Information for advisors

Options available at Charles Darwin University

Charles Darwin University encourages study abroad students from a number of countries to study at the university. Currently the university offers:

Note: Charles Darwin University has a limited number of exchange agreements. As the university is a small institution and Australian students are less likely to exchange than European and American students, the university is reluctant to exchange students with institutions outside the current agreements.

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Overview of the Australian degree structure

The Australian system consists of two pathways/sectors:

Charles Darwin University is unique in that it offers VET courses through to postgraduate research degree courses.

A common practice in Australian universities is for some graduate studies classes and undergraduate classes to be 'co-badged', i.e. taught at the same time. This does not mean that undergraduate students are being taught or assessed at a higher level. The course is taught at undergraduate level with the graduate students required to undertake extra work and additional/alternative assessment.

Undergraduate courses

Three-year degree: Arts, business, and science
Four-year degree: Law, engineering
Five-year degree: Architecture
Six-year degree: Medicine entry

Postgraduate research

Entry via honours (fourth year or add on year to degree)
Masters by research (two years)
Doctor of Philosophy PhD (three years)

* Produce new, original work - thesis - minimal coursework.

Postgraduate coursework

Graduate certificate (six months)
Graduate diploma (12 months)
Masters by coursework (one to two years)

* Entry from undergraduate degree or sometimes via significant relevant work experience.

Students undertake postgraduate coursework to:

Typical degree structure

A typical degree is three years, 240 credit points, 24 subjects = four subjects per semester. The system uses credit points, i.e. one unit (subject) = 10 credit points. All subjects with the same credit points are considered equal in load. For example:

HIS104 History unit (two hour lecture, one hour tutorial plus expected nine hours research/library) = 10 credit points

Equals

SBI134 Biology unit (two hour lecture, one hour tutorial and three hours practical (lab) plus expected six hours non-contact) = 10 credit points

Equals

HMN120 Industry placement 1

Note: Terminology differences apply, for example:

For example:

Bachelor of Business (three year program)

Requirements:

Majors in:

Note: Faculty degree rules complemented by professional rules re: CPA admission, etc.

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Assisting students in selecting subjects (courses)

Students are required to select at least eight courses (subjects). The study abroad courses one semester and two semesters involve four Charles Darwin University subjects per semester. Students wishing to undertake extra subjects during the semester or as intensive subjects during holiday breaks, will be charged for these additional subjects.

Units may be identified from:

It should be noted, Charles Darwin University subjects have pre-requisites and as the Australian education system does not involve the general education component of the USA system, care should be taken in equating Charles Darwin University level 100, 200 and 300 subjects with USA 1,2,3, and fourth year.

Administrative processes

  1. GPA:
    • Charles Darwin University's nominal GPA is 2.5. However the university will consider any student recommended by the home institution
  2. Application:
    • Please apply using the Charles Darwin University study abroad application form. The university will accept fax applications with original sent in mail
    • Charles Darwin University requires subject preferences to be with the application
    • A certified copy of the academic record is necessary for assisting with assessing subject selection.

For the application process steps refer to How do I apply?

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Visas, accommodation, student work, etc.

Visas

Students undertaking study in Australia require a student visa. Under student visa conditions, students may work part-time off-campus up to 20 hours per week during semester and full-time during semester breaks.

Accommodation

Charles Darwin University offers on campus accommodation in single air-conditioned rooms within walking distance (five minutes) of the library, gym, lecture theatre and other university facilities, and 500m to the major shopping centre. The accommodation is self-catered. For further information see Where can I live?

Off campus accommodation is available through:

Charles Darwin University also offers:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Charles Darwin University accept students by direct enrolment?
A: Yes, or through agencies. Refer to How do I apply?

Q: How do I arrange for direct enrolment? Does my institution need an agreement?
A: Agreements are optional. For more details contact the International Students Officer.

Q: Where is Charles Darwin University ranked?
A: There are no official rankings of Australian universities. Unofficial rankings target different areas each year.

Q: Are Charles Darwin University's courses accredited?
A: The federal government accredits all Australian universities and courses are nationally and internationally recognised.

Q: What are the main differences between the Australian system and the American system?
A: Refer to the following:

Assessment grades

Grade

Explanation

Equivalent to

HD

High Distinction

85% - 100%

D

Distinction

75% - 84%

C

Credit

60% - 74%

P

Pass

50% - 59%

PU

Pass Ungraded (some units are
assessed only on the basis of
pass or fail)

 

PC

Pass Conceded

 

F

Fail

 

FA

Fail Absent

 

I

Incomplete

 

The practice in Australian universities is to release only academic grades, i.e. rankings and individual percentages are not published/released. There is little emphasis on GPA/class rankings.

Students should check to see if their home university accepts study abroad as transfer credit or works on grade equivalency. (Equivalence often used is HD/D = A, Credit = B, Pass = C, Fail = D/E). It is important to note that the grading system in Australia is often seen by USA students as far tougher than their grading system at home, ie: it is seen as more difficult to get the equivalent of an A.

Students are not rewarded for regurgitation of material presented in lectures. Students are expected to undertake wide reading, etc. There are seldom weekly quizzes.

Note: You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view pdf files. Get Adobe Acrobat reader.

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