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.
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.
Ready to apply?
Ready to apply?
At CDU, you’ll study with a university that is a global leader in graduate employment.
Academic entry requirements
Pathways foundations
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.
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), |
Student must hold a bachelor’s degree |
|
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
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 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 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
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. 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.
- 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:
- 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 2023.
View the list (PDF, 187.49 KB)
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 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)
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 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.
|
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 – Ireland |
Papua New Guinea |
|
UK – Northern Ireland |
Philippines |
|
UK – Wales |
Puerto Rico |
|
United States of America |
Seychelles |
| South Africa | 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 | |
Charles Darwin University International College
CDU International College and UP Education provides clear pathways and easy transition between courses from vocational through to postgraduate study. Our pathway programs are suitable for students at all levels of education and English proficiency.
Learn moreAsk us a question
You might also be interested in
-
Find an agent
Search nowTo study with CDU, you will need to submit your application online. You can either apply directly or via an authorised CDU Education Agent closest to you. We have agents all over the globe.
-
International student scholarships
Learn moreCDU offers an exciting and generous range of scholarships to support international students coming to study at CDU from around the globe.
-
How to apply
Learn moreCharles Darwin University believes a multicultural student body is good for everyone and encourages international students to apply.
