Charles Darwin University
Darwin, Australia
Quick facts
- World rank
- #601
- Acceptance rate
- 70%
- Students
- 22,000
- International students
- 20%
- Institution type
- Public
- Founded
- 1989
Overview
Charles Darwin University offers more than 300 university degrees, certificates, diplomas and short courses. Its educational provision spans TAFE, undergraduate and postgraduate study, research degrees and pathways into university. Online, on-campus, full-time and part-time options are available, depending on the course. CDU describes itself as research-intensive, with research addressing social, cultural, health, economic and environmental issues. Doctor of Philosophy and Master's by Research study is available across its faculties and the Menzies School of Health Research. CDU TAFE provides practical, industry-oriented training, while enabling and First Nations pathway programs support access to further study.
Fields of study
- Accounting
- Arts
- Business
- Communications and Design
- Community Services and Social Work
- Creative and Performing Arts
- Culinary Arts and Hospitality
- 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
- Medicine
- Nursing and Midwifery
- Primary Industries
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Science, Environmental Science and Management
- Tourism
- Trades
Accreditation: Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
Admissions requirements
- IELTS (minimum)
- —
- TOEFL iBT (minimum)
- —
- GPA (minimum)
- —
- Intakes
- February, July
- Application deadlines
- Varies by intake
- Rolling admissions
- Yes
- Admissions contact
- study@cdu.edu.au
Requirements differ between programs. Check the program page and the university's admissions office for the latest criteria.
Tuition & costs
International students
A$28,000 – A$50,000 / year
From about $18,480 / year
Domestic students
A$25,000 – A$45,000 / year
Domestic research candidates incur no fees if they complete within the allocated time, and CDU pathway courses are free for domestic students. International research candidates often pay fees, with competitive fee waivers available. The HDR page gives a 2026 scholarship tuition-fee-waiver value of AUD 33940–36730 per annum; this is not a verified university-wide tuition range. International students are directed to the course finder for course-specific fees.
Tuition varies by program. Confirm with the university before applying.
Programs
| Program | Level | Duration | Tuition | Deadline | Intakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (opens in a new tab)Full Time | PhD | — | Varies | Varies | — |
| Master's by Research (MRes) (opens in a new tab)Full Time | Master's | — | Varies | Varies | — |
| Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) (opens in a new tab)Full Time | — | — | Varies | Varies | — |
Information last verified Sep 22, 2026. Last updated Oct 14, 2026. Fees, deadlines and requirements change — always confirm with the university.