Charles Darwin University: Courses, Costs, Scholarships, and More

As we sail for top universities in Australia along its endless coastline, we have docked in a city that carries the legacy of a legendary thinker. Welcome to Darwin, a city that is a tribute to Charles Darwin who changed the world, much like how Australia changes the lives of the students who come here.

Situated here is Charles Darwin University (CDU). So let us take a closer look at it and explore how it could help evolve your career, just as Darwin’s Theory of Evolution transformed the way we see the world.

Charles Darwin University Ranking and Recognition

Let us go ahead and look into CDU’s global rankings to understand why it stands out as the top university to study in Australia for international students.

• 76^th in the Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Ranking 2024
• 2^nd in Australia for Postgraduate Full-Time Employment Outcomes as per the Good University Guide 2024
• Ranks 5^th for supporting first-generation university students.
• Ranked 7^th in Australia by the Good Universities Guide 2024 for full-time undergraduate employment and starting salaries.
• 621–630 range in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
• 401–500 range in the Times Higher Education Rankings 2025.
• 937^th globally in the Webometrics World University Rankings.

Though CDU was only established in 2003, it is already climbing the global ladder with ranks like 2^nd, 5^th, etc which don’t come easy. It is the CDU’s determination and dedication that despite being one of the youngest universities in Australia, CDU is already competing with decades-old institutions worldwide. The secret to this lies in its exceptional courses, taught by award-winning professors. It is no wonder over 21,000 international students choose this university as their place of learning and growth.

Course Offerings at Charles Darwin University

With 26 diverse study areas spread across its departments, international students find plenty of options to pursue their goals here at CDU – one of the top universities in Australia. Here are some of the top picks that draw them in:

As mentioned in the ranking above, CDU supports first-generation university students and is ranked 7^th in Australia for full-time undergraduate employment and starting salaries. That is why many students pick CDU for their bachelor's degree - they know they will be job-ready even before they think about a master's.

If you want to be part of this success story, CDU welcomes new students in three intakes a year:

• March
• July
• November

But hold your bags for the Northern Territory as there is one hurdle to clear - the eligibility criteria. Let us break down the eligibility criteria to get you in the CDU’s gates with ease.

Eligibility Criteria for Charles Darwin University

Below we have taken a quick look at the eligibility requirements to study at CDU:

• For Undergraduate Programs (UG): You will need an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0. Academically, an Indian student should have completed the All India Senior School Certificate, Indian School Certificate, or Senior Secondary Certificate with at least 60% in their top 4 academic subjects (English included).
• For Postgraduate Programs (PG): The bar is set at an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each band) and a bachelor’s degree with at least 55% marks. Your degree must also match the standards of an Australian bachelor's degree.

Some courses might ask for more, like specific grades, prior knowledge of a subject, or even relevant work experience. To know all these details, it is always best to check CDU’s official website.

Many of us come from developing countries which makes our dream of international education out of reach when we compare currencies. But Australia breaks that stereotype! The cost of education in Australia is surprisingly affordable, allowing you to focus on living and learning instead of constantly worrying about expenses.

Cost of Studying at Charles Darwin University

At CDU, you don’t have to stress about every dollar or living in bunkers and sacrifice the vibrant Australian laid-back lifestyle. With the proper planning of key expenses listed below, you will have enough to live comfortably and enjoy what Australia has to offer!

• Annual living costs in Australia: Around AU$ 29,710.
• Tuition fees for undergraduate programs: AU$ 28,000 to AU$ 32,000 per year
• Tuition fees for postgraduate programs: AU$ 34,000 to AU$ 37,000 per year

To make things even better, Australia is super friendly when it comes to letting international students work! By offering the highest part-time work rights, allowing international students to work up to 48 hours per fortnight. That means you can earn some extra cash while getting real work experience

And if that is not enough, there is a wide range of scholarships to help lighten the load. Let us some of the popular ones in the next section.

Scholarships for International Students at Charles Darwin University

The below table highlights some of the popular study abroad scholarships for international students at Charles Darwin University:

What’s that one thing and probably the most exciting one, that students look for in their future study destination? Well, we know that you have been waiting for this one - Campus Life.

Campus Life at Charles Darwin University

Starting with the campus life at CDU, it is important to know that the city it is situated in – is itself one big campus where cafes buzz with life, restaurants serve flavors from around the world, and nightlife adds a spark to every evening. While nothing compares to experiencing it in person, but still here is a glimpse of what campus life at CDU has to offer:

• Accommodation: Whether you choose to stay on-campus or find a cozy spot off-campus, CDU ensures you feel at home. For those moving from other states or countries, the campus feels like a community where you belong.
  
• Cafeterias and Eateries: Whether you are grabbing a quick coffee before class or enjoying a leisurely lunch with friends, the campus cafeterias are here to fuel your day.
  
• Easy Transportation: Public transport options are right at your doorstep, making it convenient to explore Darwin or commute from your off-campus residence.
  
• Open spaces and lush gardens: They are all scattered across the campus making it perfect for a quiet study session or simply unwinding amidst nature.
  
• Post-office: Missing home? The campus has its own post office to send or receive your care packages
  
• Attractions Nearby: A short stroll takes you to Casuarina Beach, where the sunsets are nothing short of magical. And if shopping therapy is what you need, Casuarina Shopping Centre is just around the corner.
  
• Creative Energy: The Centre for Youth and Music brings together budding artists and musicians, adding a rhythm to campus life that’s hard to resist.
  
• Sports and Recreation: Love sports? Join the basketball courts or football clubs on campus to stay active and connect with others who share your passion.

It is the kind of place where study breaks can turn into beach walks, and group projects often end with sunset hangouts, where memories are made, friendships are forged, and life is lived to the fullest. To top it all off, CDU ensures your journey is complete with a variety of career support services designed to help you step confidently into the future. You can find everything on the CDU’s Career Centre Portal.

Charles Darwin University Employment Outcomes

Investing your time, money, and energy in higher education is a big decision, and naturally, you do want to know what is waiting for you on the other side. What kind of career opportunities can you expect? Will it all be worth it? etc.

For those looking for a trusted source of information, the Good Universities Guide provides the report card for all Australian Universities. They look at everything from teaching quality to employment rates, giving out five-star ratings to the best performers. And guess what? CDU proudly wears that five-star badge for getting their graduates into jobs.

• Employment Outcomes for Postgraduates

If you are eyeing postgraduate studies, CDU is nothing short of a dream for your career by ranking 2^nd in the entire country for postgraduate employment. Want to know what that means in real terms? An amazing 93% of postgraduate students find full-time work, with typical starting salaries hitting $68,400.

• Employment Outcomes for Undergraduates

Think about this - almost 8 out of 10 CDU graduates (79%) land a full-time job after finishing their bachelor's degree. That is good enough to make CDU the 7^th best university in Australia for getting graduates into work! Even better, fresh graduates typically start with a salary of $61,400. Not bad for your first job, right?

From the exciting courses that could shape your future, to the actual costs, the scholarships that could help you get there, what day-to-day life looks like on campus to the handsome pay packages you can look forward to - there you have it all - a detailed guide to Charles Darwin University! While we have covered all the key details, we understand that this is your academic & career future we are talking about, and you may still have questions or need more clarity.

That is where connecting with the experts at KC Overseas Education can help. As one of the top study abroad consultants in India, they can help clear up any doubts and make sure you are heading in the right direction.

FAQs

1. What happens if the program or research I support ends?

If it is tied to a specific purpose, the University may redirect it to a similar purpose if continuing the original intent isn’t possible.

2. What if the endowed fund balance isn’t enough for a scholarship or program?

If the fund falls short, the capital may be fully used over time for the intended purpose.

3. How do I transfer or change my course?

Complete at least one unit in your current course, then submit the Course Transfer eForm on the CDU Portal. Transfers are only within the same university, not between universities.

4. How is a GPA calculated at CDU?

GPA = (Total of achievable credit points × grade value) ÷ Total achievable credit points. For example, if your total score is 270 with 40 credit points, your GPA is 6.75.