International

Entry requirements

Academic and English language

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, so 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 Foundations

Foundation studies provide international students with a great start to university life. With smaller class sizes and close academic and pastoral care support, after successfully completing a foundation program, students are well prepared and confident in both their academic and English abilities. Completion of a Foundation Studies program provides access to most CDU undergraduate degrees. A full list of academic entry requirements to our Foundation studies can be found below.

Learn more

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, Nursing, Computer Science or IT. A full list of academic entry requirements to CDU First Year Diplomas can be found below.

First Year Diploma Academic Requirements

 

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 Preparation Program (MPP)

CRICOS: 0100442 (NT/VIC),
0100446 (NSW)

 Student must hold a bachelor’s degree

Masters Qualifying Program (MQP) Standard

CRICOS: 0100443 (NT/VIC),
0100446 (NSW)		 Student must have completed three years of post-secondary study

Masters Qualifying Program (MQP) Accelerated

CRICOS: 0100444 (NT/VIC),
0100447 (NSW)		 Student must have completed three years of post-secondary study

Additional postgraduate entry requirements from pre-masters programs

Vocational education and training (VET)
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 requirement for admissions to an undergraduate degree is 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. The most common equivalencies accepted by CDU are listed here. 

Country  Charles Darwin University accepts the following
Argentina Successful completion of 1-year tertiary studies at a recognised university.
Bangladesh Higher School Certificate (HSC) with Grade Point Average (GPA) 4.0. For B Accounting: Minimum grade of GPA 4.0 out of 5 in business maths subjects.  For B Engineering, B Medical and Laboratory Science: Minimum grade of GPA 4.5 out of 5 in Maths, Physics or Chemistry.   All other bachelor's degree - minimum Grade 4.0 out of 5.0 in academic subjects excluding local languages, work experience, physical education.
Bhutan Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate (BHSEC) completed 2006 onwards with a grade average of 65% in the best 4 academic subjects (excluding languages).
Brazil Successful completion of 1-year tertiary studies at a recognised university.
Brunei Brunei-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (at least 2 passes)
GCE A Levels*
Forecast result: 1 point above the admissions requirements
Cambridge Pre U Diploma Successful completion of the Cambridge Pre U Diploma. 
Cambodia  Successful completion of 1-year tertiary studies at a recognised University.
Canada  Canadian Provincial High School Diploma with an overall average of 60% in final year results.
Chile Successful completion of 1-year tertiary studies at a recognised university.
China Successful completion of a recognised pre-tertiary or foundation program; Or completion of the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) with GAOKAO score required for entry into Tier Two university in the relevant province. or Year 12 with a minimum 70% for Business, Accounting, Art, Social work Humanitarian and Education courses.
Year 12 with minimum 80% for Bachelor of Law Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Nutrition, Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Speech and Language Therapy, Bachelor of Health Science/Master of Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Engineering Honours courses.
Colombia Successful completion of 1-year tertiary studies at a recognised university.
Denmark Senior High School (Studentereksames) with a minimum grade average of 5.0 on 13 point scale.
Fiji Fiji Form 7 (2012 and earlier) with a minimum aggregate score of 228 in the best 4 subjects (one of which must include English). Subject grades are converted as A=80, B=65, C=50 or 1-2=80, 3-4=65, 5- 6=50; OR Fiji Year 13 Certificate (2013 onwards) with a minimum aggregate score of 228 in the best 4 subjects (one of which must include English). Subject grades are converted as A+=90, A=80, B+=70, B=60, C=50, D=30.
Finland Ylioppilastutkintotodistu (Finnish Matriculation Certificate ) 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 School Certificate​ at Advanced level with minimum 3 passes at the GCE A-Level, or GCE A Levels*
Forecast result: 1 point above the admissions requirements.
Greece Apolytirio(n) Lykeiou with a pass mark of 15 in 4 subjects.
Hong Kong HKDSE with minimum 15 Points from 5 best subjects from Category A and C. 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 All India Senior School Certificate or Indian School Certificate or Senior Secondary Certificate with an average score of 60% in best 4 academic subjects including English OR Higher Secondary Certificate with an average of 75% (for Punjab and Haryana board) or 65% (for other State Boards)in best four academic subjects excluding subjects local languages, work experience, physical education and other non-academic subjects.
Indonesia Entry to standard courses with Senior High School (SMA3) minimum grade average of 75%; or successful completion of one-year university degree or Diploma III (D III) from a recognised institution.
Italy  Diploma di lstruzione Secondaria Superiore (Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate) with a grade average of 60 or better.
Japan Upper Secondary School Certificate of Graduation (Kotogakko Sotsugyo Shosho) with minimum grade 3.5 out of 5 or successful completion of one year of a Bachelor's degree at a recognised University.
Kenya  GCE A Levels*
Forecast result: 1 point above the admissions requirements.
Korea (Republic of), South Immumgye kodung hakkyo choreup chung (General High School) with minimum grade of 65% .
Laos Successful completion of 1-year tertiary studies at a recognised university.
Lebanon Baccalaurete Libanais with a minimum overall grade of 12.
Macau  GCE
A levels, International Baccalaureate, or HKDSE.
Malaysia Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with minimum grade point average of 2.0
OR
Malaysia Matrikulasi Certificate with a minimum GPA of 2.0 for four subjects undertaken in the one examination
OR
Entry to standard courses with Senior Middle 3  MICSS UEC minimum two A and two B grades.
Mauritius GCE A Levels*
Forecast result: 1 point above the admissions requirements.
Mexico Successful completion of 1-year tertiary studies at a recognised university.
Mongolia Completion of Senior Secondary High School
Studies plus successful completion of 1-year tertiary studies at a recognised University. 
Myanmar Successful completion of 1-year tertiary studies at a recognised university.
Nepal Nepalese Higher Secondary Certificate with a grade of 65% in best 4 academic subjects(Year 11+12) (Pre 2018) or Nepalese Education Board Year 12 with GPA 2.6 in best 4 academic subjects or Nepalese Proficiency Certificate (10+3) with avg grade of 65% + Nurses Registration (Nursing only).
Nigeria  GCE A Levels*
Forecast result: 1 point above the admissions requirements.
Norway  Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skolen (Upper Secondary Certificate) with an average score of 3.0 on a scale of 6.
Oman Successful completion of 1-year tertiary studies at a recognised university.
Pakistan Higher Secondary School Certificate Intermediate (Division 1) with an average of 65% in four academic subjects or successful completion of the first year of a degree at a recognised institution with an average of 60%.
Papua New Guinea Successful completion of 1-year tertiary studies at a recognised university.
Peru Successful completion of 1-year tertiary studies at a recognised university.
Philippines Senior High School Academic Track (K-12 System), with an overall grade of 80%;
OR
Successful completion of one year of a bachelor degree at a recognised university.
Poland Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci (Certificate of Maturity) (2015 and onwards) with a minimum average Matura mark of 45 in the best three written extended subjects.
Qatar Successful completion of 1-year tertiary studies at a recognised university
Russian Federation  Attestat o Srednem (polnom) Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary (Complete) General Education) with GPA of 4.5.
Successful completion of 1 year tertiary studies at a recognised university.
Saudi Arabia Successful completion of 1 year tertiary studies at a recognised university.
Singapore Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Advanced 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.                                                                  OR
GCE A Levels*
Forecast result: 1 point above the admissions requirements
OR
Completed IB diploma with minimum 24 points. For Predicated IB Diploma score: 2 points above the admissions requirements.
South Africa National Senior Certificate (NSC) with minimum aggregate score of 26 excluding non academic subjects  or National Senior Certificate (NSC) with average of 4.5 over best five subjects in final year (excluding Life Orientation); where 7=80-100%; 6=70-79%; 5=60-69%; 4=50-59%; 3=40-49%; 2=30-39%; 1=0-29.
Sri Lanka GCE A Levels*
Forecast result: 1 point above the admissions requirements.
Taiwan Senior High School Leaving Certificate with a minimum overall score 70 %. 
Sweden Slutbetyg Från Gymnasieskola (Swedish Secondary School Certificate) (2014 and onwards) with minimum grade average of 12. Grades based on: A = 20, B = 17.5, C = 15, D = 12.5, E = 10, F= 0.
Tanzania Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education (ACSE) with an average score of 9 for 3 principal subjects (A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, E = 1)                                                   OR                                                                                 GCE A-Level with 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).
Thailand  Certificate of Secondary Education (Mayatom 6) with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Uganda Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE)  with a minimum of passes in 3 principal subjects
Plus Uganda Certificate of Education with passes in 6 subjects. 

GCE A Levels*
Forecast result: 1 point above the admissions requirements.
United Arab Emirates Successful completion of one year of study at a recognised tertiary or higher education institution with an average of 60% is required in addition to the completion of High School Studies.
UK Cambridge International or GCE "A" Levels*
Predicted A-level score 1 point above the admission requirement.
USA High School Diploma with an average grade of C or SAT score of 980 (post 2016) or 1320 ( pre 2016), or a minimum of 2 Advanced Placement scores of 2 or above or ACT score 20.
Vietnam Successful completion of Senior Secondary School Graduation Diploma (Bang Tot Nghiep Trung Hoc Pho Thong) with a grade of 7.0/10 (or 70%)
OR
successful completion of one-year of Bachelor degree at a recognised University.
Zimbabwe GCE A Levels* Forecast result: 1 point above the admissions requirements.

*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 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
    2.    a Masters qualification that contains a substantial research component

 

English language entry requirements

English entry requirements at CDU can be met two ways:

Option 1: undertaking one of the following English tests; however, some courses may require higher levels of English or only accept specific English language tests.

  • IELTS
  • PTE
  • TOEFL
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
  • Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency

Option 2: by providing evidence of previously completed studies in English. Please refer to the table below for level and/or duration of qualification required to meet CDU's English entry requirements. Previous studies in English may not be accepted as an option for English requirements for some courses.

Find your course English requirements

Details about the English entry requirements for your course can be found in the course page, find these by following these steps:

  1. Go to: https://www.cdu.edu.au/study and select your study area.
  2. Find your course from under the study area.
  3. Click your course to open the course details.
  4. Select the 'Entry Requirements' tab (if available) for more information. Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses will have English requirements listed in the Overview.

Important notes:

  • Due to the current global COVID-19 situation, we have temporarily extended the validity of IELTS Academic, TOEFL and Pearson PTE Academic tests from two to three years for courses commencing in Semester 2 2021, Summer Semester 2021, Semester 1 2022, Semester 2 2022 and Summer Semester 2022.
  • Regardless of CDU's requirements and acceptance of certain equivalents, all applicants must still satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language proficiency (ELP) requirements for student visa applications (if applicable). 
COVID-19 alternative English language tests

Due to COVID-19  many English language testing facilities are closed. As such, the University has been able to approve the following alternative English language tests to ensure international applicants can commence studies for Semester 2 2021 and Semester 1 2022.

View the list

For further information please contact international@cdu.edu.au

Recognised English Speaking Countries

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 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)

Studying in 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 is IELTS 5.5 no band less than 5 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: IELTS 6.5 no band less than 6.0 or equivalent score in PTE or TOEFL.

 

Education level that has been previously undertaken

Postgraduate requirement

Undergraduate and Pre-Masters requirement

VET requirement

 Pathways Foundations, First Year Diplomas requirement

Australian Secondary Schooling

 Not Applicable

Completion of a recognised Australian Year 12 including English 4 SA or equivalent.

Completion of a recognised Australian Year 10 or higher for admission to Cert IV or higher.

Overseas Senior Secondary Schooling

 Not Applicable

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.

 

Course/s at AQF Level 4 or higher

Successful completion of two years full-time equivalent at a recognised institution in a country from the list of English-Speaking Countries standard and extended list where the medium of instruction was English.

Successful completion of one-year full time equivalent at a recognised institution in a country from the list of English-Speaking Countries in standard and Extended list where the medium of instruction was English.

 

Note: previous studies must be completed within five years from the date of commencement at CDU.

CDU's recognised English speaking countries

Previous studies must be completed within 5 years from the date of commencement at CDU.

Standard List

(English speaking countries as identified by UK NARIC that have no other main spoken language identified)

Extended List**

(English speaking countries as identified by UK NARIC that have a spoken language in addition to English)

Antigua and Barbuda

Bermuda

Australia

Botswana

Barbados

Cayman Islands

The British Virgin Islands

Fiji

Canada

Kenya

New Zealand

Malawi

UK – Scotland

Malta

UK – England  

Mauritius

UK – Northern Ireland

Papua New Guinea

UK – Wales

Philippines

United States of America

Puerto Rico

South Africa

Seychelles
  Singapore***
 

St Vincent and the Grenadines
 

Tanzania
 

Tonga
 

Trinidad and Tobago
 

Vanuatu
 

Zimbabwe

**Requires written confirmation that the medium language of instruction was English.
***Applicants who completed study at a Singaporean institution are not required to provide written confirmation that the medium language of instruction is English
study pathways

Study pathways

Don't meet the entry requirements? Don't worry, at CDU there is a study pathway for everyone. CDU’s International pathways program is suitable for students at all levels of education and English proficiency. We provide clear pathways and easy transition between courses from vocational through to postgraduate study.

Find out more

Ask us a question

Are you thinking about studying, but not sure which course or campus is the one for you? Unsure of the entry requirements, study options, or how to apply to CDU? Submit your details below, and we'll be in touch.

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