New to CDU

These are two important numbers you'll need to know about at University.

Your student number is specific to CDU. We use this to identify you throughout your studies. All student numbers start with an 'S' followed by 6 digits. For example, S123456.

Your USI is a little different. This is a nationally recognised number used to create an online record of your qualifications and training. So if you've done previous study, you might already have a USI.

USI numbers are now an Australian Government requirement for all Higher Education and VET students. All students require a USI to be able to graduate and receive their award.

Higher Education students will need a Unique Student Identifier (USI) to be eligible for Commonwealth supported places (CSPs) and Commonwealth financial assistance (HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP or OS-HELP). You need to provide CDU with your USI before the census date to remain enrolled.

Find your student number

If you're a Higher Education student, you'll find your student number at the top of your offer letter.

If you're a VET student, you'll receive an email with your student number after applying for your course.

Create your Unique Student Identifier

Applying for a USI is free, and you will have the same USI for life. You can apply for a USI in as little as five minutes by visiting usi.gov.au. You can also 

Your student card is your everything card. It will be your key to accessing CDU facilities including, the library and computer labs, printing and scanning, and will allow you to sit exams. You'll also be able to use your ID to get discounts with businesses that offer a student discount.

Your student card is free for your whole course, but you'll need to get a new one every year before it expires. Don't forget to apply yearly as we won't automatically send you a new one. We suggest putting a reminder in your calendar, so you don't forget!

How to get your student card

Online

To get your student card online, complete and submit the Student Card eForm (login to the CDU Portal, select eForms and select Student Card eForm).

Make sure to check that you've attached all the required documentation.

In-person

To get your student card in person, visit Student Central at any CDU campus. You'll need to present a valid photographic ID (Australian Driver's Licence or passport) with your request.

CDU campuses in Alice Springs, Casuarina, Palmerston and Darwin Waterfront offer a ‘while you wait‘ service.

Our other centres have a turnaround of three working days before your student card will be ready for collection.

Find your course below and watch the video to find out more information and what you need to get started.

Virtual orientation

Hear from current students as share their secrets to studying success, and learn about all the ways that CDU can support you.

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Enrolment can sometimes get confused with admission. Here's the difference:

1. Admission just means you are in our system as studying a particular course. Depending on your type of course and how you applied, admission steps might differ. Check out the last step of your application process for more information.
2. Enrolling, on the other hand, means selecting the units you wish to study or need to study, to complete your course.

You can study up to 4 units a semester, so that's 8 units each year.

International students need to maintain a 4 unit study load (unless there are exceptional circumstances, in which case you can apply to reduce your study load).

For domestic students 3-4 units are considered a full-time study load. 1-2 units is part-time.

Your number of units varies depending on the course and how it is being delivered.

Your lecturer will discuss this with you when they get in touch after you make your application.

In each unit, you might have lectures, tutorials, practicals or training sessions. This depends on what is the best way to teach your unit.