Costs associated with your study at CDU will depend on several things, including your study program and where you choose to live.
Online budget calculators can be a useful tool to assist you with budgeting and ensure you are financially prepared for coming to Australia. Money Smart budget planner is a useful tool we recommend.
Fees and expenses
International tuition fees
Looking for the tuition fees? You can use the course finder to view the fees for your chosen course.
- Go to find a course and select your study area from the tiles listed.
- Select your course from the list of courses.
- Select the 'Fees' tab to view the international tuition fees.
The fees advertised are the annual fee for the course. These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)
On October 11, 2011 the Australian Parliament passed legislation allowing universities to charge a fee for student services and amenities of a non-academic nature.
The Minister for Tertiary Education also issued universities with strict guidelines on what your Student Services and Amenities Fees may be spent on. You can read about the guidelines on the Australian Government website. Find out more information below on what the CDU SSAF Fee is for this year.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is your health insurance while you are in Australia on a student visa and is needed before you apply for your student visa.
You must have OSHC for the entire length of your student visa and if you need to apply for a new student visa, you must extend your health cover before applying.
OSHC also gives you peace of mind knowing your health will be looked after and you can easily access medical services while you are in Australia.
Allianz Care Australia is our preferred OSHC partner, If you would like to seek a quote for your OSHC with Allianz Care Australia please follow the link below.
How much you pay for OSHC depends on the type of cover you need. For example:
- Singles – covering only the overseas student who is the primary Student Visa holder
- Dual family – covering the overseas student, and either:
- One adult spouse or de facto partner
- One or more children under the age of 18 years old
- Multi-family – covering the overseas student and more than one dependant, which can include:
- Only one adult spouse or de facto partner
- One or more dependent children
Travel costs
Costs will depend on where you are flying from and to and the time of year.
Estimated Costs* in AUD below:
To Darwin: $500 - $3,000
To Sydney: $200 - $3,000
Sydney to Darwin: $150 - $500
Sydney to Alice Springs: $300 - $600
Darwin to Alice Springs: $300 - $500
*We recommend you research your flights through Webjet for an accurate quote.
Airports
Darwin International Airport is located in Darwin’s northern suburbs and is approximately 8km from Darwin city centre. If you plan to arrive at Darwin International Airport from overseas, you may need to transit through either Singapore Changi Airport, Bali International Airport or through other Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne or Perth. If you book a connecting flight, it is important to have at least two hours between your arrival and departure times to allow for any unexpected delays.
Note that due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, these arrangements may be different. More information can be found at Australian Government’s advice for international travellers.
Sydney International Airport is Australia’s busiest airport. The airport is located about 8km south of Sydney’s city centre and has convenient transport to the city by both road, rail and buses. You may find different flight routes to Sydney International Airport however due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, these arrangements may be different. More information can be found at Australian Government’s advice for international travellers.
Alice Springs only has a domestic airport. You will need to fly to Darwin or to Sydney and then book another flight to Alice Springs.
Melbourne has two airports. The airport you choose will depend on the airline you fly with. Melbourne International Airport is Melbourne’s largest airport and the second busiest airport in Australia. It is 23 kilometres northwest of the city centre and most international flights land at Melbourne Airport as well as many domestic flights.
Airport Pick up
Darwin: flying into Darwin you can arrange a free airport pick up. Details on how to arrange this can be found here.
Sydney: there are a few transport options from Sydney Airport by
1. Train, shuttle or bus
2. Taxi or other ride share
3. Rental car
4. Bike
5. Limousine
Details of transport options can be found online here. If you have arrived at the International terminal and need to catch a domestic flight to Darwin or Alice Springs, here is more information on how to catch your next flight.
Alice Springs: details on the transport options from the airport to your accommodation can be found online here.
Unless you are taking advantage of the free airport pick up in Darwin, it is recommended to keep aside $15 - $100 AUD for airport transfers.
Accommodation and living expenses
The cost of living in Australia varies from city to city, and students should not expect to fund their studies or living costs in Australia through part-time employment only.
The Department of Home Affairs has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa for Australia. From 1 October 2023, the 12-month living cost was listed as:
- Individual student - $24,505
- Partner or spouse - $8,574
- Child - $3,670 (per child)
However, costs will vary from person to person depending on where you live and your lifestyle choices. The below table gives a cost comparison between the living expenses in Darwin and Sydney (note: figures included are an approximate guide only).
In addition to weekly expenses, you may also have establishment costs on arrival. These include security deposits, temporary accommodation, linen and basic homewares. You may also need to allow for a deposit on a contract for your mobile device.
| Cost of living | |
| Groceries and eating out | $80-$280 per week |
| Gas and electricity | $35-$140 per week |
| Phone and internet | $20-$55 per week |
| Public transport (varies between cities) | $7-$55 per week |
| Car (after purchase) | $150-$260 per week |
| Entertainment | $80-$150 per week |
| Accommodation | $283-$750 per week |
Learn more about each campus and the cost of living.
Other fees and expenses
During your studies, you will need to purchase textbooks and other items required to study. Text books can vary from $200 - $500 per semester depending on the course you are taking. Other expenses might include: stationary, printing, purchasing a laptop or computer, protective clothing, work materials, travel and accommodation for placement, working with children clearances and computing programs. These will depend on your course.
Payments
When do you need to pay your tuition fees?
International student fees are stated in your letter of offer and CoE before commencing at CDU. Fees must be paid in full by the census date of the relevant teaching period.
As a student visa holder, it is required that students remain financially able to pay their fees. Financial struggle cannot be considered when assessing other applications such as CoE extension and Reduced study load.
What payment methods can I use?
The University offers secure and faster online payment methods.
Please refer to our International students - refund of fees procedure
Apply now
You might also be interested in
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International student scholarships
CDU offers an exciting and generous range of scholarships to support international students coming to study at CDU from around the globe.
International student scholarships -
How to apply
Charles Darwin University believes a multicultural student body is good for everyone and encourages international students to apply.
How to apply