Whether you’re looking to study 100% online or you want to build lifelong connections with a tight-knit campus community, including at our central Sydney campus, there’s a place for you at Charles Darwin University.
CRICOS Provider No: 00300K (NT/VIC) | 03286A (NSW)
Connect your passion to a profession and choose from more than 100 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including education, health science, law, sustainable business, psychology, social work, engineering, IT, highly specialised courses in health, and more.
With the ability to switch between online, on-campus, part-time and full-time to suit your needs, studying at CDU means you will have the flexibility to schedule study around your home and work commitments.
The CDU difference
Like their namesake Charles Darwin, CDU thinks differently. They innovate, embrace change, challenge conventions, and look for better ways.
They are not about tradition or legacy, privilege, or exclusivity. They care about people as individuals, as well as the wider society. CDU is about what you can give the world rather than what you take.
We cannot build a better world without diversity of thought; therefore, CDU bring those with unique perspectives together in an inclusive and supportive learning environment to connect, discover and grow.
They’ll work with you to create a path to turn your passion into a profession and unlock a new world of opportunities for you with their connections to communities, industries, and government.
This is the CDU difference.
100% online
We have been delivering online and distance education for more than 30 years and offer flexible degrees so you don't have to put your life on hold.
You can study online – in most cases, 100% online – or on campus, part-time or full-time, and you can switch between these options during your degree.
You'll have access to an easy-to-use online study platform, 24/7 academic and technical support, and lecturers and staff that know how to support you from a distance.
Plus, our online learning platform is powered by world-class technology and a team of staff and academics who have been delivering and supporting online study for decades.
You make CDU
Positive change will be created by people like you. Your diverse background will help CDU break new ground, and your fresh perspective is what they are looking for. CDU is made stronger and richer by the unique experiences, perspectives, and opinions that you bring. You make CDU.
A top ranked Australian University
Join a university that's ranked in the top 5 in Australia for graduate employment outcomes and first in family study (Good Universities Guide 2023).
Flexible online study
CDU knows the importance of balancing work, life, and study. That's why they offer most courses online or on campus with the ability to switch between part-time and full-time study to suit your needs.
With over 30 years experience in distance and online learning, CDU understands the needs of online students and has the experience and resources needed to deliver flexible, fully accredited degrees.
Benefit from a supportive and engaging virtual learning environment where you can interact, ask questions, and talk to your lecturers and fellow students, building your professional networks while you study.
And with 24/7 support available, lecture content on demand and mobile accessibility, you can study when, where, and how it suits you.
Personalised support
Whether you study online or on campus, you'll be more than just a student number at Charles Darwin University. Offering intimate class sizes, lecturers, tutors and student support teams are never more than a phone call, email or appointment away. Rest assured, they'll work hard to get to know you and support your study goals.
You'll also have access to free academic skills programs and career advice, as well as an online and on campus library. CDU has dedicated support services for First Nations students and students with a disability and/or a health condition.
Pathways to study
CDU offer those without an ATAR or entry qualification alternative pathways into university because they believe it's the experiences you bring to university that make you a great student. The Tertiary Enabling Program can be studied online or on campus, full-time or part-time. In as little as 16 weeks you'll meet the entry requirements to most undergraduate degrees at Charles Darwin University.
CDU acknowledges the traditional custodians across the lands on which we live and work, and pay their respects to Elders both
Undergraduate
CDU offers several flexible entry options for undergraduate courses. They consider a range of qualifications and experiences when you apply, including your ATAR, a VET or TAFE qualification, your previous work or study experience, or whether you've completed an enabling program.
Postgraduate courses
Admission to postgraduate courses varies from course to course. Read the course entry details in course search carefully when applying.
Some courses have limited places. For these courses, offers for admission will be based on merit. This means that, even though you may meet the minimum admission requirement to study at CDU, your rank may not be competitive enough to receive an offer to that course.
If your course has limited places, you may like to consider listing a pathway course as a second preference. For advice on pathway courses, contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 or student.central@cdu.edu.au.
As the Territory’s university, CDU is focused on meeting the needs of NT students. Offering several scholarships to recognise high-achieving NT school leavers who choose to study at CDU. The Vice-Chancellor's High Achiever Scholarship and the Vice-Chancellor's First Nations High Achiever Scholarship (of up to $26,000) are awarded to students with the two highest ATARS who choose to study at CDU. Each of CDU's Faculty awards a Pro-Vice Chancellors’ scholarship of up to $25,000 to incoming school leavers who received the highest ATAR in each Faculty.
CDU has a dedicated team that supports First Nations students across Australia during their educational journey. The First Nations Student Services (FNSS) team helps with admission, enrolment, orientation, pastoral support, Away From Base support and tutorial support, while providing culturally-enriched and safe environments.
First Nations students who would like to go to university but haven't studied in a while or don't meet the entry requirements for their course, can also apply for the First Nations Introduction to University Program or the Tertiary Enabling Program.
CDU also offers a First Nations pre-law and pre-business and pre-accounting programs for aspiring First Nations law, business or accounting students.
Most undergraduate courses at CDU can be deferred for up to one year. If you apply to start studying midyear, you can defer until semester one the following year.
There is no deferral for postgraduate courses through SATAC, contact the University directly for advice.
Credit transfer is available for students who have:
- Undertaken higher education awards at Charles Darwin University or other universities
- Successfully completed our Tertiary Enabling Program with a GPA of 5 and above for selected units
- Successfully completed certain VET or TAFE courses at Certificate IV and above
Depending on your course, you may apply to start studying at CDU in semester 1 and semester 2. Semester dates change annually.
2023 dates:
- Semester 1: 4 March – 14 June 2024*
- Semester 2: 8 July – 18 October 2024*
- Summer Semester: 4 November 2024 – 14 February 2025
If you receive an offer from CDU, you will need to enrol. Advice on how to enrol will be included in your offer letter.
CDU is committed to providing opportunities to students through their scholarship program. Scholarships are sponsored by individuals, businesses, government, community groups and the University to assist students with the financial burden of studying. Explore the Scholarships Finder to see what you may be eligible for. Scholarships are open to all students currently enrolled at CDU and those who have applied for a place at CDU.
CDU provides a range of facilities and services to students, including accommodation, careers advice, computer facilities (including Learning Precincts in the Library at Casuarina and Palmerston campuses), First Nations Academic Support, counselling, support for access and inclusion, study skills assistance, international student support, gymnasium, sporting facilities and clubs.
Accommodation
Located on Casuarina campus, International House Darwin (IHD) provides single-student accommodation. All rooms are air-conditioned and fully furnished, including a desk and small refrigerator. For full details about applying and costs, visit the IHD website.
UniLodge Darwin also provides student accommodation. It is located at Casuarina Square, just 800 metres from Casuarina campus. The purpose-built student accommodation building offers residents a large range of room options at different price points.
CDU also offers an off-campus accommodation service to help new and continuing CDU students with finding appropriate accommodation while studying or working. This free and confidential service provides information and advice on housing options, tenancy advice and help with accommodation problems.
Library
CDU Library has a specialist team of librarians who are there to make your study life easier and simpler. They can help with research and referencing in your area of study.
If you're not on campus, you can access online resources, book an online workshop and, if you're more than 80 kilometres away from a CDU library, get in touch with the Distance Library Service.
If you're on campus, come in and use the spaces to study with your group or on your own. Make use of the computers and printers, as well as the print and online materials.
CDU have expert support for researchers and provide an inter-library loan service if the library doesn't have what you need in its collections.
Access and Inclusion
CDU provides an accessible, supportive, safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. The Access and Inclusion team provides free, confidential assistance for students if their study is impacted by disability, mental health or medical conditions, carer responsibilities, or other factors.
Counselling
At times, we all experience personal difficulties that may cause disruption and confusion in our lives. Study usually involves a significant commitment of time and effort. It requires a disciplined routine in order to achieve academic success. Unfortunately, sometimes 'other matters' may intrude and, in such circumstances, it can be helpful to talk with a counsellor.
The CDU Counselling Service aims to assist students who may be experiencing personal difficulties that are distressing and having a negative impact on their studies.
The counselling provided by CDU is undertaken by social workers or psychologists with a counselling and mental health sub-speciality and are members of the Australian Association of Social Workers or are registered through the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Authority.
If you have questions, CDU’s Student Central team is here to help. Call 1800 061 963 or email student.central@cdu.edu.au.
CDU Open Day
CDU will be hosting Open Day events across several of their campuses and centres.
Phone: freecall 1800 061 963
Casuarina Campus
Building Orange 1.1
Ellengowan Drive, Brinkin NT 0810
Building Orange 1.1
Ellengowan Drive, Brinkin NT 0810
Darwin Waterfront
21 Kitchener Drive, Darwin 0800
21 Kitchener Drive, Darwin 0800
Alice Springs
Building 1
Grevillea Drive, Alice Springs 0870
Building 1
Grevillea Drive, Alice Springs 0870
Mail: Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0909