Pathways to study
Apply with your Grade Point Average (GPA)
You can apply based on your GPA if you have completed at least 0.5 years of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education course.
The minimum GPA is 2.24 for most courses at CDU.
Apply with an Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking (ATAR)
You will meet the entry requirements to most courses with a minimum ATAR (or equivalent) of 60; however, some courses are more competitive and may have a higher cut-off score.
To see the specific ATAR cut-off score, find your course and check under the entry requirements tab.
ATAR related adjustments
CDU offers two point schemes:
- University Equity Scheme for Year 12 completers from selected schools
- Universities Language, Literacy and Mathematics Scheme. Offered to Year 12 completers who studied specific subjects at school.
| Adjustment type | Number of points |
|---|---|
| University Equity Scheme | 5 |
| Universities Language, Literacy and Mathematics Scheme | 2 or 4 |
| Total maximum points | 9 |
Any adjustments will be applied to the university aggregate (not the ATAR) from which selection ranks are calculated.
Use your employment and life experience
If you have not received an ATAR (or equivalent) or other qualifications, you can submit a Personal Competencies Statement and/or Employment Experience.
This will allow you to demonstrate that you have the skills and qualities needed to be successful at university.
Information on how to write the Personal Competencies statement can be found on the SATAC website.
Complete an enabling course
For domestic students who don’t meet course entry requirements, or need a hand to get into the swing of study, we offer a free Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP), or Preparation for Tertiary Success (PTS) for Indigenous students.
With TEP or PTS, you’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence you’ll need to succeed at university.
You can complete the program online or on campus in as little as 16 weeks. You will then meet the requirements to apply for entry to most CDU undergraduate degrees.
CDU also accepts similar bridging programs offered at universities around Australia.
Start with a TAFE qualification
Studying with CDU TAFE will give you the opportunity to develop industry-standard skills in your chosen area of study.
Once you have completed a national TAFE qualification at Certificate III or above, you will meet the minimum entry requirements to most undergraduate courses at CDU.
Sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are 18 years and older, and apply for a CDU course that accepts special entry, you can sit the STAT or be considered based on a previous STAT result.
You will need a score of 135 or more received after 2009 or 145 or more before 2009 to be eligible for entry into most CDU courses.
International students
At the CDU International College, we offer pathways designed to ensure you get the most out of your studies.
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.
Programs at the CDU International College are delivered by UP Education, an education provider that partners with leading universities in Australia and New Zealand to provide learning pathways for international students, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to excel at English language universities.
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Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP)
CDU's free Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) is an alternative pathway into university. With TEP, you'll have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to succeed at university.
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Student and course types explained
International or domestic, online or on campus? Or maybe you want to know what the difference between TAFE, undergraduate and postgraduate is?
It can be difficult to understand the different student and course types at university so we’ve put together this guide to answer your questions.
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How to apply
Choosing your course was the hard part, now it’s time to apply. Visit our how to apply page for easy-to-follow steps for all study pathways.
How to apply