Entry requirements
As part of the application process, it is important that you meet the minimum academic and English language entry requirements. We know this can be daunting – if you have any questions, please email the International team. We look forward to helping you through the process of applying to study with us at CDU.
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Academic entry requirements
Pathways - first year diplomas
Our diploma programs are two-semester courses that function as an alternative first year of an undergraduate degree at CDU. Successful completion of a diploma program allows for direct entry into the second year of an undergraduate degree in business, accounting, digital enterprise, computer science or IT. A full list of academic entry requirements to CDU first year diplomas can be found below.
Pathways - pre-masters courses
Pre-masters courses develop advanced knowledge and skills in academic writing, research, critical thinking and intercultural communication to successfully undertake postgraduate study at CDU.
The Charles Darwin University International College minimum academic entry requirements can be found below.
| Course | Academic Requirements |
|---|---|
Masters Qualifying Program (MQP) Accelerated CRICOS: 0100444 | Student must have completed three years of post-secondary study |
Additional postgraduate entry requirements from pre-masters programs
TAFE
| Programs | Entry requirements |
| Certificate level programs | A qualification equivalent to Australian Year 10 |
| Diploma and advanced diploma programs |
A qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12 |
Undergraduate
The minimum academic entry requirements for admission to an undergraduate degree are the completion of a qualification deemed equivalent to Australian Year 12 by the University's qualification assessment references. Applicants may also be required to satisfy specific course requirements, such as a minimum overall grade score or prerequisite knowledge.
| Common Entry Points (would apply to most countries) | |
| Successful completion of 1 year of tertiary study at a recognized university, OR completion of a recognised pre-tertiary foundation program. | |
| Cambridge Pre U Diploma | Successful completion of 1 year of tertiary study at a recognized university, OR completion of a recognized pre-tertiary foundation program. |
| GCE A-level | GCE A-Level: Minimum aggregate score of 6 across 3 A-Level subjects or a combination of A- and AS-Level subjects. Scoring: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1; AS Levels = half points. Forecast result: 1 point above the admission requirement. |
| International Baccalaureate | Completed IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points across 6 subjects. |
| WASSCE | Minimum C4 average across the best 5 subjects (excluding languages and non-academic subjects) |
| Country | New CDU recommendation (ATAR 60 Baseline) |
| Argentina | Argentine Bachillerato 80% in the final year results |
| Bangladesh | Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with a minimum GPA of 4.0 out of 5.0 in academic subjects (Excluding Language courses). |
| Bhutan | Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate (BHSEC) with a minimum average of 65% in the best 4 academic subjects (excluding languages). |
| Brazil | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Brunei | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Cambodia | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Canada | Canadian Provincial High School Diploma with an overall average of 60% in final year results. |
| Chile | Refer to other common entry points. |
| China | Gaokao (NCEE): 60% (450/750) – Business, Accounting, Arts, Social Work, Humanities and Education. 70% (525/750) – Law, Health Science/Nutrition, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Engineering Honours. Year 12: 70% minimum – Business, Accounting, Arts, Social Work, Humanities and Education. 80% minimum – Law, Health Science/Nutrition, Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy and Engineering Honours. |
| Colombia | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Denmark | Senior High School (Studentereksamen) with GPA of 6 on the 13-point scale. For qualifications from 2007, GPA equivalent to 02 on 7-point grading scale. |
| Fiji | Fiji Year 13 Certificate awarded by the Fiji Ministry of Education, with a minimum aggregate score of 228 in the best 4 subjects (including English). *Note: Grade conversion was updated since 2013. |
| Finland | Finnish Secondary School Leaving Certificate GPA of 6 or above, or Finnish Matriculation Certificate (Ylioppilastutkintotodistus) with an overall grade average of 3. |
| France | French Baccalaureat with minimum grade score 11 out of 20. |
| Germany | Zeugnis der Allgemeine Hochschulreife, Abitur or Reifezeugnis with GPA 3.2 or lower, where 1 is highest. |
| Ghana | West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE) with a minimum of 3 passes at GCE A-Level equivalent. |
| Greece | Apolytirio(n) Lykeiou with GPA of 13 out of 20 in 4 subjects. |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with a minimum score of 15 points from the best 5 subjects. Score calculation is Level 1 = 1, Level 2 = 2, Level 3 = 3, Level 4 = 4, Level 5 = 5, Level 5*/5**=6 or A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. |
| India | CBSE/CISCE: Minimum 60% average in best 4 academic subjects (including English). OR, Higher Secondary Certificate (State Boards): Punjab & Haryana: Minimum 75% in best 4 academic subjects. Other State Boards: Minimum 65% in best 4 academic subjects. Exclude local languages and non-academic subjects). |
| Indonesia | SMA III Certificate of Graduation with a minimum overall grade average of 75%. |
| Italy | Diploma di Superamento dell'Esame di Stato with a minimum score of 60 out of 100. |
| Japan | Upper Secondary School Certificate of Graduation (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shomeisho) with a minimum overall grade of 3.0 out of 5.0. |
| Kenya | Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum grade of C+. |
| Korea (Republic of), South | General High School Diploma (Immumgye Kodung Hakkyo Choeupchung) with a minimum overall grade of 65%. |
| Laos | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Lebanon | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Macau | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Malaysia | STPM: Minimum GPA 2.0; OR Malaysia Matriculation: Minimum GPA 2.0 across four subjects in one examination; OR MICSS UEC (Senior Middle 3): Minimum 2 A and 2 B grades for standard courses. |
| Mauritius | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Mexico | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Mongolia | Completion of Senior Secondary High School Studies plus successful completion of 1 year tertiary studies at a recognised University. |
| Myanmar | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Nepal | National Examination Board (NEB) Year 12: A minimum GPA of 2.6 (out of 4.0) in the best 4 academic subjects. Nepalese Higher Secondary Certificate (Pre-2018 system): A minimum grade average of 65% in the best 4 academic subjects (across Year 11 and 12). |
| Nigeria | West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE) with a minimum of 3 passes at GCE A-Level equivalent. |
| Norway | Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skolen (Upper Secondary Certificate) with average score of 3.0 on a scale of 6. |
| Oman | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Pakistan | Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) / Intermediate with an average of 65% (1st Division) in 4 academic subjects. |
| Papua New Guinea | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Peru | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Philippines | Senior High School Academic Track (K-12 System) with an overall grade of 80%. |
| Poland | Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci (Certificate of Maturity) (2015 and onwards) with minimum average Matura mark of 45 in the best 3 academic subjects. |
| Qatar | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Russian Federation | Attestat o Srednem (polnom) Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary General Education) with GPA of 4. |
| Saudi Arabia | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Singapore | Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level: (Level H1=AS Level; Level H2=A Level): • Average score of 7.0 in the best 2 or 3 H2 subjects . For H2 subjects, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. For H1 subjects, the notional value is half of that assigned to H2 subjects. |
| South Africa | National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum aggregate score of 26 (excluding Life Orientation). |
| Sri Lanka | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Sweden | Slutbetyg Från Gymnasieskola (Swedish Secondary School Certificate) with a GPA of 11.5 out of 20. |
| Taiwan | Senior High School Leaving Certificate with a minimum overall score of 70%. |
| Tanzania | Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education (ACSE) with aggeragte score of 9 from 3 principal subjects (A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, E = 1). |
| Thailand | Certificate of Secondary Education (Matayom 6) GPA of 2.5. |
| Timor Leste | Refer to other common entry points. |
| Uganda | Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with minimum of passes in 3 principal subjects Plus Uganda Certificate of Education with passes in 6 subjects. |
| United Arab Emirates | Refer to other common entry points. |
| UK | Cambridge International or GCE "A" Levels* Predicted A-level score 1 point above the admission requirement. |
| USA | High School Diploma with average grade of C or SAT score of 980 (post 2016) or 1320 ( pre 2016), or minimum of 2 Advanced Placement scores of 2 or above or ACT score 20. |
| Vietnam | Senior Secondary School Graduation Diploma (Bang Tot Nghiep Trung Hoc Pho Thong) with a minimum grade of 7.0/10. |
| Zimbabwe | Refer to other common entry points. |
*A minimum aggregate score of 6, where the aggregate scores based on 3 A Level or combination of A and AS Level Subjects A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points, e.g. A=2.5)
Postgraduate
Coursework programs
The minimum academic entry requirements for admission to a postgraduate or graduate-entry degree is the completion of a bachelor's degree which is deemed equivalent to an Australian bachelor's degree by the University's qualification assessment references.
Applicants may also be required to satisfy specific course requirements such as a minimum overall grade score, prerequisite knowledge or work experience.
Higher Degree by Research (HDR)
Completing your Master by Research or PhD is an opportunity to specialise in your chosen field and contribute to delivering real and measurable impact in northern Australia and beyond.
| Course | Eligibility |
|
Masters by Research (MRes) |
1. a Bachelor Honours degree with first-class or second-class honours; or 2. a Masters by Coursework or Extended Masters which contains a substantial research component |
|
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
1. a Bachelor Honours degree with first-class honours or second-class honours division; or |
English language entry requirements - OPTION 1
English language testing
Undertaking one of the following English tests.
- CDU ELICOS (EAP 3 & 4)
- IELTS (CDU accepts IELTS One Skill Retake)
- PTE
- TOEFL
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
- Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency
- Duolingo English Test
Note: some courses may require higher levels of English or only accept specific English language tests.
Find English requirements for your Course
Details about the English entry requirements for your course can be found in the course page. You can find these by following the below steps:
- Go to https://www.cdu.edu.au/study and select your study area.
- Find your course from under the study area.
- Click your course to open the course details.
- Under Entry Requirements section, select the Essential requirements option for more information.
English language entry requirements - OPTION 2
Previous study in English
Providing evidence of studies completed in English at an institution operated by a recognised English speaking country.
Note: Previous studies in English may not be accepted as an option for English requirements for some courses.
Find English requirements for your Course
Details about the English entry requirements for your course can be found in the course page. You can find these by following the below steps:
- Go to https://www.cdu.edu.au/study and select your study area.
- Find your course from under the study area.
- Click your course to open the course details.
- Under Entry Requirements section, select the Essential requirements option for more information.
Secondary schooling with English subject/s
It is important to note that secondary schooling with English subject/s is only applicable to undergraduate courses with standard English entry requirements. Standard English entry for undergraduate courses is IELTS 6.0 with no sub-score less than 6.0 or equivalent score in other tests like PTE or TOEFL.
|
Canada |
A score of 60% in English in the final year of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Canadian Pre-University program, valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
|
Denmark |
A grade of 9 or better in Senior High School English, valid for five years, from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
|
Finland |
A grade of 8 or better in English or English A – language within the Upper Secondary School Certificate, valid for five years, from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
|
Germany |
A grade of 4 or better in English in Senior High School exam (Arbitur) valid for five years, from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
|
Hong Kong |
Level 4 in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) English Language Examination. |
|
Malaysia |
A grade of C6 or better in the General Paper in the GCE 'O' Level 1119 Bahasa Inggeris (English language) subject from the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). Note: There are two grades for 1119 Bahasa Inggeris. Only the GCE-O Level grade is accepted. The GCE-O Level 1119 Bahasa Inggeris grade is stated on the SPM result slip; however, it is not available on the SPM final certificate. |
|
Netherlands |
A grade of 8 or above on completion of 6 years of English at High School , valid for five years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
|
Norway |
A grade of 4 on the upper secondary school, valid for five years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
|
Singapore |
A score of D or better in the General Paper in the Singapore Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) OR a grade of C or better in English Language in the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level). Both are valid for 2 years, from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
|
Sweden |
A grade of VG or better in English in the Senior School Studies, valid for five years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
Previous studies in English (for courses with standard English entry)
Qualifications awarded from an English speaking country is one method of meeting CDU's English entry requirements. This method is only available for courses with standard entry requirements (unless otherwise specified):
- VET entry is IELTS 5.5 no band less than 5.0 or equivalent score in another test such as PTE, TOEFL.
- Undergraduate entry is IELTS 6.0 no band less than 6.0 or equivalent score in another English test.
- Postgraduate entry is IELTS 6.5 no band less than 6.0 or equivalent score in PTE or TOEFL.
Table 1 – Applying for enabling programs and VET courses
| Previous study | International applicant requirement |
| Australian secondary schooling | Completion of a recognised Australian Year 10 or higher. |
| Overseas secondary schooling | Completion of a recognised overseas secondary qualification from the list of English-Speaking Countries in standard and extended list where the medium of instruction was English (see Table 5). |
| Enabling program | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least six months duration (0.5 FTE or 40 credit points). |
| Courses at AQF level 3 | Not applicable |
| Courses at AQF level 4 or higher | Successful completion of one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) at a recognised institution from a country on the list of English-Speaking Countries in standard and Extended list where the medium of instruction was English (see Table 5). |
Table 2 – Applying for HE undergraduate courses
Including Bachelor degrees and higher education diplomas
| Previous study | International applicant requirement |
| Australian secondary schooling | Completion of a recognised Australian year 12. |
| Overseas secondary schooling | Completion of a recognised overseas secondary qualification from the list of English-Speaking Countries in standard and extended list where the medium of instruction was English (see Table 5). |
| Enabling program | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least six months duration (0.5 FTE or 40 credit points). |
| Courses at AQF level 3 | Not applicable |
| Courses at AQF level 4 or higher | Successful completion of one year full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) at a recognised institution from a country on the list of English-Speaking Countries in standard and extended list where the medium of instruction was English (see Table 5). |
Table 3 – Applying for HE postgraduate coursework courses
Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, and coursework Master courses
| Previous study | International applicant requirement |
| Australian secondary schooling | Completion of a recognised Australian year 12. |
| Overseas secondary schooling | Completion of a recognised overseas secondary qualification from the list of English-Speaking Countries in standard and extended list where the medium of instruction was English (see Table 5). |
| Enabling program | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least six months duration (0.5 FTE or 40 credit points). |
| Courses at AQF level 3 | Not applicable |
| Courses at AQF level 4 or higher | Successful completion of two years full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) at a recognised institution from a country on the list of English-Speaking Countries in standard and extended list where the medium of instruction was English (see Table 5). |
Table 4 – applying for higher degrees by research
Master by Research and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
| Previous study | International applicant requirement |
| Courses at AQF level 7 or higher | Successful completion of two years full-time equivalent (2.0 FTE) from a recognised institution from a country on the list of English-Speaking Countries in standard and extended list where the medium of instruction was English (see Table 5). |
Note: For those from Extended List Countries, previous studies must be completed within five years from the date of commencement at CDU. Please see Table 5 below.
CDU's recognised English speaking countries
Lists the countries the University recognises as English-speaking. Applicants who have studied at an institution from a country on the Extended List must provide written confirmation from the institution that the medium of instruction was English.
Table 5 – Recognised English-speaking countries
| Standard List | Extended List* | ||
| Antigua and Barbuda | UK – Scotland | Bermuda | Mauritius |
| Australia | UK – England | Botswana | Seychelles |
| Barbados | UK – Ireland | Cayman Islands | St Vincent and the Grenadines |
| British Virgin Islands | UK – Northern Ireland | Ethiopia | Tanzania |
| Canada | UK – Wales | Fiji | Trinidad and Tobago |
| New Zealand | United States of America | Kenya | Vanuatu |
| Singapore | Malawi | Zimbabwe | |
| South Africa | Malta | ||
*Requires written confirmation that the medium language of instruction was English and must be within 5 years of commencement of CDU courses.
Charles Darwin University International College
CDU International College helps international students achieve their academic and career goals by providing a variety of pathway programs.
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