Our rankings
Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a university that will empower and support you. Connect to an inclusive and flexible learning environment at a university ranked in the top 500 universities globally.
CDU is a leader in undergraduate employment outcomes, with exceptional results in health, psychology, and engineering and technology. As a research-intensive university, CDU produces world-class research with real-world impact. As Australia’s first dual-sector university, CDU offers TAFE courses across a diverse range of study areas and alongside higher education opportunities.
Top 100 Young University
CDU ranked 76th in the Times Higher Education Young University Ranking 2024. The ranking lists the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger, with 673 universities featured from around the globe.
CDU is among the top 500 universities worldwide
CDU is ranked in the 401–500 band of the Times Higher Education World Rankings.
CDU has world-class research and researchers
30 academics from CDU and Menzies School of Health Research ranked amongst the top 2% of researchers in their field worldwide in the Stanford University and Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists list for 2023.
CDU is a top Australian university for undergraduate full-time employment outcomes
The Good Universities Guide 2025 ranks CDU as the eighth-best university in Australia for full-time employment for undergraduate students.
81% of CDU’s undergrad graduates had full-time work four months after completing their course.
The Good Universities Guide provides independent five-star performance ratings for all universities in Australia. These are based on student-relevant criteria such as graduate salaries, teaching quality, learning resources, graduate employment rates and much more.
Domestic CDU graduates earn 5.6% more and are 6.5% more likely to land a full-time job than the average university graduate
The 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey National Report found that graduates of undergraduate courses at CDU enjoy higher-than-average employment rates and starting salaries.
The full-time employment rate is 6.5% higher for CDU graduates than the national average. They also earn 5.6% more.
This online survey is funded by the Australian Government. It is based on responses from more than 107,450 students across 42 Australian universities.
Top university for first-in-family study
CDU is a top 5 university in Australia for students who are the first in a generation to attend university and may be the first of their family to attend higher education.
Top training provider in the Northern Territory
Charles Darwin University is the largest TAFE training provider in the Northern Territory. In 2023 CDU supported 9,305 students undertaking study in more than 230 courses across 116 locations. CDU was awarded the NT Training Awards, Large Training Provider of the Year for 2024.
CDU prides itself on the quality of its students, the delivery of its training and educators. Our students are regularly recognised locally and nationally for their learning achievements. CDU student quality is recognised by industry, with 84% of graduates employed four months after graduating.
Top 300 university globally for research and impact towards UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Ranked #55 university in the world towards Goal #3 for Good Health and Well-being – advancing universal health, reducing preventable deaths and advancing public health through research, health services and community outreach programmes.
- Ranked #3 university in Australia towards Goal #4 for Quality Education – for our commitment to inclusive and equitable quality education.
- Ranked #42 university in the world towards Goal #5 for Gender Equality
- A top 10 university in Australia towards Goal #8 for Decent Work and Economic Growth – fostering sustainable economic growth and inclusive employment. *
*Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024