Charles Darwin University – Melbourne Campus

Entry requirements

As part of the application process, it is important that you meet the minimum academic and English language entry requirements. We know this can be daunting – if you have any questions, please email the International team. We look forward to helping you through the process of applying to study with us at CDU.

Academic entry requirements

Pathways – first year diplomas

Our diploma programs are two-semester courses that function as an alternative first year of an undergraduate degree at CDU. Successful completion of a diploma program allows for direct entry into the second year of an undergraduate degree in business, accounting, digital enterprise, computer science or IT. A full list of academic entry requirements to CDU first year diplomas can be found below.

India – Higher Secondary Certificate Year 12 (10+2) – 60% from Haryana and Punjab, and 50% for all other states

Pathways – pre-masters courses

Pre-masters courses develop advanced knowledge and skills in academic writing, research, critical thinking and intercultural communication to successfully undertake postgraduate study at CDU.

The Charles Darwin University International College minimum academic entry requirements can be found below.

TAFE

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Welcome

Charles Darwin University is a truly unique institution.

With our home and our heart in the Northern Territory, we embrace the inclusive, resilient, and courageous spirit of the NT in our campuses and delivery sites that reach a diverse footprint from the capital cities of Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney to the regional hubs of Alice Springs, Palmerston and Katherine and our remote locations in Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and on Country – in community, with the community.

Our multi-campus, dual-sector status, virtual and online expertise, course profile, research activities, delivery methods, and operation result from our commitment to the regions in which we operate.

The Northern Territory spans approximately one-sixth of Australia’s landmass and yet is home to just one per cent of the population, of whom 30 per cent are First Nations Peoples.

Due to our location, we are in an enviable position to contribute to the future opportunity of Northern Australia, and our neighbours in the Asia Pacific, through our innovative and impactful training, education, and research.

The University now has the new Strategic Plan in place, which will guide the development of our university over the next five years. It gives us a very clear road map to building a bigger, better and stronger university, valuing and empowering our people to make a difference.

CDU believes in the transformative power of training, education and research to change people’s lives for the better. We have a collective responsibility to make sure that our training, education and research are not only high quality and delivered by outstanding educators and researchers but are accessible and meaningful. What we do matters to our communities.

We are a deeply connected university, working in partnership and collaboration with First Nations peoples, our communities and industries, government, and alumni to address the needs of the Northern Territory and regional, rural, and remote people nationally and globally.

We are committed to making significant contributions to the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the NT and Northern Australia and to export our expertise nationally and globally.

Faculties & CDU TAFE

Charles Darwin University is a new world university built on social justice, sustainability, creativity and collective effort.

As one of the few dual-sector universities in Australia, we offer courses for everyone at all levels, from Certificate I to PhD and everything in between.

Faculties

• Faculty of Arts and Society
• Faculty of Health
• Faculty of Science and Technology

CDU TAFE

CDU TAFE is the leading provider of training and education in the Northern Territory. Study a range of industry based courses with flexible entry pathways and study options.

Learn more

Charles Darwin University International College

CDU International College helps international students achieve their academic and career goals by providing a variety of pathway programs.

Learn more

History of CDU

Charles Darwin University (CDU) was founded in 2003 after merging the Northern Territory University (including the Centralian College of Alice Springs, Katherine Rural College, and the University College of NT) and the Menzies School of Health Research.

Pioneer Northern Territory higher education institutes preceding these include Darwin Community College opened in 1974, the Centralian College of Alice Springs opened in 1979 and the Darwin Institute of Technology opened in 1985.

No other single Australian university serves such a large area of the continent, in such a remote location and with such a small population to sustain it.

“The Territory struggled long and hard to establish a university. The pioneers of higher education in the NT knew that a university would encourage our young people to stay in the Territory to complete their education. It was also apparent that a university would be central to developing the NT into the thriving, diverse and unique place it is today.”

Former Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Emeritus Professor Charles Webb.

Darwin Community College officially opens

His Royal Highness Prince Philip’s ceremonial opening of Darwin Community College on 10th March 1974.

Video footage provided by Jolene Laverty ABC Radio Darwin breakfast news presenter with kind permission of Mr. Rakesh Verma.

Mr. Verma’s father Mrigendra Verma filmed this on a home video 8mm camera.

According to Rakesh, the family went along to the 1974 Darwin Community College opening out of curiosity and his father was a keen cameraman.

Celebrating a milestone

In 2014, the University celebrated 25 years of Higher Education in the Northern Territory. Hear from the people who campaigned for tertiary education in the NT.

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International fees and payments

Costs associated with your study at CDU will depend on several things, including your study program and where you choose to live.

Online budget calculators can be a useful tool to assist you with budgeting and ensure you are financially prepared for coming to Australia. Money Smart budget planner is a useful tool we recommend.

International tuition fees

Looking for the tuition fees? You can use the course finder to view the fees for your chosen course.

1. Go to find a course and select your study area from the tiles listed.
2. Select your course from the list of courses.
3. Select the ‘Fees’ tab to view the international tuition fees.

The fees advertised are the annual fee for the course. These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

On October 11, 2011 the Australian Parliament passed legislation allowing universities to charge a fee for student services and amenities of a non-academic nature.

The Minister for Tertiary Education also issued universities with strict guidelines on what your Student Services and Amenities Fees may be spent on. You can read about the guidelines on the Australian Government website. Find out more information below on what the CDU SSAF Fee is for this year.

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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is your health insurance while you are in Australia on a student visa and is needed before you apply for your student visa.

You must have OSHC for the entire length of your student visa and if you need to apply for a new student visa, you must extend your health cover before applying.

OSHC also gives you peace of mind knowing your health will be looked after and you can easily access medical services while you are in Australia.

Allianz Care Australia is our preferred OSHC partner, If you would like to seek a quote for your OSHC with Allianz Care Australia please follow the link below.

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International student scholarships

We offer an exciting and generous range of scholarships to support international students coming to study at CDU from around the globe. Our scholarships reward high-achieving students with outstanding academic accomplishments and who contribute to the potential to make a positive impact on the world. Information on the scholarship application process can be found under each scholarship detailed below.

CDU Scholarships

Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarships (VCIHAS)

About the scholarship

CDU offers a limited number of scholarships for international students who have a record of academic excellence and high achievement.

What you’ll receive

The scholarship applies to an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree covering 50% of the tuition fee for the full duration of the course. The scholarship is neither transferable for cash nor refundable and cannot be transferred to another person, semester, course or year.

Applications

An application is required for this scholarship, see the details below on how to apply

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must apply to commence study in S1 or S2 2025 (the intake they are offered first)
• Applicant must meet the University’s academic and English language entry requirements for their chosen course
• Applicant must have a minimum overall score of 95% in their highest completed qualification
• Applicant must be an international student paying international student fees
• Applicant must not hold another scholarship from an Australian or foreign sponsoring agency

Selection Criteria

• Overall score in their highest completed qualification
• Supporting statements (up to 600 words) outlining why you should be awarded a scholarship

Duration

The duration of the Scholarship is the minimum time in which the course can be completed or when one of the following is true:

• The maximum Scholarship value has been exhausted
• You have completed your course
• You no longer meet the ongoing eligibility of the scholarship

Ongoing Eligibility

In order to retain the scholarship, the recipient must meet all the following:

• Continue to be an international student liable for international student fees
• Pay their portion of the tuition fees on or before the payment due date (first day of teaching) of each semester
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress each semester with a minimum GPA of 5.3 and with no fail grade in any unit
• Maintain a full-time enrolment of 40 credit points (0.5 EFTSL) each semester or have the approval to reduce their study load or take a leave of absence for the semester

How to apply

Step 1: Apply to study at CDU
Step 2: Submit your application for the VCIHAS

What happens next?

The outcome of your application will be notified to you by email within a month of the closing date of the scholarship.

CDU Global Merit Scholarship 2024 & 2025

About the scholarship
The CDU Global Merit Scholarship is available to new international TAFE, Undergraduate, Postgraduate (Coursework), and Higher Degree by Research students who meet the academic criteria at Charles Darwin University (CDU), Australia and commence in 2024 or 2025.

What you’ll receive
The scholarship applies to the CDU course and covers 30% of the tuition fee for select courses.

Applications
No application is required. Applicants are automatically assessed after submitting their application for an eligible course.

Eligibility Criteria
The offer to study must be accepted in time to commence your studies in that intake. These dates can be found online.

Pre-condition: Successful completion of most recent studies. Applicants must meet the University’s academic and English language entry requirements for their chosen course.

Terms and Conditions
Please refer to the CDU Global Merit Scholarship terms and conditions for further details.

Find Terms and Conditions HERE (PDF, 158.81 KB)

Apply to study at CDU now
Apply through the CDU application portal to study at CDU.

CDU Bachelor of Nursing Scholarship 2025

About the scholarship
The CDU Bachelor of Nursing Scholarship is available to new international students who meet the entry criteria at Charles Darwin University (CDU), Australia for the Bachelor of Nursing course and commencing in Semester 1, 2025.

What you’ll receive
The scholarship applies to the Bachelor of Nursing course and covers up to 20% of the tuition fee for this course

Applications
No application is required. Applicants are automatically assessed after submitting their application for an eligible course.

Eligibility Criteria T
he offer to study must be accepted in time to commence your studies in that intake. These dates can be found online.

Pre-condition: Successful completion of most recent studies. Applicants must meet the University’s academic and English language entry requirements for their chosen course.

Terms and Conditions
Please refer to the CDU Bachelor of Nursing Scholarship terms and conditions for further details.

Find Terms and Conditions HERE

Apply to study at CDU now
Apply through the CDU application portal to study at CDU.

CDU International College Merit Scholarship 2025

About the scholarship
CDU International College (CDU IC) provides scholarships to recognise and support high-achieving international students as they begin their journey to becoming graduates of Charles Darwin University.

Type of Award:

• 30% off first year tuition fees

Eligibility Criteria:

Interview Requirement:
Applicants must be interviewed to determine if the candidate is of sufficient merit for the scholarship. This interview will include, but not be limited to the following:

• understanding the candidate’s previous relevant study accomplishments
• motivations for overseas study and,
• the impact Charles Darwin University may have on their future career objectives. Consideration within the interview will also be taken on the applicant’s character, community involvement and leadership potential.

New Students: Applicants must be new full-fee paying international students.

Academic and English Proficiency: Applicants must meet the academic and English requirements for their chosen course.

Important information

• Applicants must have a current and valid unconditional offer to study the following CDU International College program commencing in 2025.
• If students wish to defer to 2026, the scholarship will not be automatically transferred.
• The CDU International College International Merit Scholarships are periodically reviewed and are subject to change.

What happens next?
If the application is successful, we’ll notify the applicant by email confirming the details of the scholarship.

ELICOS Scholarship 2025

What you’ll receive
The scholarship applies to the ELICOS course and covers up to 20% of the tuition fee.

Applications
No application is required. Applicants are automatically assessed after submitting their application for an eligible course.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must apply to commence study in 2025 for an ELICOS course
• Applicants must meet the University’s academic and English language entry requirements for their chosen course
• Applicant must be classified as an international fee-paying student
• Applicant must not hold another Australian or other government sponsorship agency scholarship.

Terms and Conditions

• This award is exclusively for new international students
• Applicant must apply to commence study ELICOS in 2025
• Applicants must meet the academic and English language entry requirements for their chosen course
• Students must be classified as international fee-paying students paying the full international tuition fee rate to be considered for this scholarship
• The scholarship is only awarded to the ELICOS program for the duration studied in ELICOS and is deducted from gross tuition fees upon enrolment. The scholarship cannot be used in lieu of any required deposit, and no cash alternative is available
• If students wish to defer their entry to the CDU International College programs to 2026, the scholarship will not be automatically transferred. However, the student will be automatically assessed with the new scholarship scheme for 2026 when it’s available
• Students must be self-funded
• The scholarship is neither transferable for cash nor refundable and cannot be transferred to another person, semester, course or year.

What happens next?
If the application is successful, we’ll notify the applicant by email confirming the details of the scholarship.

Dili International School Scholarship 2025

About the scholarship
The scholarships will enable 3 students to receive funding for the duration of a 3-year Bachelor degree. Students will be expected to pay the equivalent of $AUD13,750 per annum each year for the duration of their Bachelors program. CDU will cover the remaining tuition and accommodation expenses at CDU on-campus student accommodation.

What you’ll receive
Three (3) DIS graduates per year that meet English and academic entry requirements will receive access to yearly tuition fee and accommodation scholarships to reduce overall fees paid to $AUD13,750 per annum.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must commence any CDU Darwin undergraduate program from Semester 1 2025 for on-campus study
• Applicants must commence in full-time study mode
• Applicants must meet the University’s academic and English language entry requirements for their chosen course
• Applicant must be an international student paying international student fees
• Applicants must be an international student that has completed their DIS Y12 qualification and ATAR

Selection Criteria

• Completion of DIS high school Y12 equivalent qualification and ATAR score that meets program entry requirements
• Supporting statement (up to 600 words) outlining why DIS student should be awarded a scholarship

Ongoing Eligibility
In order to retain the scholarship, the recipient must meet all the following:

• Continue to be an international student liable for international student fees
• Pay their portion of the tuition fees on or before the payment due date (first day of teaching) of each semester
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress each semester with a minimum GPA of 5 and with no fail grade in any unit
• Maintain a full-time enrolment of 40 credit points (0.5 EFTSL) each semester or have the approval to reduce their study load or take a leave of absence for the semester

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Q. Can the University act as an Executor?
A. The University will not act as an Executor.

Q. I have already made a Will but I now want to include the University. What do I do?
A. You can change your Will to include a bequest to CDU at any time. To change your Will, you can either re-write the entire document to include a bequest to CDU, or prepare a codicil. A codicil is a separate testamentary document, which amends, rather than replaces, your existing Will.

Q. Do I need to let the University know that I have included it in my Will?
A. It is your choice whether you tell the University about your bequest. Notifying CDU of your bequest gift allows us to thank you for your gift during your lifetime. It also allows us to discuss with you how you might like to be acknowledged and recognised. We can also give you the option of being invited to CDU events and be kept informed of CDU activities.

Q. What happens if the research or program that I choose to support comes to an end?
A. This situation may arise if your Will includes a bequest for a stated purpose. To ensure your gift to the University in your Will can continue to make a future impact, we ask that a provision is included in your Will along the lines of: “If the University considers that it is no longer possible or practical to carry out the stated purpose, the University may use the bequest to support a purpose that is closely aligned to the stated purpose.”

Q. Are there any gifts that have taxation implications?
A. CDU is endorsed as an income tax-exempt entity. The University also has Deductible Gift Recipient status from the Australian Taxation Office. For peace of mind, we recommend you seek legal advice surrounding tax implications of the gifting of assets such as properties, artwork or shares.

Q. How much does it cost to support a student at university?
A. The costs of studying at CDU change over time so please contact the University to obtain current information. Student expenses can vary between courses within the same college. CDU has a minimum value for scholarships taking into account the basic expenses of textbooks, entrance fees, on-campus accommodation costs for rural students and possible local travel at the time. Scholarship values range from covering only partial daily student expenses to full funding of education and living expenses.

Q. How does the University manage its donated funds?
A. When CDU receives a gift from an estate, a new fund is created. The fund is typically named in honour of the donor or however it is requested to be named in the Will. A Gift Acknowledgement document is prepared to outline the purpose for the funds, as provided in the Will and probate documentation. Money is disbursed to the designated area as and when needed and measures are in place to ensure that money is spent according to the purpose outlined in the Gift Acknowledgement.

Q. What governance measures are in place to ensure endowed funds maintain their capital value?
A. CDU’s investment and capital management program is undertaken by Investment Services, a department of the Division of Finance and Operations and its investment responsibilities are governed by the CDU Investment Policy.
Investment performance is monitored quarterly by the Investment sub-committee of the Finance Committee, which is a sub-committee of the CDU Council. The guiding principle, however, for all endowed funds each year is a disbursement rate of 4% on the opening balance of the fund, thereby protecting the principal value of the capital in the fund.

Q. What happens if the balance of endowed fund is insufficient to support a scholarship or program?
A. On occasions, the value of a fund falls short of the minimum value required to endow a scholarship or support a particular research activity in its own right. If no other fund exists for the same purpose, then capital from the bequest may be fully expended over time in accordance with the stated purpose in the Will.

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