Quick Summary
Charles Darwin University, in Casuarina, Australia, is a public that has shaped higher education since 2003. Ranked #601-610 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 21000 students including 32% from outside Australia. Known for strengths in Nursing, Environmental Science, Education, it maintains an acceptance rate of 60%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
CDU is the leading university in the Northern Territory with a focus on regional migration advantages, high graduate salary outcomes, and a unique tropical environment.
Subject Strengths
NursingEnvironmental ScienceEducationEngineeringSocial Sciences
Founded2003
TypePublic
Total Students21000
Intl Students32%
Faculty Ratio23.5
CampusMulti-campus
Campus Size111 acres
Affiliated HospitalsRoyal Darwin Hospital, Alice Springs Hospital, Menzies School of Health Research
AccreditationTEQSA, Engineers Australia, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#601-610
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#401–500
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#701-800
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Vocational Education and Training (VET), Undergraduate, Postgraduate (Coursework), Higher Degree by Research (HDR)
Programs
PhD in Health, PhD in Education, PhD in Environmental Research, PhD in Engineering, PhD in Law
PhD Programs
Extensive online delivery for over 70% of courses including Business, IT, and Social Sciences
Online Programs
Menzies School of Health Research, Northern Institute, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL), Energy Resources Institute (ERI)
Research Centers
High
Research Output
TEQSA, Engineers Australia, Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate60%
IELTS6
TOEFL60
Min GPA2.5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 1 (for Semester 2 intake)
SPRINGApplication Deadline · December 1 (for Semester 1 intake)
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on personal statements regarding regional engagement for specific scholarships; ensure all VET pathways are explored for entry requirements.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Australian Dollar
UG Tuition
A$30,000/yr
per year · AUD
Living Cost
A$24,000/yr
per year · AUD
PG Tuition
A$34,000/yr
per year · AUD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
A$54,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · AUD
Scholarships AvailableVice-Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarships, CDU Global Excellence Award, CDU International Student Housing Bursary
Avg Scholarship$5,500
Financial AidHECS-HELP (domestic), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) bursaries
Work-StudyAvailable via Careers Centre and on-campus administration roles
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Vocational Education and Training (VET), Undergraduate, Postgraduate (Coursework), Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Nursing | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Master of Information Technology | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Master of Data Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Bachelor of Engineering | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Master of Business Administration | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$48,000
Average Salary After Graduation
83%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong regional partnerships with Northern Territory government and health providers
Industry Connections
Rio TintoINPEXSantosNorthern Territory GovernmentDepartment of Defence
Notable Alumni
Michael Gunner, Natasha Griggs, Clare Martin
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
International House Darwin (IHD), Alice Springs Student Accommodation
Sports Facilities
CDU Stadium, gymnasiums, basketball courts, tennis courts, football fields
Student Clubs
CDU Student Union, Postgraduate Student Association, Multicultural Council, Engineering Student Society
Library Resources
Casuarina Library, Palmerston Library, Alice Springs Library, extensive digital repository and 24/7 online access
Exchange Programs
Study Abroad partnerships in Canada, USA, UK, China, and various European nations
Summer Programs
Summer semester intensives and professional development short courses