The CDU difference
Like our namesake Charles Darwin, we think differently. We innovate, embrace change, challenge conventions and look for better ways.
We’re not about tradition or legacy, privilege or exclusivity. We care about people as individuals, as well as the wider society. We’re about what you can give to the world, rather than what you take.
We cannot build a better world without diversity of thought; therefore, we bring those with unique perspectives together in an inclusive and supportive learning environment to connect, discover and grow.
This is the CDU difference.
Flexible and supportive learning environment
At CDU, you will benefit from our ability to offer smaller class sizes and a low student-to-teacher ratio of about one teacher to every 15-20 students.
Domestic students can choose to study online or on campus with most courses offered both full-time and part-time. And with the ability to switch between modes, you will have the flexibility you need to balance study, work and family, even if your circumstances change.
As an international student, you will study full-time and on campus. With 11 campuses and centres located around Australia, you could be studying in tropical Darwin, the outback of Alice Springs or in one of our more famous cities - Sydney.
A leader in First Nations education
Each year CDU teaches over 4,000 Indigenous students in over 150 locations across the NT.
CDU is committed to being a leader among Australian universities in relation to First Nations participation and relevance in its Strategic Plan, and by implication, significantly contribute to the social, cultural and economic well-being of First Nations people and communities in the Northern Territory and beyond.
Research impact
We are a research-intensive university with a commitment to building collaborative, co-designed research support. Concentrated within the central unit of Research and Innovation, we provide high-quality support and administration of research and consultancy projects, from conception to completion.
Our rankings
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#2 Australian university for graduate employment outcomes
The Good Universities Guide 2022 ranks CDU as a leader for undergraduate employment outcomes
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30 years' experience in distance and online education
We have what it takes to support flexible study
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Top 100 university in the Asia Pacific
According to the Times Higher Education Asia-Pacific University Rankings 2019
Scholarship support
Some students receive scholarships for their outstanding academic performance, talent and passion for their area of study. Others are recognised for their commitment and vision in their local community, or their sports involvement or work placement.
Importantly, there are also scholarships to help students who are struggling financially and those who may otherwise be excluded from studying due their socioeconomic, cultural or geographic circumstances.
Learn moreMeet our students
We bring those with unique paths, perspectives and experiences together in an inclusive and supportive learning environment to help them make a change for the better and build their new world.
Discover their stories.
Student storiesOver 300 certificates, diplomas and degrees to choose from
- Accounting
- Arts
- Business
- Communications and Design
- Community Services and Social Work
- Creative and Performing Arts
- Culinary Arts
- Education
- Engineering
- Exercise and Sport Science
- Hair and Beauty Services
- Health
- Humanitarian, Emergency and Disaster Management
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Indigenous Knowledges
- IT and Network Engineering
- Languages and Linguistics
- Law and Legal Studies
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Pathway Courses
- Primary Industries
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Science, Environmental Science and Management
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Trades
News
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Director appointed for CDU’s new Academy of the Arts
Read more about Director appointed for CDU’s new Academy of the ArtsA new Director has been appointed to run Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) new Academy of the Arts, to shape the direction of the academy and invigorate creative education in the Northern Territory.
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Australia’s tourism focus needs a shift as China’s interest wanes, experts warn
Read more about Australia’s tourism focus needs a shift as China’s interest wanes, experts warnAustralia should push to attract tourists from its traditional markets, such as Japan, to mitigate any fall in tourist numbers from China, economists say.
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Marine rangers take hands-on training in fisheries compliance
Read more about Marine rangers take hands-on training in fisheries complianceFirst Nations rangers from across the Top End are learning valuable and practical skills as they are trained to become certified in fisheries compliance, through a course providing meaningful training and career pathways.