Darwin , Northern Territory , Australia
Total Students
National Ranking
History of CDU
Charles Darwin University (CDU) was founded in 2003 after merging the Northern Territory University (including the Centralian College of Alice Springs, Katherine Rural College, and the University College of NT) and the Menzies School of Health Research.
Pioneer Northern Territory higher education institutes preceding these include Darwin Community College opened in 1974, the Centralian College of Alice Springs opened in 1979 and the Darwin Institute of Technology opened in 1985.
No other single Australian university serves such a large area of the continent, in such a remote location and with such a small population to sustain it.
Celebrating a milestone
In 2014, the University celebrated 25 years of Higher Education in the Northern Territory. Hear from the people who campaigned for tertiary education in the NT.
Charles Darwin University is a truly unique institution.
With our home and our heart in the Northern Territory, we embrace the inclusive, resilient, and courageous spirit of the NT in our campuses and delivery sites that reach a diverse footprint from the capital cities of Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney to the regional hubs of Alice Springs, Palmerston and Katherine and our remote locations in Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and on Country – in community, with the community.
Our multi-campus, dual-sector status, virtual and online expertise, course profile, research activities, delivery methods, and operation result from our commitment to the regions in which we operate.
The Northern Territory spans approximately one-sixth of Australia’s landmass and yet is home to just one per cent of the population, of whom 30 per cent are First Nations Peoples.
Due to our location, we are in an enviable position to contribute to the future opportunity of Northern Australia, and our neighbours in the Asia Pacific, through our innovative and impactful training, education, and research.
The University now has the new Strategic Plan in place, which will guide the development of our university over the next five years. It gives us a very clear road map to building a bigger, better and stronger university, valuing and empowering our people to make a difference.
CDU believes in the transformative power of training, education and research to change people’s lives for the better. We have a collective responsibility to make sure that our training, education and research are not only high quality and delivered by outstanding educators and researchers but are accessible and meaningful. What we do matters to our communities.
We are a deeply connected university, working in partnership and collaboration with First Nations peoples, our communities and industries, government, and alumni to address the needs of the Northern Territory and regional, rural, and remote people nationally and globally.
We are committed to making significant contributions to the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the NT and Northern Australia and to export our expertise nationally and globally.
Why choose CDU?
Top ranked university for employment outcomes
CDU is ranked the number two university for postgraduate outcomes and number four for undergraduate outcomes in Australia.*
Work-integrated learning
Many CDU postgraduate courses include professional placements where students can gain practical skills and develop competency and knowledge within their field.
Excellent Return on Investment (ROI)
High employment and graduate salary outcomes mean that students who choose to study at CDU have an excellent ROI.
Supportive
You will receive dedicated support from academic staff and personal support staff, who will work with you throughout your studies to ensure your success.
We lead the return of international students
CDU was the first university to welcome a flight of international students back to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are leaders in research
82% of research at CDU is at world standard.**
Convenient
We have multiple campuses through the main areas of Darwin and surrounds, Alices Springs and Sydney Central Business District.
*Good Universities Guide 2023.
**ERA Research Excellence Ranking 2018.
THE Ranking::
351
QS Ranking::
601
Type of Accommodation::
On Campus ,Off Campus
Annual Cost of living:
24505 AUD /year
Average Annual UG Fee:
28376 AUD
Average Annual PG Fee:
34248
Application Fee:
N/A