CDU celebrates the return of international students to the Territory

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is set to welcome more than 130 new international students over the coming weeks to the Northern Territory before Semester 1 in March.

It comes after last year, the Federal Government announced that vaccinated international students can come to Australia without having to quarantine allowing international students to return to the Territory.

The new and returning international students landing in the Territory are from a variety of countries and regions, such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, China, Canada, and the UK. There will be more students arriving over the coming months ahead of Semester 2 in August.

CDU has been working with the Northern Territory and Australian Governments since the pandemic first began to progress the return of international students.  

In December 2020, CDU was the first Australian university to bring back 63 international students through a charter flight to Darwin.

Charles Darwin University (CDU) Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman said the Territory is on track to return as a popular destination of choice for many international students. 

“CDU is thrilled that we can see the return of international students back in the Territory, and this will see Australia return as the most popular study destination in the world,” Professor Bowman said.

“We’ll be closely monitoring the developing situation with COVID-19 but we’re so pleased to have our newly arrived international students settling in and back on campus.

“International students are integral for the future of CDU so having them back on campus is a huge milestone for the university that we have been working towards for the past two years.”

Spanish-born Canadian student Macarena Santos began her Australian study journey in August 2021 when she enrolled in the Master of Teaching degree at CDU online, hoping to join her classmates on-campus when borders reopen.

Now freshly arrived in Darwin, Ms Santos feels that being able to come to study in Australia is one of the most important steps in her life.

“The Northern Territory is one of the most interesting parts of Australia, with an old and fascinating history as well as a bright future,” Ms Santos said.

“CDU offers opportunities for all types of students, whether we are studying online or in person. Every unit I have studied so far has been interesting and I feel better prepared as a student and as a future teacher.”

CDU Global Director Joanne Chrystal said international students were an important part of the Territory community with their diverse cultures and skills.

“International students help make up our vibrant, multicultural community in the Northern Territory and bring a wealth of experience, perspectives and cultural diversity,” Ms Chrystal said.

Ms Crystal said international students arriving on campus will also benefit from the range of in-person activities and connections.

Currently more than 2,000 international students are enrolled at CDU, with 1,854 studying on campus and 190 studying online.

More information for international students is available here: www.cdu.edu.au/international