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International

Study abroad

From any institution

Study Abroad programs at CDU provide opportunities for students to engage in life-changing study experiences in Australia.

Students can choose to study for one or two semesters at a time. As a study abroad student, you will participate as a fee-paying student, which means fees are paid directly to CDU and not to your home institution.

Generally, the courses you study at CDU can be transferred as academic credit towards your degree. Transferral of your academic credit is subject to approval from your home university.

Contact your home institution to find out if any support is available to help arrange your study abroad experience.

Have a question? Get in contact with the Global Engagement Team via the link or email cduglobalengagement@cdu.edu.au.

How to apply

The CDU Study Abroad program invites students from all universities around the world to study some of Australia’s most unique programs and courses for a semester or two.

Start your application

You will need to include the following documents with your application:

  • Copy of passport
  • Proof of English language Proficiency
  • Certified copy of a current academic transcript
  • Simplified Statement (one page about why you want to study abroad and why you choose to study at CDU)

Your application process includes selecting CDU units to study. Generally, the courses you study at CDU can be transferred as academic credit towards your degree. Transferral of your academic credit is subject to approval from your host university.

Key Dates

2024 Study PeriodApplications close
Semester 1 – February – June 202429 December 2023
Semester 2 – July – October 20243 May 2024

Unit selection

Students participating in the study abroad program are not required to obtain approval from your home university for the units you wish to enrol in at CDU. However, if you want to transfer your academic credit back to your degree at your home university, you will need to ensure that your home university approves your selected study units.

A full-time load at Charles Darwin University is 30-40 credit points per semester. Generally, 30-40 credit points are equivalent to enrolling in three to four units worth 10 credit points each.

Equivalency of 40 CDU credit points:

LocationCredit points
USAApproximately 12-15 Credits
EuropeApproximately 30 ECTS
CanadaApproximately 15 Credits
JapanApproximately 15 Credits
UKApproximately 60 Credits or 30 ECTS

*Other regions do not have universal credit point systems. Refer to your home university's website to determine the full-time loading.

Study Abroad program options 

Option 1: Design your own program

You can design your own program by selecting units from CDU’s range of study areas, as long as you have the necessary prerequisites. Please note that all units are subject to availability, capacity and eligibility. Please have a look at our unit catalogue to review available units for Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Option 2: Choose a Study Abroad package

Select from our unique and exciting Study Abroad Packages (PDF, 723.24 KB), which draw on our research and teaching strengths. These packages enable you to select specialised units in an area of your interest. We recommend that you have a look at some backup units in case of timetabling clashes and availability, by looking at our unit catalogue for Semester 1 and Semester 2.

Please note that the 2024 units will be published on 1 August 2023.

Fees and living costs

Study Abroad students enroll at CDU as fee-paying students.

Study abroad fees 2024Cost 2024
CDU Study Abroad fee per semesterA$8,840 for one semester and A$17,680 for two semesters
Student services and amenities fees               A$40.00 per 10 credit points per semester
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)A$165 for 3 months, A$330 for 6 months (price varies according to duration)

 

Additional expenses

Study Abroad students will need to pay for:

  • Return flights
  • Compulsory overseas student health insurance
  • Student visa
  • Accommodation
  • Living expenses
  • External agency fees (optional)
ExpensesCost*
Overseas student health insurance (6 months)A$1,656
Student visa (base application fee)A$650
Expenses for Darwin
Student accommodation (on-campus per week)A$185
Groceries and eating out A$100 to A$300 per week 
Gas and electricity $20 to $140 per week 
Phone and internet $15 to $30 per week 
Public transport $7 per week 
Car (after purchase) $150 to $260 per week 
Entertainment $80 to $150 per week 
On-campus accommodation $185 - $240 per week with all utility bills included 
Off-campus accommodation 

$150 - $350 per week in a shared rental.  

$360 - $650 per week in a private rental.** 

* The cost of living will vary according to your lifestyle.

** Price subject to change

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