AUSTRALIA · DARWIN
Charles Darwin University
public · Founded 2003 · Languages: en
In short
Charles Darwin University offers over 300 courses from vocational to PhD level, with main campuses in Darwin and Sydney, and a presence in Alice Springs. It is recognized for strong graduate employment outcomes and flexible learning options, including online and distance education.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 2003
- Students
- 4,300
- International students
- 6,000
- Acceptance rate
- 45%
- Tuition (intl)
- €16–22k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Darwin, Australia
Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a publicly funded Australian institution offering a diverse range of educational pathways, from vocational TAFE courses to postgraduate research degrees. With over 300 courses available, CDU caters to both domestic and international students, providing flexible study options through its extensive experience in online and distance education. The university is committed to serving its community and contributing to the development of Northern Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. CDU boasts a unique geographical footprint with main campuses in Darwin, the capital of Australia's tropical Northern Territory, and a campus in Sydney. It also has a presence in Australia's Red Centre (Alice Springs), offering students distinct learning and living environments across various Australian cultures and landscapes. The university is known for its strong graduate employment outcomes and its role in providing access to higher education for first-generation university students. Research and innovation are integral to CDU's mission, with a focus on collaborative projects addressing regional and national challenges. The university supports students through various scholarship programs, student life activities, clubs, and societies, aiming to provide a holistic educational experience.
Why study here
- Access a wide range of courses, from vocational training to advanced research degrees, tailored to diverse career paths.
- Benefit from a global leader in graduate employment, enhancing your career prospects after graduation.
- Choose from vibrant study locations in tropical Darwin, Australia's Red Centre (Alice Springs), or the iconic city of Sydney.
- Engage with impactful research opportunities addressing critical issues in Northern Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
- Study at a university recognized for its flexibility in learning options, including extensive online and distance education.
Student life
Charles Darwin University fosters a supportive and engaging student environment across its diverse campuses. Students can participate in a variety of activities, clubs, and societies, contributing to a holistic educational experience. The university is committed to student well-being and offers various support services to help students thrive academically and personally.
Fees
InternationalInternational tuition typically ranges from about AUD 28,000 to AUD 38,000 per year (roughly EUR 17,000-23,000) for higher education degrees, with health and some science programmes at the higher end; VET/TAFE courses are generally lower.
HomeDomestic students are usually supported through Commonwealth Supported Places and pay subsidised student contribution amounts.
LivingDarwin and Alice Springs are relatively affordable by Australian standards; students should budget around AUD 22,000-28,000 per year for living costs, in line with student visa financial requirements.
Specific course fees for international students are listed on each course page on the university website. Detailed information on living costs is not provided, and students are encouraged to check individual course listings for exact tuition figures.
Admissions
Academic RequirementsVaries by course type (diplomas, certificates, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate degrees). Specific requirements are listed online for each course.
English Language RequirementsSpecific English proficiency levels are required for course entry. If you do not meet these, pathway options like English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses are available at CDU.
IELTS Academic6.0-6.5 overall depending on the programme
TOEFL iBTTypically 64-90 depending on the programme
Rankings
THE Young University RankingsRanked among the world's leading universities under 50 years old
QS World University Rankings 2025Around 600-650
National (Australia)Approximately top 35-40
University scholarships
International Chinese Language Teachers ScholarshipCovers tuition fees and includes a stipend (amount not specified)
PhD Scholarship: Women in the Seafood Industry of the Northern TerritoryAUD 30,000 per year for three years + tuition fee waivers + AUD 5,000 grant (for international candidates) + AUD 10,800 college funding over 3 years
Accreditation
As a publicly funded Australian university, Charles Darwin University operates under the Australian Higher Education Standards Framework and is registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA); its TAFE/VET provision is delivered as a Registered Training Organisation.
For international students
AustraliaStudent visa & funds
International students need the Student visa (subclass 500), which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a health and character check. Since May 2024 applicants must show financial capacity of at least AUD 29,710 for one year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and around AUD 2,500 for travel. Since March 2024 all applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test.
Working while you study
Student visa holders may work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session — a cap re-introduced in July 2023 — and unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Students enrolled in a master’s by research or a doctoral degree have no work-hour limit at any time. Work must not begin before the course start date.
After you graduate
Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) within six months of completing their studies. In the Post-Higher Education Work stream, bachelor’s and master’s (coursework) holders receive up to two years and master’s (research) or doctoral holders up to three years; regional study and the Australia–India trade agreement can add further time. The general age limit is under 35 at the time of application, rising to under 50 for research-degree holders.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; Group of Eight typically 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT79–100; UG 79–90, PG 90–100
- PTE Academic50–65; UG 58+, PG 65+
Main intakes
FebruaryJuly
Typical living cost
€1,600/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesDepartment of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500) · Study Australia — Student visa (subclass 500) work rights · Study Australia — Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) · IDP IELTS — Minimum IELTS scores for Australian universities · AECC — Cost of living in Australia for international students
Programs
a selectionCharles Darwin University · Australia
Bachelor of Accounting
The Bachelor of Accounting program at Charles Darwin University is designed to equip you with the professional skills necessary to pursue a career as an accountant or to work in a variety of roles requiring accounting expertise. Throughout the course, you will develop essential communication, presentation, and problem-solving abilities. Key areas of study include financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, taxation, business law, corporate law, and finance. You have the flexibility to select business units that align with your personal interests and career aspirations, or choose electives from diverse fields such as languages, anthropology, history, social science, Indigenous studies, applied science, and engineering.
Bachelor's
Level
€19k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Charles Darwin University · Australia
Bachelor of Accounting / Diploma of Laws
This dual degree program offers a comprehensive foundation in both accounting and law. Over three years of full-time study, you will earn both a Bachelor of Accounting and a Diploma of Laws. The accounting component covers essential areas like financial and management accounting, taxation, and business law, equipping you with practical skills for a dynamic business world. The Diploma of Laws provides a broad understanding of the legal system, processes, and various legal principles, allowing you to explore specialized areas through electives. Successful completion of this program meets the entry requirements for professional accounting bodies in Australia.
Bachelor's
Level
€19k
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Charles Darwin University · Australia
Bachelor of Accounting/Diploma of Digital Enterprise
This dual degree program combines a Bachelor of Accounting with a Diploma of Digital Enterprise, offering a unique skill set for the modern business world. You will gain foundational accounting knowledge and skills, with opportunities to specialise through electives. The program culminates in a capstone unit focusing on ethics and professional application. The Diploma of Digital Enterprise component equips you with essential skills in both business and information technology, providing a significant professional advantage. This combination addresses the growing demand for accounting professionals with digital expertise, which often leads to higher earning potential. Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared to meet the entry requirements for professional accounting bodies in Australia.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Charles Darwin University · Australia
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts is a highly flexible degree offering nine contemporary majors. It focuses on issues and opportunities relevant to Indigenous and Northern Australia, as well as neighbouring South-East Asia. This program allows you to choose your area of interest and develop your voice.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
36 mo
Duration
Charles Darwin University · Australia
Bachelor of Clinical Science/Doctor of Medicine
The Bachelor of Clinical Science/Doctor of Medicine program at Charles Darwin University (CDU) is designed to address the specific health needs of the Northern Territory. This program aims to train doctors with the skills and dedication to provide excellent healthcare, particularly in challenging environments like the NT. It places a strong emphasis on First Nations health and wellbeing, rural and remote medicine, and interdisciplinary team-based care. Students will gain valuable experience through clinical placements in rural and remote areas of the NT and have the opportunity to conduct community-based research with guidance from the Menzies School of Health Research.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
60 mo
Duration
Charles Darwin University · Australia
Bachelor of Education Secondary
The Bachelor of Education Secondary is designed to prepare you for a career as a secondary school teacher, eligible to work in middle, secondary, and senior colleges. The program combines subject-specific curriculum and teaching methods with general education studies and essential professional experience. Upon graduation, you will be qualified to register as a teacher anywhere in Australia. The curriculum is aligned with the Australian National Curriculum and aims to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to teach students in Years 7-12, addressing the national and local demand for dedicated educators. You will explore topics such as school curriculum design, contemporary educational issues including inclusivity, child and adolescent development, behaviour management, student wellbeing, enhancing the teacher-student relationship, teaching Indigenous learners, and developing evidence-based teaching practices. As part of the degree, you will select two specialisations: a major and a minor, from a range of subjects including Technologies, Health and Physical Education, Humanities, Languages, Mathematics, Music, Science, Visual Arts, and English. The course can be completed online or on campus, and can be studied full-time or part-time. If you choose to study online, you will complete your practical placements in a location convenient for you. Graduates of this program will demonstrate personal literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to the top 30% of the population.
Bachelor's
Level
—
Tuition
48 mo
Duration
Scholarships
for Australia
full fundingAustralian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia Awards)
ASEAN-Australia Awards Scholarships
Open to citizens of eligible ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste) applying for a master's degree by coursework or research at an Australian university. Applicants need a strong academic record, leadership potential, relevant work experience and English proficiency, and must meet Australian visa and health requirements. Exact terms are set each cycle by the Australian Government.
full
Funding
€120k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingForrest Research Foundation (Minderoo Foundation)
Forrest Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowships
Open to early-career post-doctoral researchers of any nationality and from all academic disciplines. Applicants must be in the final year of their PhD or no more than two years past PhD completion at the time of taking up the fellowship, be proficient in English, and meet the employment-eligibility conditions of the host Western Australian university. Fellows must reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the full term and commit to mentoring Forrest Scholars, undertaking ambassadorial duties and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Melbourne
Hansen Scholarship at the University of Melbourne
Australian citizens, permanent residents or holders of an Australian temporary or permanent protection visa who are enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or IB programme, aged 16-20 at application, with a predicted ATAR of 90+ (or IB equivalent) and demonstrated financial hardship (e.g. a family receiving Centrelink benefits). Asylum seekers are eligible for full fee remission.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingAustralian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Australia Awards Scholarships
Open to citizens of ~30+ eligible developing countries (mostly the Indo-Pacific), who are not married to/engaged to an Australian or NZ citizen, meet academic and English requirements, and commit to returning home for at least 2 years after study. Fields must align with the partner country's development priorities.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Sydney
University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS)
For international students undertaking a postgraduate research degree (a master's by research or a PhD) at the University of Sydney. It covers tuition fees and a living-allowance stipend; applicants need a strong research background and a confirmed place and supervisor for their research project.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Melbourne (School of Computing and Information Systems)
University of Melbourne CIS PhD Scholarship
Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold a Master of Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, apply for the Doctor of Philosophy – Engineering and IT (Computing and Information Systems) programme (DR-PHILEIT), and demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and research potential. A research proposal, a personal statement, and a letter of support from the proposed PhD supervisor are required.
full
Funding
€42k
Max
-18d left
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at Charles Darwin University?
+
International tuition fees for higher education degrees at Charles Darwin University typically range from AUD 28,000 to AUD 38,000 per year. Vocational Education and Training (VET/TAFE) courses are generally less expensive. Specific course fees are listed on each course page on the university website.
What are the living costs for students in Darwin and Alice Springs?
+
Darwin and Alice Springs are considered relatively affordable by Australian standards. Students should budget around AUD 22,000 to AUD 28,000 per year for living expenses, which aligns with the financial requirements for a student visa.
What are the English language requirements for international students?
+
International students typically need an IELTS Academic score of 6.0-6.5 overall, or a TOEFL iBT score of 64-90, depending on the specific program. If you do not meet these requirements, Charles Darwin University offers English for Academic Purposes (EAP) pathway courses.
What academic qualifications are needed for admission?
+
Academic requirements vary depending on the course type, including diplomas, certificates, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees. Detailed academic entry requirements are available on the university's website for each individual course.
What are the application deadlines for international students?
+
Application deadlines for Higher Education programs in 2026 include January 23 (offshore) and February 20 (onshore) for Semester 1. For TAFE courses in 2026, deadlines are December 1, 2025 (offshore) and January 1, 2026 (onshore) for Term 1.
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