There are many students who endeavour to balance the responsibilities of study with those of being a parent, carer, or expecting a child. While it can be challenging, CDU is committed to supporting you to achieve this balance. There are many resources available to assist you in navigating this journey. See below for information, study advice, parenting resources, and support available to CDU students who are parents or carers.
Advice for parents and carers returning to study
See below for some tips from parents and carers who study that will support you in achieving your potential when beginning or returning to study:
- Balancing commitments: Find a routine that works for you and your family and include your study schedule in the routine.
- Available support networks: Use the support networks that are available to you, both educational and personal. University: Counselling, Access and Inclusion, Financial Support, Language and Learning Support, Study Skills, Student Groups. Personal: Allied health, friendships, parent groups, playgroups, religious or faith-based groups or services.
- Start with part-time study: Consider starting your study with a part-time study load so you can understand how much time each subject requires; build on this if or when you feel it is possible.
- Childcare options for study time: Book at least one day a week of daycare, outside school hours care or vacation care for study time if you have this option. See the myGov Finding child care web page for information on childcare.
- Prioritise self-care: finding time for ourselves can be tricky, but taking time for yourself is important – no matter how big or small.
- Attend classes and support services: Attend lectures, tutorials or PASS sessions when they are scheduled. This may help you to remain engaged during the session.
- Look at what scholarships may also be available for you to apply for, both at CDU and other external organisations.
- Read student stories for inspiration: Read about other CDU students who are pursuing their dreams, visit the Student stories page.
Additional information
Parent and carer rooms
Parent and carer rooms are private, supportive and safe spaces for students and employees with family and caring responsibilities. The rooms are equipped with a comfortable chair for feeding, a changing table, a fridge, microwave, sink/tap, a table and some toys. The rooms can be locked from the inside to ensure privacy. The rooms are located in the following locations:
| Campus | Building | Room number | Facilities | Accessibility |
| Casuarina | Blue 1 | 1.87 | Armchair, footrest, table, sink, change table, fridge, microwave, bin. | The building is accessible between the hours of 8.00 am – 4.21 pm. |
| Casuarina | Blue 5 | 1.121 | Armchair, footrest, table, change table, fridge, microwave, bin. | The building is accessible between the hours of 8.00 am – 4.21 pm. |
| Casuarina | Orange 2 | 1.42 | Armchair, footrest, table, sink, change table, fridge, microwave, bin. | Access by swipe card, request approval through MyAccount in the Student Portal. |
| Alice Springs | Building 2 | 1.08 | Armchair, footrest, table, sink, change table, fridge, microwave, bin. | The building is accessible between the hours of 8.00 am – 4.21 pm. |
| Palmerston | Building C (Library) | 1.11 | Armchair, footrest, table, sink, change table, fridge, microwave, bin. | The room is accessible during library open hours. |
| Danala | Education Community Precinct City campus | Danala | 2.14 | Armchair, change tables, private rooms, sink, hot water, fridge, microwave, lounge and table. | The room is accessible when Danala is open. There are two separate lockable rooms inside for privacy and feeding. |
Parenting and pregnancy resources
Parenting and pregnancy resources are useful for guidance, support, and education. They help parents and carers with common problems and concerns, offering solutions or strategies for issues such as sleep, feeding, behavioural challenges or education-related concerns. They can also be used for connection to community groups or forums and help parents to build their confidence in parenting. See below for links to useful parenting websites.
| Organisation | Information |
| Raising Children Network | For articles, ad-free parenting videos on general information and support for expectant parents through to raising teenagers. |
| Parenting SA - Home | The Parenting SA page is administered by Children, Youth and Women's Health Service, SA. The site contains Parent Easy Guides (PEGs), which bring simple, easy-to-read information on many of the issues parents face from birth through adolescence. |
| Support for new parents | Information on support for new parents in the Northern Territory, including parent groups and support groups. |
| Get support after having a baby | Information from the NSW Government on where to access services that provide parenting information and advice, as well as emotional and legal support. |
| Trusted Health Advice | healthdirect | Health Direct is a government-funded service offers 24-hour health information and advice for all Australians phone 1800 022 222. |
| PANDA | Support and information for expecting parents, and young families. |
| Pregnancy Help Australia | Pregnancy Help Australia offers free, confidential and compassionate support via the national helpline 1300 139 313. |
Mental health supports
Parenting can be stressful. Parents and carers can often face emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression or feelings of inadequacy. The mental health services directory on the Staying Well page has a comprehensive directory offering information, tools and strategies to help manage your mental health and emotional well-being. Below are links to mental health support for children, teenagers and young adults, and parents.
| Organisation | Information |
| Kids Helpline | Kids Helpline is a free, private, and safe phone and online counseling service for kids and young people to talk about any problems or worries they have. |
| Parentline QLD and NT Parentline NSW | Parent Line is a free telephone counselling and support service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18. There is a different Parentline service in each State or Territory. |
| headspace | Headspace is a mental health service in Australia that provides support, counselling, and resources for young people aged 12-25 on issues like mental health, physical health, work, and study. |
Caring for someone with a disability
Seeking support while caring for someone with a disability can ensure that the caregiver and person receiving care have the resources, strength and community needed. At CDU, the Access and Inclusion team coordinate services and support to assist students with disabilities, health conditions or those who are the primary carers of someone with a health condition. They will work with students to make reasonable adjustments to allow equal access and participation in university life. For more information, visit the Access and Inclusion webpage. Below are links to other organisations.
| Organisation | Information |
| Carer Gateway | Carer Gateway is an Australian Government site that provides emotional and practical services and support for carers. |
| Disability Gateway | The Disability Gateway is an Australian Government site that has information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, to find the support they need in Australia. |
| Caring for someone | Services Australia information on payments and services if you provide temporary or ongoing care. Help if you need to take time off work to care for someone. |
| Caring for someone with an illness, injury or disability | MyGov site on finding support and payments if you care for someone with an illness, injury or disability. |
Financial support
In Australia, university students have access to various financial support options to help manage the costs of their education. The Australian government offers income support through programs like Youth Allowance, Austudy, and ABSTUDY, which provide payments to eligible students. Additionally, students can apply for the HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan schemes, which allow them to defer their tuition fees until they reach a certain income threshold.
Scholarships, grants, and bursaries are also available through universities and private organisations, offering financial aid based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific criteria such as field of study or community involvement. The financial health and wellbeing webpage has more detailed information on financial support.
Domestic and family violence
Charles Darwin University (CDU) is committed to supporting students experiencing domestic and family violence, helping them continue their studies while ensuring strict confidentiality and privacy.
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence (including physical, sexual, financial, verbal or emotional abuse by an immediate family member) or know someone who is, the information on the Domestic and Family Violence page of the CDU website may be helpful.