Charles Darwin University Logo Charles Darwin University

Address: Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Drive, Casuarina, Northern Territory 0909, Australia

Phone: +61 8 8946 6666

Email: askCDU@cdu.edu.au

Website: www.cdu.edu.au


Charles Darwin University (CDU) has specific language requirements for international students who are non-native English speakers. These requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared to engage in academic study in English. Below are the general language requirements:

1. English Language Proficiency Tests

CDU accepts a variety of English proficiency tests. Commonly accepted tests include:

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

    • Undergraduate: A minimum overall band score of 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5.
    • Postgraduate: A minimum overall band score of 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0.

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

    • Undergraduate: A minimum score of 60-78 (internet-based test) with no score below 15.
    • Postgraduate: A minimum score of 79-93 with no score below 21.

  • Pearson Test of English (PTE):

    • Undergraduate: A minimum score of 50.
    • Postgraduate: A minimum score of 58.

  • Cambridge English (CAE or CPE):

    • Undergraduate: A minimum score of 169.
    • Postgraduate: A minimum score of 176.

2. Alternative Evidence of English Proficiency

If applicants do not meet the above test score requirements, they may be eligible to demonstrate their English language proficiency through other means, such as:

  • Completion of a secondary education or undergraduate degree in an English-speaking country.
  • Previous study in an English-medium institution for at least one year.
  • Pathway programs offered by CDU or affiliated institutions designed to help students improve their English skills before entering a degree program.

3. English Language Pathway Programs

CDU offers English language programs through its English Language Centre for students who do not meet the required English proficiency level. These programs are designed to help students improve their English skills to meet the entry requirements for undergraduate or postgraduate study.

4. Other Requirements

  • International students who wish to enroll in courses requiring professional registration, such as nursing, may have additional language requirements based on the demands of the profession.

Charles Darwin University (CDU), located in the Northern Territory of Australia, offers a diverse range of courses across various disciplines. The university is particularly well-regarded for its focus on research, education, and training related to the unique environment of the Northern Territory, and it has specialties in several fields.

Key Course Specialties at Charles Darwin University:

  1. Environmental Science and Management

    • CDU offers courses related to environmental science, sustainability, and management. The university's focus on the unique ecosystems of the Northern Territory, including tropical and arid landscapes, makes this a prominent area of study.
    • Programs: Bachelor of Environmental Science, Master of Environmental Science, and related postgraduate degrees.

  2. Indigenous Knowledge and Studies

    • Given CDU's location in the Northern Territory, Indigenous culture and heritage are a major area of focus. The university offers courses in Indigenous Studies, Cultural Heritage, and Community Engagement.
    • Programs: Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge, Master of Indigenous Knowledge, and cultural heritage management degrees.

  3. Health and Allied Health

    • CDU has strong offerings in health-related programs, including nursing, midwifery, paramedicine, and public health.
    • It is particularly known for its remote health care training due to the university's location in a region with many remote communities.
    • Programs: Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Public Health, Master of Nursing, and others.

  4. Education

    • CDU offers a variety of programs for those pursuing careers in teaching and education, including specializations in early childhood education, secondary education, and educational leadership.
    • Programs: Bachelor of Education, Master of Education, and Graduate Diplomas in Education.

  5. Business, Law, and Government

    • The university offers courses in business management, accounting, law, public administration, and government relations. Its focus on regional development and leadership is a significant draw for students.
    • Programs: Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Business Administration (MBA), and others.

  6. Engineering and Information Technology

    • CDU offers specialized programs in engineering, information technology, cybersecurity, and computing.
    • The university emphasizes practical learning and industry connections, which are essential for these fields.
    • Programs: Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Information Technology, and Master of Information Technology.

  7. Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management

    • Given its location in a major tourism destination, CDU offers specialized courses in tourism management, event planning, and hospitality.
    • Programs: Bachelor of Tourism, Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management, and related postgraduate programs.

  8. Science and Technology

    • Courses in biological sciences, chemistry, physics, and mathematics are also available, with research opportunities in areas related to biodiversity and climate change.
    • Programs: Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and other specialized programs in environmental science.

  9. Creative Arts and Humanities

    • CDU offers courses in arts, creative industries, and media studies. The university has strong ties with local arts communities and offers opportunities for interdisciplinary learning.
    • Programs: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Creative Arts, and Postgraduate programs in Arts.

  10. Trades and Vocational Education

    • CDU offers a wide range of vocational training courses for students looking to pursue careers in construction, engineering, auto mechanics, and more.
    • These programs are focused on providing hands-on training and industry-specific skills.

Research Focus Areas:

Charles Darwin University is also well known for its research in:

  • Tropical Health
  • Indigenous Knowledge
  • Environment and Sustainability
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Arts and Culture

The university has an applied research approach, often directly addressing issues affecting the local community and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Charles Darwin University (CDU) has a talented faculty known for expertise in fields such as environmental science, Indigenous studies, public health, and tropical medicine. Here are some notable professors who have made significant contributions to their fields:

  1. Professor Ruth Wallace – An expert in Indigenous Education and Workforce Development, Professor Wallace leads initiatives that focus on integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into vocational education and training. She is the Dean of the College of Indigenous Futures, Education, and the Arts, and is known for her research on social equity and workforce development in remote communities.

  2. Professor Bogdan Dlugogorski – Specializing in Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Professor Dlugogorski is well-regarded for his work in chemical reaction engineering and fire safety. His research focuses on environmental sustainability and developing safer chemical processes, particularly in energy and industrial applications.

  3. Professor Dominic Upton – As an expert in Psychology and Health Education, Professor Upton is known for his work on health behavior and mental health, especially within community and Indigenous health contexts. His work contributes to CDU's research in public health and psychology, addressing challenges specific to remote and underserved areas.

  4. Professor Sam Banks – A leading researcher in Ecology and Conservation Biology, Professor Banks focuses on biodiversity, the impact of climate change, and conservation efforts in tropical and arid regions. His work in environmental science and management has had a significant impact on conservation practices in Australia and beyond.

  5. Professor Karen Gibb – Specializing in Environmental and Marine Science, Professor Gibb is renowned for her research on water quality, marine ecosystems, and environmental microbiology. Her work has contributed to better understanding and protecting marine and freshwater environments in Northern Australia.

These professors contribute to CDU's strengths in addressing environmental and health challenges pertinent to Australia’s unique ecosystem and communities.

As of now, Charles Darwin University (CDU) has not been directly associated with any Nobel Prize winners, either in faculty or alumni. The university, however, is recognized for its strong focus on research, especially in areas relevant to the Northern Territory and remote communities, such as Indigenous knowledge, environmental science, and tropical health.

CDU emphasizes contributions that are socially impactful, focusing on applied research that benefits the region and beyond. Its areas of research excellence include environmental management, health and medical research, engineering, and Indigenous knowledge. Though it has not yet produced a Nobel laureate, CDU continues to foster innovative research and collaborations in fields significant to both local and global communities.

At Charles Darwin University (CDU) we believe it’s the unique experiences, perspectives and opinions you bring that help make us the new world university. As Australia's first dual-sector university, and the only university based in the Northern Territory, we are proud of our history and our place in the world and look forward to a bright future. If you are interested in studying in Australia you have come to the right place. CDU is one of Australia's most multicultural universities and is deeply engaged with our Indigenous people and culture. No other Australian university serves such a large area of the continent, in such remote locations and with such a small population to sustain it.
Our main campus is located in Casuarina, Dariwn, and boasts breathtaking natural surroundings, a vibrant and engaged community and a tropical climate.   We also have study locations in Palmerston, the Darwin Waterfront, Alice Springs , Sydney , Melbourne and Perth . With courses spanning across Aboriginal and Australian Studies, Art and Design, Business and Economics, Computing and Information Technology, Education and Teaching, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Humanities and Social Sciences, Law and Legal Studies, Medicine and Health, Music and Creative Arts, there is something for everyone at CDU.  
It is our vision to be Australia’s most connected university by being courageous and making a difference in the Northern Territory, Australia and beyond. Our values of courage, kindness, openness innovation and leadership underpin all decisions and actions at CDU

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is well-known for several reasons, particularly its focus on education, research, and community engagement. Here are some key reasons why CDU has gained recognition:

1. Specialized Focus on Indigenous Knowledge and Communities

  • CDU has strong programs dedicated to Indigenous studies and cultural heritage. The university’s location in the Northern Territory, which has a high Indigenous population, allows for a unique integration of Indigenous knowledge into various academic programs. It is one of the leading institutions for research and education related to Indigenous cultures in Australia.

2. Commitment to Regional and Remote Health

  • CDU is particularly known for its health programs that cater to the unique needs of regional and remote communities. The university has a strong focus on rural health, nursing, and paramedicine courses that prepare students for healthcare roles in remote areas. CDU’s health education and training are crucial for addressing the healthcare challenges faced by the Northern Territory, one of Australia's most remote regions.

3. Research Excellence in Tropical Health and Environmental Science

  • The university is renowned for its tropical health research and its focus on environmental science, particularly in biodiversity and climate change. CDU’s research tackles the challenges posed by the tropical ecosystems and climate change in the Northern Territory and surrounding regions, making it an important hub for addressing global environmental issues.

4. Strong Ties to Industry and Practical Training

  • CDU offers a highly practical, hands-on learning approach, with a focus on industry partnerships and applied research. The university has a good reputation for providing education in areas like engineering, information technology, business, and hospitality. Students benefit from strong industry connections that increase their employability.

5. Focus on International and Cross-Cultural Collaboration

  • As a university situated in the Northern Territory, CDU emphasizes international collaboration with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in areas of education, health, and environmental science. The university's location is a strategic advantage for fostering global partnerships and addressing regional issues.

6. Unique Location and Campus

  • Located in Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, CDU benefits from a unique geographic location that offers students access to rich cultural experiences, diverse ecosystems, and proximity to Southeast Asia. The campus is well-integrated into the local environment, and the university is able to offer field-based education opportunities that leverage the region’s distinct flora, fauna, and climate.

7. Support for International Students

  • CDU attracts international students from across the globe, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region. Its international programs and support services make it an appealing choice for students seeking to study in Australia while also gaining exposure to a multicultural environment.

8. Focus on Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Apart from traditional degree programs, CDU is also famous for its extensive vocational education and training (VET) programs. These offer practical pathways to careers in fields like construction, engineering, automotive technology, and more, which are designed to meet local and global workforce demands.

9. Global Recognition in Research

  • CDU is recognized for its high-impact research in areas related to health, environment, and Indigenous knowledge. Its research contributes to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous populations and tackling challenges posed by the tropical climate and remote areas.

10. Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods

  • CDU is known for offering flexible learning options, including online courses and blended learning opportunities, which cater to students who may not be able to attend on-campus programs. This innovation in teaching, combined with its focus on student support, has earned CDU a strong reputation in the education sector.