How we rank

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a unique institution. With our home and heart in the Northern Territory, we are committed to providing education, training, and research that reflects the inclusive, resilient, and courageous spirit of the region.

We value diverse perspectives and create an inclusive, supportive environment where you can connect, discover and grow. What matters most is not where you have come from, but where you want to go and the impact you want to make on the world.

Stronger employment outcomes

CDU graduates are among the most successful in Australia. Independent national surveys show our students are more likely to secure full-time work compared to graduates from other universities.

The number one dual sector university for employment outcomes

The 2024 Graduate Outcome Survey. found that CDU is the highest-performing dual-sector university for graduate employment.

Whether you study TAFE or a Degree at CDU, you have some of the strongest job prospects in the country.

Australia’s most equitable university

CDU is leading the way for a fairer society and is recognised as the most equitable university in Australia by the Financial Review’s Best Universities Rankings 2025.

Stemming from a legacy of inclusion and accessibility, CDU is committed to offering the best education to all. We believe it’s your differences that make all the difference.

Within the top 23% of universities worldwide

In the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, one of the most recognised rankings globally, CDU is placed within the top 23% of more than 2,000 universities around the world.

CDU performs strongly, particularly in teaching and research.

A global leader in sustainability impact

CDU ranks in the top 13% of universities worldwide for our contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our research, teaching and community impact are helping address real-world challenges, like health, education, equality and economic development.

Across the SDGs, CDU is one of Australia’s best-performing universities:

Top 5 in Australia for Quality Education (Goal 4)
Recognising our commitment to accessible and inclusive learning.

Top 7 in Australia for Gender Equality (Goal 5)
Reflecting strong progress in equity and opportunities.

Top 12 in Australia for Good Health and Wellbeing (Goal 3)

Top 14 in Australia for Decent Work and Economic Growth (Goal 8)

Home to world-class research

CDU researchers are advancing global knowledge and tackling real-world challenges across health, science, education, the environment and technology.

Researchers from CDU and the Menzies School of Health Research, are internationally recognised for excellence, with 34 academics ranked among the top 2% of researchers worldwide in the prestigious Stanford University–Elsevier global list.