Charles Darwin University

PROFILE CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY

locationAustralia

Ranked #584 Globally

QS World University Rankings 2026

Ranked #401-500 in the World

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2026

Located in the Northern Territory of Australia, Charles Darwin University is the only university in this region and offers both vocational and higher-education programs as a dual-sector institution. It emphasizes practical, regionally focused research in tropical health, Indigenous studies, and sustainable development. CDU is recognised for its small class sizes, diverse student body, strong community partnerships, and accessibility for students across regional and remote Australia.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Rise in global rankings: CDU improved in the QS 2026 rankings from the 621–630 range to #584, moving upward against the national trend.
  • International diversity: Ranked 154th globally for international student diversity in the QS indicators.
  • Graduate success: Approximately 81% of CDU undergraduates gain full-time employment within four months of graduation, above the national average.
  • Sustainability leadership: The “Blue 2” Indigenous Leadership Precinct at the Casuarina campus achieved a 4 Green Star Education Design accreditation for sustainable building practices.
  • Excellence in vocational education: CDU recorded a 22% growth in vocational education and training (VET) enrolments in 2023, strengthening its position as a leading dual-sector university.
  • Research growth: Recognised among Australia’s fastest-growing research universities with strong focus areas in Indigenous health, environmental sciences, and regional development.
  • Alumni recognition: The CDU Alumni Awards honour outstanding graduates such as Dr Christine Fejo-King for her leadership and contributions to Indigenous health and community development.

FACILITIES

  • Modern lecture theatres and classrooms: digitally equipped spaces with smartboards, video conferencing, and hybrid learning systems.
  • Library and Learning Precinct: provides access to extensive online databases, e-books, and 24-hour study zones.
  • IT and Computer Labs: high-speed internet, multimedia editing suites, and simulation software for engineering and business programs.
  • Nursing and Midwifery Simulation Suites: fully equipped clinical wards and high-fidelity mannequins for practical training.
  • Trades Training Centre: workshops for construction, automotive, electrical, and plumbing courses with industry-standard tools.
  • Business and Innovation Hub: collaboration space for entrepreneurship, accounting, and management students.
  • Maritime Training Centre: specialised facility in Darwin’s waterfront area for marine and vessel operations training.
  • Menzies School of Health Research: world-leading institute in tropical and Indigenous health research.
  • Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL): conducts projects in biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable resource management.
  • Northern Institute: focuses on social policy, regional development, and Indigenous governance.
  • Energy and Resources Institute (ERI): supports renewable energy, mining, and environmental safety research.
  • Tropical Aquaculture Facility: advanced labs and ponds for fisheries, water quality, and marine biology studies.
  • Desert Knowledge Precinct: collaborative research area focusing on desert innovation and arid-zone sustainability.
  • Student Support Hub: provides academic advising, counselling, visa assistance, and financial support.
  • On-Campus Accommodation (International House Darwin): furnished rooms, communal kitchens, gym, and recreation areas.
  • Cafés and Eateries: multiple dining spots and coffee lounges across Casuarina campus.
  • Fitness and Sports Centre: gym, outdoor courts, and wellness programs for students and staff.
  • Childcare Centre: on-campus facility for students with families.
  • Indigenous Leadership Precinct (“Blue 2” Building): a dedicated cultural and learning space promoting First Nations engagement.
  • Student Association (CDUSA): social, academic, and welfare support with clubs, volunteering, and student events.
  • Remote Learning Network (CDU Online): cloud-enabled virtual classrooms for regional and distance students.
  • Renewable Energy Installations: solar-powered campus systems supporting CDU’s sustainability goals.
  • Green Campus Initiative: waste reduction, water recycling, and sustainable landscaping projects.

LOCATION

INTAKE & PROGRAMMES OFFERED

Intake

PRE UNIVERSITY

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 5.5

UNDERGRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 6.0

POSTGRADUATE

January February March April May June July August September October November December

IELTS: 6.5

PROGRAMMES

Pathway Programmes

  • Foundation: Business, Law, Art, Health & Nursing, Engineering & IT, Science & Environment)
  • Diploma: (Business Studies, IT)

Undergraduate Programmes

Business & Accounting

  • Bachelor of Business

  • Bachelor of Accounting

  • Bachelor of Commerce

  • Bachelor of Human Resource Management

  • Bachelor of Digital Enterprise

Information Technology & Engineering

  • Bachelor of Information Technology

  • Bachelor of Computer Science

  • Bachelor of Software Engineering

  • Bachelor of Engineering Science

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Systems and Control)

Health & Nursing

  • Bachelor of Nursing

  • Bachelor of Health Science

  • Bachelor of Midwifery

  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science

  • Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science

Education & Teaching

  • Bachelor of Education (Primary)

  • Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

  • Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

  • Bachelor of Educational Studies

Environmental & Life Sciences

  • Bachelor of Science

  • Bachelor of Environmental Science

  • Bachelor of Environmental Management

  • Bachelor of Sustainability

  • Bachelor of Agriculture and Rural Operations

Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

  • Bachelor of Arts

  • Bachelor of Psychological Science

  • Bachelor of Humanitarian and Community Studies

  • Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge

  • Bachelor of Social Work

Law & Policy

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

  • Bachelor of Legal Studies

  • Bachelor of Criminology

Creative Industries

  • Bachelor of Creative Arts and Industries

  • Bachelor of Design

  • Bachelor of Music (Performance or Composition)

Postgraduate Coursework Programmes

Business & Management

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)

  • Master of Professional Accounting

  • Master of Business Administration (Leadership and Innovation)

  • Graduate Diploma in Business Administration

Engineering & IT

  • Master of Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)

  • Master of Information Technology

  • Master of Cyber Security

  • Master of Data Science

Health, Medicine & Nursing

  • Master of Nursing Practice

  • Master of Public Health

  • Master of Health Research

  • Master of Occupational Therapy

  • Master of Speech and Language Therapy

Education

  • Master of Teaching (Primary or Secondary)

  • Master of Education (International and Comparative Education)

  • Graduate Certificate in Education Studies

Science & Environment

  • Master of Environmental Science

  • Master of Environmental Management

  • Master of Tropical and Environmental Science

Law & Social Policy

  • Master of Laws (LLM)

  • Master of Public Policy

  • Master of Humanitarian Assistance

Research & Higher Degrees

  • Master by Research

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

  • Doctor of Education (EdD)

TUITION FEE & LIVING COST

TUITION FEE

APPLICATION FEE

AUD 100

PRE UNIVERSITY

UNDERGRADUATE

POST UNIVERSITY

AUD 34,274

AUD 28,000 - 38,000

AUD 32,760 - 41,552

Living Cost

Approx. AUD 2,000 - 2,700 per month (including accommodation)

ACCOMMODATION

on-campus
International House Darwin (IHD)
  • The main and most popular on-campus accommodation for both local and international students.

  • Located within a 3-minute walk to classrooms, the library, and student hub.

  • Offers a friendly, multicultural environment with social and study events.

on-campus
North Flinders International House (Palmerston Campus)

Facilities: communal kitchens, study area, Wi-Fi, and bus access to Casuarina Campus (25 mins).

off-campus
Off-Campus Partner Accommodation (Recommended by CDU)

For students preferring more independence, CDU partners with several trusted off-campus providers near Casuarina Campus:

  • UniLodge Darwin (city centre)

  • Darwin Waterfront Apartments

  • Homestay Network (for first-year international students)

SUCCESS STORIES