Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
10Course code
Overview
This program is designed to offer an introduction to university study for First Nation students. This is a full-time study and mentoring program delivered on-campus in Darwin. Students choose the study focus that relates to their intended future course.
The program is co-designed and delivered by First Nation and non-First Nation educators and professionals. It will also include some guest speakers from local organisations. At the start of the program, students will be connected with a First Nation Academic Tutor and a mentor who will provide academic and cultural support and be able to help with assessments. The program will extend beyond class session times to include activities to help students develop a sense of connection and belonging, with each other, at university in general and in the professional community.
Delivery in Intensive 1, 2023 will include a focus on:
- Teacher Education and Arts
- Health Professions
Fees
There is no fee for this program and if you live outside the Greater Darwin area, financial support will be provided for travel and accommodation.

Why study a pathway course at CDU
"At CDU, there is a study pathway for everyone. We strive to provide you with a range of alternative entry methods suitable for students at all levels of education and English proficiency.
- Free 16-week Tertiary Enabling Program
- Range of First Nations enabling and pre-enabling programs
- #5 Australian university for first-in-family study (GUG 2023)"

Why study a pathway course at CDU
"CDU International College prepares you to study undergraduate and postgraduate programs at CDU.
- Attend classes at the modern CDU Waterfront campus in Darwin City, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive CDU student support
- Specialised language development, a well-rounded curriculum and smaller class sizes provide the support necessary to meet your goals and prepare for the real world"

Why study a pathway course at CDU
"At CDU, there is a study pathway for everyone. We strive to provide you with a range of alternative entry methods suitable for students at all levels of education and English proficiency.
- Free 16-week Tertiary Enabling Program
- Range of First Nations enabling and pre-enabling programs
- #5 Australian university for first-in-family study (GUG 2023)"

Why study a pathway course at CDU
"CDU International College prepares you to study undergraduate and postgraduate programs at CDU.
- Attend classes at the modern CDU Waterfront campus in Darwin City, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive CDU student support
- Specialised language development, a well-rounded curriculum and smaller class sizes provide the support necessary to meet your goals and prepare for the real world"
What will I study?
This four-week full-time study and mentoring program is delivered on-campus in Darwin. Students will enrol in two interlinked units that will provide foundational skills and knowledge for their proposed future disciplinary studies:
Course structure
· Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing
· Communicating Diversity and Perspectives at University
These two units are delivered alongside one another with one unit exploring key disciplinary ideas and the second providing students with academic literacy knowledge and skills to present these ideas as a written academic assignment. A collaborative learning approach will draw on students own knowledge systems, experiences and language.
A candidate must successfully complete two units totalling 10 credit points (cp) as detailed below.
Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
Core Units (2 units) | 10cp | Two Core units totalling 10 credit points as detailed below. ZIP001 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing (5cp) |
10cp | Total Credit Points |
Study plan
To participate in this 4-week intensive program students will enrol in two interlinked units providing foundational skills and knowledge. The content focus of each unit will align with students proposed disciplinary studies. For example, students interested in Education studies will Explore Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing in Education in ZIP001.
Contact hours for each unit over the 4-week intensive will be between 40-60 hours.
A recommended study plan is not required for this course.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
This course is only available for First Nations peoples who would like to pursue a career in teacher education, arts or the health professions. To participate in this program you must be 18 years or over and will need to have completed at least Year 10 or equivalent. If you are a mature person without Year 10 or higher, you can still apply, on the basis of your skills and experience.
Students on the program will be supported through peer-to-peer learning and mentoring.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
I really felt like the teachers cared. I think that’s what I like about CDU – it feels like more of a family and more of a home.
Sizol
CDU student

I really felt like the teachers cared. I think that’s what I like about CDU – it feels like more of a family and more of a home.
Sizol
CDU student

Course details
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.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
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.
To apply for this program, fill in the details on the application form.
Remember to apply by 15th December 2022 for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
Further Assistance
For information on applying and/or enrolling in this course please contact Barbara Baugh from our First Nations Student Support team.
Barbara is available to assist you, if you would like to discuss the program and/or the application process further. She can be contacted on (08) 8946 7421 or email barbara.baugh@cdu.edu.au.
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