A Guide to Studying at Charles Darwin University: Tips and Information
Are you considering studying at Charles Darwin University (CDU)? Whether you’re a local student or moving to Darwin from another city or country, studying at CDU can be an exciting and rewarding experience.
But before you dive in, it’s important to be prepared. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upskill, this guide will help you make the most of your time at CDU and ensure that you’re well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Darwin is a city located in the Northern Territory of Australia. It’s a really cool place with a lot of cultural and natural attractions. For example, Darwin is the only tropical capital city in Australia, and it’s home to the Kakadu National Park, which is a World Heritage site.
The city is also really diverse, with people from nearly 60 different countries living there.
If you’re thinking about studying in Australia, Darwin is a great choice for a few reasons:
It has one of the highest employment rates in the country, so it’s a good place to find a job while you’re studying.
The cost of living in Darwin is lower than the national average, which means you’ll have more money to spend on fun stuff like exploring the city and its natural wonders.
Darwin also has shorter commutes and free parking!
Darwin is a vibrant and multicultural city that is home to a diverse range of people and cultures.
The city is also located in one of the most beautiful and ecologically diverse regions of Australia, with easy access to natural wonders like Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park.
So if you’re looking for a unique and exciting place to study, Darwin might be the perfect choice for you.
Charles Darwin University (CDU)
The city of Darwin. Credit: canva
About
Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a university located in Darwin, Australia. It was founded in 2003, but its history goes back much further than that. CDU can trace its roots all the way back to 1951 when the Darwin Community College was established.
Over the years, the college grew and evolved, becoming the Northern Territory University in 1989 and finally Charles Darwin University in 2003.
Today, CDU is a modern and dynamic university that offers a wide range of programs and courses. It has campuses in both Darwin and Alice Springs, as well as a number of other locations throughout the Northern Territory.
CDU is known for its strong focus on Indigenous education and research, as well as its commitment to sustainability and social justice.
Campus
Alice Springs Signage. Credit: canva
Charles Darwin University (CDU) has several campuses located throughout the Northern Territory of Australia. Each of these campuses has its own unique character and offerings.
Here’s a quick rundown of the different campuses and what you can expect to find at each one:
Casuarina Campus: This is the main campus of CDU, located in the northern suburbs of Darwin. It’s home to the majority of the university’s facilities, including the Business School, the School of Education, and the School of Law.
Alice Springs Campus: This campus is located in the heart of Alice Springs, a town located in central Australia. It’s home to the Centre for Remote Health, which focuses on providing healthcare services to remote and Indigenous communities.
Palmerston Campus: This campus is located in the town of Palmerston, just outside of Darwin. It’s home to the School of Trades, which offers courses in areas like automotive, construction, and engineering.
Katherine Campus: This campus is located in the town of Katherine, which is about a three-hour drive south of Darwin. It’s home to the School of Primary Industries, which focuses on areas like agriculture, horticulture, and aquaculture.
Jabiru Campus: This campus is located in the town of Jabiru, which is located in Kakadu National Park. It’s home to the School of Tourism and Hospitality, which offers courses in areas like hospitality management, tourism, and event management.
Courses
Here are the main things you need to know:
CDU offers a wide range of courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as vocational education and training (VET) courses. Some of the most popular areas of study include business, education, health sciences, law, and engineering.
CDU is known for its strong focus on Indigenous education and research and offers a number of courses and programs that focus specifically on Indigenous knowledge and culture.
CDU is also committed to sustainability and social justice and offers a number of courses and programs that focus on these areas. For example, the university offers a Bachelor of Humanitarian and Community Studies, which focuses on community development and social change.
CDU is a flexible university and offers a range of study modes to suit different students’ needs. You can study full-time or part-time, on-campus or online, and even choose to study intensively over a shorter period of time.
CDU has three faculties and within each faculty, there are a number of different schools that offer courses in specific areas of study.
Faculty of Engineering, Health, Science, and the Environment:
School of Engineering and Information Technology
School of Health
School of Environment
Faculty of Law, Education, Business, and Arts:
School of Law
School of Education
Business School
School of Creative Arts and Humanities
Faculty of Indigenous Futures, Arts, and Society:
School of Indigenous Knowledge and Public Policy
School of Creative Arts and Humanities
School of Social and Policy Studies
CDU TAFE
CDU TAFE is a great choice for anyone looking to gain practical skills and training in a variety of industries.
TAFE stands for Technical and Further Education, and it’s a vocational education and training (VET) system in Australia that provides practical skills and training for a wide range of industries.
Here is the summary of CDU TAFE:
CDU TAFE is part of Charles Darwin University and offers a wide range of courses and programs that are designed to give students the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
CDU TAFE offers courses in a variety of areas, including business, hospitality, construction, health, and more. Some of the most popular courses include Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate III in Hospitality, and Certificate IV in Building and Construction.
One of the great things about CDU TAFE is that many of its courses offer pathways to higher education. For example, once you complete a national TAFE qualification at Certificate IV or above, you will meet the minimum entry requirements for most undergraduate courses at CDU.
CDU TAFE is committed to providing high-quality education and training and has a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning. Many of its courses include work placements or internships, which give students the opportunity to gain real-world experience and make valuable industry connections.
How to Apply
Here are the main things you need to know:
Choose your course: The first step in applying for CDU is to choose the course you want to study. You can browse the university’s course offerings on their website.
Check the entry requirements and application dates: Once you’ve chosen your course, you’ll need to make sure you meet the entry requirements and check the application dates. You can find this information on the CDU website.
Apply online: To apply for CDU, you can submit your application online through the CDU Apply Online portal. You’ll need to create an account to get started.
Submit your application: Once you’ve completed your application, you’ll need to submit it online through the CDU Apply Online portal.
Application assessment: After you’ve submitted your application, CDU will assess your application and let you know if you’ve been successful.
Receive an offer: If your application is successful, you’ll receive an offer from CDU. You can accept your offer online through the CDU Apply Online portal.
Apply for your student visa: If you’re an international student, you’ll need to apply for a student visa to study in Australia. You can find more information on the CDU website.
Enrol: Once you’ve accepted your offer and received your student visa (if applicable), you’ll need to enroll in your course. You can do this online through the CDU student portal.
Overall, applying for CDU is a straightforward process that can be done online. If you have any questions or need help with your application, you can contact the CDU Student Central for assistance. Good luck with your application!
Tips for Studying in Darwin
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Embrace the heat: Darwin is known for its hot and humid climate, so it’s important to be prepared for the weather. Make sure you stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and dress appropriately for the climate.
Get involved in the community: Darwin has a vibrant and welcoming community, so it’s a great idea to get involved in local events and activities. This is a great way to meet new people and make connections.
Explore the outdoors: Darwin is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, so make sure you take advantage of this by exploring the outdoors. Whether it’s hiking in Litchfield National Park or swimming at the beach, there’s plenty to see and do.
Take advantage of student discounts: Many businesses in Darwin offer discounts to students, so make sure you take advantage of this by showing your student ID card.
Plan ahead for the wet season: Darwin experiences a wet season from November to April, which can bring heavy rain and flooding. Make sure you’re prepared for this by stocking up on supplies and planning your travel accordingly.
Consider accommodation options carefully: Darwin has a range of accommodation options available, from on-campus housing to share houses and apartments. Make sure you choose an option that suits your needs and budget.
