intake).
What language are courses taught in at Charles Darwin University?
Courses at Charles Darwin University are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
What is Charles Darwin University ranked?
#29 in Australia · QS World #584 · THE World #401 · ARWU #601.
Does Charles Darwin University offer scholarships?
Yes, Charles Darwin University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Charles Darwin University provide visa support?
Yes, Charles Darwin University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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