Charles Darwin University
The Northern Territory's dual-sector university, facing Asia from tropical Darwin, with a CBD campus in Sydney too.
- Students
- 13,907
- International
- 36%
- of students
- Student–faculty
- 23.9:1
- ratio
- Tuition
- A$31,208
- From · 2027
- Founded
- 2003
About CDU
Charles Darwin University was formed in 2003 by merging the Northern Territory University (which had absorbed the Centralian College of Alice Springs, Katherine Rural College and the University College of the NT) with the Menzies School of Health Research. Its roots go back to Darwin Community College, opened in 1974. It serves the Northern Territory, which covers about a sixth of Australia's landmass but holds only one per cent of its population, around 30 per cent of whom are First Nations people.
CDU is dual-sector, teaching university degrees alongside CDU TAFE. In 2025 it had 22,804 students, 13,907 of them in degree and research programs. Teaching is organised into the Faculty of Arts and Society, the Faculty of Health and the Faculty of Science and Technology. The largest campus is Casuarina in Darwin's northern suburbs, with the Danala Education and Community Precinct in Darwin's CBD, campuses in Palmerston, Alice Springs and Katherine, and a CBD campus in Sydney.
CDU is strong in health, nursing, environmental science and First Nations education, and its graduates do well in the job market. With accessible entry scores (ATAR 60 for many degrees), international fees of about AUD 31,000 to 39,000 a year and generous scholarships, it suits practical students who want a supportive university in a tropical city a few hours from South East Asia, or a city-centre campus in Sydney.
Why students choose CDU
CDU undergraduates are 9% more likely than the national average to find full-time work, according to the 2025 QILT Graduate Survey.
International tuition is clearly published: most bachelor's degrees cost AUD 31,208 to 39,392 a year in 2027.
The Vice-Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarship covers 50% of tuition for the whole degree, and the CDU Global Merit Scholarship takes 30% off selected courses automatically.
Nursing can be studied at the Casuarina campus in Darwin or at CDU Sydney in the city centre.
Admissions
2027 entry (Semester 1 starts 1 March 2027; Semester 2 starts 19 July 2027)
Selectivity
CDU does not publish an offer rate. Most bachelor's degrees require ATAR 60, rising to 70 for Engineering (Honours) and Midwifery and 80 for Laws. Of 2,350 new undergraduates in Semester 1 2025, 403 (17%) were international students, and only 7% were admitted on ATAR alone.
Typical entry requirements
| ATAR | 60 for most bachelor's degrees (e.g. Nursing, Business, Accounting, IT, Computer Science, Psychological Science, Paramedicine); 70 for Engineering (Honours), Software Engineering (Honours) and Midwifery; 80 for Laws |
|---|---|
| A-levels | Minimum aggregate score of 6 across three A-level subjects |
| Other international qualifications | A qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12, or one year of university study or a recognised foundation program |
| Diploma pathway | Two-semester diplomas through CDU International College give direct entry to the second year of business, accounting, digital enterprise, computer science or IT degrees |
| English language | IELTS 6 Standard undergraduate entry: IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 6.0, or an equivalent PTE, TOEFL, Cambridge, Duolingo or CDU ELICOS result. Nursing and Midwifery need IELTS 7.0 (Nursing: 7 in listening, reading and speaking, 6.5 in writing). Course pages list exact scores for each test. |
Deadlines
- Vice-Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarship (Semester 1, 2027) Non-binding Next deadline · In ~4 months31 January 2027
Applications required; covers 50% of tuition for the full degree.
- Vice-Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarship (Semester 2, 2027) Non-binding In ~9 months4 July 2027
For students starting in Semester 2, 2027.
CDU has not yet published 2027 application closing dates. For 2026, the last dates for offshore international applications were 23 January (Semester 1), 12 June (Semester 2) and 9 October (Semester 3), with onshore deadlines about four weeks later. In 2027, Semester 1 teaching starts on 1 March and Semester 2 on 19 July.
How to apply
Choose a course available to international students, check the entry requirements, then apply online through CDU's portal (no application fee) or through a registered agent; direct applications may be restricted in some countries. Upload your passport, English test result, a Statement of Purpose and certified transcripts. CDU assesses academic and English requirements and the Genuine Student criteria, then issues a conditional or unconditional offer; you accept by uploading the signed agreement and fee payment to receive your Confirmation of Enrolment for the student visa. Domestic applicants apply through SATAC.
What admissions looks for
- A qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12 and any course-specific minimum grade or prerequisite knowledge.
- English at the course's level, from IELTS 6.0 for most degrees to 7.0 for Nursing and Midwifery.
- A genuine intention to study, shown in your Statement of Purpose and assessed against the Genuine Student criteria.
- For the 50% VC scholarship, a record of academic excellence and high achievement.
Tips for applying to CDU
- 1 Apply for the Vice-Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarship separately and before 31 January 2027 if you are aiming for a March start; the Global Merit Scholarship is assessed automatically.
- 2 Write a specific Statement of Purpose: CDU assesses every international applicant against the Genuine Student criteria, and meeting entry requirements does not guarantee an offer.
- 3 For Nursing, book an IELTS with enough time to reach 7.0; CDU accepts results from up to two sittings in 12 months under set conditions.
- 4 Choose your campus carefully: Nursing runs in Darwin and Sydney, but Laws is taught at the Danala precinct in Darwin's CBD.
- 5 You must be 18 or older, unless the Department of Home Affairs has approved you to live with a parent or suitable relative.
Costs & financial aid
2027 · figures in AUD
International students can apply for the Vice-Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarship (50% of tuition for the full course) and are automatically assessed for the CDU Global Merit Scholarship (30% off selected courses, 2026 and 2027 starters) and the CDU Bachelor of Nursing Scholarship (up to 20%). CDU International College offers 15% or 30% scholarships, and Australia Awards and Northern Territory Government scholarships are also available. Domestic students study in Commonwealth supported places.
- 50% of tuition for the full course
- Vice-Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarship
- 30% of tuition for selected courses
- CDU Global Merit Scholarship
- Up to 20% of tuition
- CDU Bachelor of Nursing Scholarship (2027)
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters (Semester 1 from March, Semester 2 from July, plus a summer semester)
Bachelor of Nursing
Three-year degree taught at Casuarina and CDU Sydney; 2027 international fee AUD 38,720 a year with a dedicated nursing scholarship.
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
ATAR 70 entry; 2027 international fee AUD 39,392 a year, the same as Software Engineering (Honours).
Bachelor of Laws
Taught at the Danala Education and Community Precinct in Darwin's CBD, with Semester 1 and 2 intakes.
Bachelor of Paramedicine
A practical health degree with ATAR 60 entry; 2027 international fee AUD 35,584 a year.
Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development
Part of CDU's humanitarian, emergency and disaster management study area.
CDU Menzies Medical Program
Developed for Northern Territory community needs; domestic students only.
Research
- Researchers from CDU and the Menzies School of Health Research include 34 academics in the Stanford University-Elsevier list of the top 2% of researchers worldwide.
- CDU is in the top 12% of universities worldwide in the THE Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, and in Australia's top three for advancing gender equality.
- Research focuses on health, environment, education and technology for northern Australia and its Asia-Pacific neighbours.
Schools & faculties
- Faculty of Arts and Society
- Faculty of Health
- Faculty of Science and Technology
- CDU TAFE
- CDU International College
- Menzies School of Health Research
According to the 2025 QILT Graduate Survey, CDU undergraduates are 9% more likely than the national average to secure full-time work, and CDU graduates earn more than the national average (4% for undergraduates, 2% for postgraduates).
Student life
Most Darwin students study at Casuarina, CDU's largest campus, set in lush tropical grounds about fifteen minutes from the city and close to Casuarina beach, while the Danala precinct puts law and other programs in the CBD. Darwin life runs on its two seasons: the dry season (May to September) brings markets, festivals and outdoor cinemas, and the wet season (December to March) fills waterfalls and rivers. CDU Sydney, on George Street near Central Station, runs its own welcome evenings and events for its largely international community.
- Casuarina campus near Casuarina beach, with student groups meeting during the week.
- Darwin's dry-season markets and festivals, including Mindil Market and the Darwin Festival.
- CDU Sydney events, workshops and welcome evenings for international students.
- Students from 80 home countries across CDU's campuses in 2025.
Housing. CDU lists accommodation options in Darwin, where shared housing typically costs about AUD 168 to 250 a week.
Location
Darwin is Australia's northernmost capital, a small, multicultural tropical city with an average temperature of about 32°C all year and distinct wet and dry seasons. It is a few hours' flight from most South East Asian capitals, has cheap student bus fares, and is flat enough to cycle. CDU also teaches in Sydney's CBD and in Alice Springs in Central Australia.
Nearest airport: Darwin International Airport (DRW)
Notable alumni
- LF Lia FinocchiaroChief Minister of the Northern Territory; Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from CDU
- MG Michael GunnerFormer Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
- CP Chansey PaechNorthern Territory politician
- LM Lauren MossNorthern Territory politician
- LB Loraine BrahamNorthern Territory politician
- SC Sue CarterNorthern Territory politician
Frequently asked questions
How much are Charles Darwin University fees for international students?
In 2027 most bachelor's degrees cost AUD 31,208 to 39,392 a year for full-time study, e.g. Business 31,208, Nursing 38,720 and Engineering (Honours) 39,392. Fees rise each year.
What ATAR do you need for CDU?
Many CDU degrees require an ATAR of at least 60, Engineering (Honours) and Midwifery need 70, and Laws needs 80.
What IELTS score does CDU require?
The standard undergraduate requirement is IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band below 6.0. Nursing and Midwifery require IELTS 7.0.
Does CDU offer scholarships for international students?
Yes: the Vice-Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarship covers 50% of tuition (apply by 31 January 2027 for Semester 1), the Global Merit Scholarship gives 30% off selected courses automatically, and Nursing students can get up to 20% off.
Can international students study medicine at CDU?
No. The CDU Menzies Medical Program is listed as not available to international students.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
Explore nearby in the world top 100
Universities ranked close to CDU in the QS World University Rankings 2027.