Why Charles Darwin University?
About Charles Darwin University
- Excellence in Research
- Study Options for International students
- Unique features
- Graduate opportunities
- Career and Employment opportunities
- Migration opportunities
As a dual-sector public university, CDU teaches Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses to 21,000 students. The University employs 700 highly qualified academic staff; almost 40% of hold PhDs. Our teaching facilities and resources, laboratories and libraries are well equipped with modern technologies expected of a 21st century university. We have 8 campuses; the main campus at Casuarina is set in 56 ha of parkland close to the pristine beaches in Darwin’s northern suburbs.
Excellence in Research
CDU is renowned for its research expertise and leadership in tropical and desert knowledge of the Australian and Asia-Pacific regions. Annual research income is AUD$26 million. Research is interdisciplinary and applied in environment, health, education, engineering, information technology, renewable energy, social and economic policy and indigenous knowledge through our major research institutes:
- Menzies School of Health Research
- The Northern Institute
- The Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods
- The Research Centre for Health and Wellbeing
- The Centre for Renewable Energy and Low Emission Technology (in partnership with the NT Government)
- Centre for Hydrocarbon Research, Education and Training (in partnership with the NT Government)
- The Australian Centre of Indigenous Knowledges and Education
Study Options for International Students
- More than 75 nationally recognised and accredited programs for international students; several Masters and Bachelor programs have industry internships that give students the experience to develop work ready skills in their professions, working with local employers.
- Our Navitas English College teaches English language courses to prepare students for admission to degree programs.
- Essington International Senior College teaches Senior High School on campus, with pathways into CDU degrees.
Unique Features
- More than 680 international students from 55 countries study at CDU; making it one of the most culturally diverse universities in Australia.
- Low student to staff ratio provides a personalised and supportive teaching and learning environment. Our international students adjust more quickly to studying in a foreign country because the number of students in their classes is much less than in other universities in Australian capital cities; it is easy to approach their teachers and get the support they need to be successful.
- Well paid part time jobs are easy to find in the retail and hospitality sector. Students are permitted to work 20 hrs per week during semester; full time during university vacations.
- A safe environment and social activities that help international students develop friendships in the wider University community.
- High quality on-campus accommodation for approx 300 students with free internet access, and resident tutors.
- Free bus transport in the city
- Our international students ranked CDU 1st in Australia for Learning Experience, and Living Experience; 2nd for Arrival Experience and 4th for Support in the 2010 global International Student Barometer survey. 29 Australian universities participated in the ISB.
Graduates Opportunities
CDU Graduates have the best career and employment prospects. Some choose to return home, confident that their CDU degree has prepared them for their future careers. Some choose to pursue their careers in the Northern Territory. They can take advantage of the unique relationship between CDU and the NT Government to develop their career and for migration sponsorship.
Employment and Career Opportunities
The Northern Territory is the fastest growing economy in Australia due to our rich natural and mineral resources, agriculture and tourism. There is a constant high demand for skilled and qualified workers in business, engineering, IT, tourism and hospitality, health, education, communications and the public services sector.
- Graduates with good English language skills quickly find employment in their area of professional training
- CDU graudates have the best chance for a Skilled Graduate working Visa; if they are good employees, their employer may sponsor them for permanent residency.
Migration Opportunities
Graduates with at least two years of study at CDU, are eligible for NT Government migration sponsorship. See www.migration.nt.gov.au for more information.