Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Course code
Overview
The Diploma of Engineering is ideal if you are curious about studying engineering and would like to learn more, but are unsure about committing to a full undergraduate degree.
During your engineering studies, you will explore some of the general concepts, principles and practices of engineering, develop your technical skills and build upon your maths and science knowledge.
With the diploma, you qualify for entry-level engineering roles, or you can continue onto other engineering degree courses such as CDU's Associate Degree in Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Science, or Bachelor of Engineering Honours.
Career opportunities
Graduating from the Diploma of Engineering may lead to entry-level engineering roles.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2026 is AUD $39,392.00. This equates to $4,924.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia. See 2026 Higher Education International Annual Tuition Fees.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study engineering at CDU?
Our engineering degree is for problem solvers like you. Think creatively to find solutions to real-world challenges, from uniquely Top End issues like cyclones to systems and designs with wider impact like renewable energy, transport, building construction, electronics, and more.
- #3 in Australia for engineering and technology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for engineering and technology starting salary (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Take part in projects and graduate with real work experience
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study engineering at CDU?
Our engineering degree is for problem solvers like you. Think creatively to find solutions to real-world challenges, from uniquely Top End issues like cyclones to systems and designs with wider impact like renewable energy, transport, building construction, electronics, and more.
- #3 in Australia for engineering and technology employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- #4 in Australia for engineering and technology starting salary (GUG 2024)
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Take part in projects and graduate with real work experience
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
A strong general engineering background is provided, suitable as a pathway into all areas of engineering.
Course structure
Domestic students: this course is available externally by distance learning if you are unable to attend classes on campus on a regular basis. Access to the internet is required for distance learning, with access to high-speed broadband highly recommended.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (7 units) | 70cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 70 credit points as detailed below. IAS201 Cultural Capabilities (replaces CUC107 from 2024) |
| General Elective Units (1 unit) | 10cp | General Elective units totalling 10 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. |
| 80cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2026
Course Structure: Core units have increased from 50 credit points to 70 credit points
Core unit changes: IAS201 Cultural Capabilities and CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology have been moved from common units to core units from 2026.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities OR General Elective | CO/E |
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities OR General Elective | CO/E | ENG151 Statics | CO |
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO |
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | E = General Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO |
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO |
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities OR General Elective | CO/E | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities OR General Elective | CO/E |
| ENG151 Statics | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| CUC106 Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | ||
| ENG175 Internet of Things | CO | ||
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ||
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ||
| ENG151 Statics | CO | ||
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | ||
| General Elective | E | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | E = General Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| SMA104 Concepts of Mathematics | CO | ||
| SPH141 Concepts of Physics | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| CUC106Design and Innovation: Communicating Technology | CO | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities OR General Elective | CO/E |
| SMA101 Mathematics 1A | CO | ENG175 Internet of Things | CO |
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities OR General Elective | CO/E | ||
| ENG151 Statics | CO | ||
___________________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program and achieved a minimum mark of 65% in the Foundation English units A and B are eligible to apply.
Essential requirements
There are several domains of inherent requirements for the engineering suite of courses. All the Inherent requirement domains and statements can be found from the link below.
Inherent requirement for Engineering
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the standard English language proficiency requirements for Higher Education courses at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and provide evidence as part of their application.
You can meet the minimum English language requirement by providing evidence of one of following:
| Previous study in English |
|
| AHPRA Registration | Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English Test within two years of commencement, with the minimum scores shown below. |
| Primary language pathway | Completion of six years of primary and/or secondary schooling in a recognised English-speaking country*, including at least two years between years 7-12. |
Additional information about accepted tests and the evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
^English tests - approved tests and minimum scores
| Undergraduate and postgraduate pathway program requirement | Postgraduate requirement (HDR and coursework) | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP003 | Successful completion of EAP004 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below 6.0 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 | Overall minimum: 58 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 |
Information about test validity, accepted combined test results, IELTS One Skill Retake and evidence requirements is available on the English language proficiency requirements page.
*Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
All previous studies must have been delivered in English (medium of instruction was English). Applicants who have studied at an institution from a coutnry on the extended list must provide confirmation that their study was completed within the last five years.
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2025
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
Assumed knowledge
Stage 1 Mathematical Methods or equivalent.
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
I always encourage the young generation towards STEM fields, especially females. The other good thing about engineering or other STEM fields is that they are interconnected, meaning there are multiple career opportunities.
Shehani
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
I always encourage the young generation towards STEM fields, especially females. The other good thing about engineering or other STEM fields is that they are interconnected, meaning there are multiple career opportunities.
Shehani
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 5.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2025.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2025) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 6 | .3 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | 6 | .3 |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 6 | .3 |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/P |
| All students | 20 | 1.0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about engineering at CDU
John is from China studying a Bachelor of Engineering at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
Learn about engineering at CDU
John is from China studying a Bachelor of Engineering at CDU. Hear more about his experience of studying, living, working and playing in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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