5 Videos,
Charles Darwin University: Rankings, Popular Courses, Fees
573 Scholarships for studying in Australia
138 acre campus- Estd. 2003
Last updated on 23 Jan '26Charles Darwin UniversityWhat's new?
Charles Darwin University application deadline for international students is Feb 20, 2026, for onshore students applying for Sem 1.
About Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University was established in 2003 and is among the best public universities based in Casuarina, Australia. TEQSA accredits Charles Darwin University and popularly known as CDU.
Even though the university is relatively new, it is a top-ranked university in Australia. CDU is a member of the group of seven Innovative Research Universities in Australia. CDU students body features more than 22,000 students, out of which 7,700+ are UG and 3,800+ are PG students.
According to the Shiksha Popularity Rankings, Charles Darwin University is ranked at #456 in World and #29 in Australia. Charles Darwin University acceptance rate stands at 78%, as per sources on the web. CDU has enrolled 14,000 international students from all over the world. As per CDU reviews on Shiksha, Charles Darwin University has an overall rating of 4/5. Charles Darwin Uni known for its academic excellence in the fields of Engineering, Humanities & Social Sciences, Law & Paralegal Studies, etc.
Charles Darwin University Information
Charles Darwin University is one of the most prominent universities for higher education in Australia. When it comes to university, international students check various factors such as ROI, scholarships, acceptance rate, location, etc. Check the table listed below for major factors about Charles Darwin University that are listed below-
|
Particulars |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Acceptance rate |
78% |
|
Type of university |
Public University |
|
Location |
Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia |
|
Accreditation |
TEQSA |
|
Endowment |
AUD 444,120 million |
|
Total no. of students |
22,338+ |
|
No. of Undergraduates |
7,711+ |
|
No. of Postgraduates |
3,847+ |
|
Popular courses among Indian students |
MBA, MS, PG |
|
Student-to-faculty-ratio |
20:1 |
|
Total no. of international students |
14,000+ |
|
Notable alumni |
Peter Styles, Gail Garvey, Matthew Gardiner |
|
Sporting affiliation |
UniSport, EAEN |
Charles Darwin University History
CDU was created by the union of 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.
Check out the below videos of Charles Darwin University for more information:
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Yes, Charles Darwin University is one of the most prominent universities for higher education in Canada. CDU offers various programs at UG and PG levels for its international students. Charles Darwin University is accredited by TEQSA. CSU placement rate attracts international students the most.
Yes, Charles Darwin University is among the top choice of international students to continue higher education in Australia. TEQSA accredits Charles Darwin University. CDU student body features more than 12,000 international students. CDU offers best academic programs attracts international students the most.
Charles Darwin University is among the top public universities located in the Australia. According to the Shiksha Popularity Rankings, Charles Darwin University is ranked at #456 in World and #29 in Australia. CDU students body features 12,000+ international students.
Charles Darwin University Ranking 2026
In the Shiksha Popularity rankings, Charles Darwin University ranks at #29 in the National Universities rankings for 2025. In the world rankings, Charles Darwin University ranks at #456 for 2025. Some of the Charles Darwin University subjects have also been ranked in Shiksha Popularity rankings 2025. These are:
| Charles Darwin University Course Name | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025 (World) | Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2025 (Country) |
|---|---|---|
| MIM | 512 | 27 |
| MS | 524 | 27 |
| MSN | 241 | 30 |
| Others PG | 490 | 37 |
By Other Ranking Bodies
Apart from Shiksha Popularity ranking, QS has also ranked the university globally. It ranks Charles Darwin University at #584 in 2026. Charles Darwin University ranking stood at #797 as per US News in 2025 and #401 by THE in 2026, globally.
#467
#29
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
Charles Darwin University is a top-ranked university in Australia, which has obtained the rank #584 in QS World University Rankings 2026. When it comes to US News & World Report, CDU has been ranked #797 in Best Global Universities.
In Times Higher Education (THE), Charles Darwin University's rankings is #401–500 in World University Rankings 2026.
Charles Darwin University is one of the most prominent universities to pursue higher education. Top ranking bodies worldwide ranks the Charles Darwin University that are listed below-
Ranking Authorities | Rank |
|---|---|
Shiksha Popularity Rankings | #456 in world and #29 in Australia |
Times Higher Education 2026 | #401-500 in World University Rankings |
QS Rankings 2026 | #584 in QS World University Rankings |
US News and World Report 2026 | #797 in Best Global Universities |
Charles Darwin University Programs
CDU offers best degree programs at both UG and PG levels for its international students. Charles Darwin University offer more than 300 courses, including degrees, certificates, diplomas, and short courses. Charles Darwin University is committed to offering quality education through its three main faculties that are listed below-
- Faculty of Arts and Society
- Faculty of Health
- Faculty of Science and Technology
Charles Darwin University Popular Programs
Charles Darwin University popular programs include Engineering, Health Sciences, Education, Law, etc. The top programs opted by Indian students at CDU are listed below-
Charles Darwin University Online Programs
Charles Darwin University offer majority of their course online or on campus level for its international students.
3.1(1)18 months - 2 years
14K+ students got admitted through us.
14K+ students got admitted through us.
14K+ students got admitted through us.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Charles Darwin University is a top-ranked university in Australia, which is globally renowned for its courses in the fields of medicine and nursing. US News & World Report Subject Rankings has ranked two CDU courses in the fields of medicine, ie; #105 in Infectious Disease and #684 in Clinical Medicine.
Charles Darwin University offers best academic programs at UG and PG levels for its international students. CDU offer 300+ degree programme at both UG and PG levels for its international students. Charles Darwin University is among the top choice of international students to purse MBA in Australia. CDU offers MBA for the duration of 18 months to 2 years. Charles Darwin University first year tuition fee for MBA programs ranges from INR 19 L - INR 23 L.
CDU offers more than 300-degree programs including UG, PG, and certificates levels. CDU offer quality education through its 3 faculties. Charles Darwin University popular programs include Engineering, Master of Data Science, Business, etc.
Charles Darwin University Admission 2026
For Charles Darwin University admissions, international students must meet all the admission requirements. CDU offers admission for international students in three semesters namely Semester 1, Semester 2, and Semester 3 every year. Indian students can apply for UG programs through CDU Agent and CDU Application Portal. Whereas, for PG programs via SATAC. Charles Darwin University does not charge any application fee for international students.
Charles Darwin University Application Deadline
Charles Darwin University application deadline for UG Indian students is given below-
|
Intakes |
Offshore |
Onshore |
|---|---|---|
|
Semester 1 2026 |
Closed |
Feb 20, 2026 |
|
Semester 2 2026 |
Jun 12, 2026 |
Jul 10, 2026 |
|
Semester 3 2026 |
Oct 9, 2026 |
Nov 6, 2026 |
Charles Darwin University Eligibility of Indian students
- For UG apply via CDU Agent or CDU Application Portal and for PG via SATAC
- Complete the application form with all relevant documents
- Prepare your documents
- Submit test scores
- Proof of English language requirement
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
- Complete online application
- All India Senior School Certificate or Indian School Certificate or Senior Secondary Certificate
- Average score of 60% in best 4 academic subjects
- Average score of 75% in best 4 academic subjects (Punjab and Haryana Board)
- Work experience
- Resume/CV
- Copy of passport
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Academic Transcripts
- Personal Statement
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an approved university
- Complete application form
- Work experience
- Official academic transcripts
- Photocopy of passport
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose (optional)
- LOR or Grading certificate (optional)
- Financial Proof
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
Charles Darwin University is a top-ranked university in Australia and attracts a lot of bright minds from India. However, in order to get enrolled in CDU, all the prospective Indian undergraduate students must fulfill the admission requirements listed below-
- All India Senior School Certificate or Indian School Certificate or Senior Secondary Certificate with an average score of 60% in best 4 academic subjects including English; OR
- Higher Secondary Certificate with an average of 75% (for Punjab and Haryana board) or 65% (for other State Boards) in best four academic subjects excluding subjects local languages, work experience, physical education and other non-academic subjects; and
- English language requirements.
For postgraduate students, Charles Darwin University does not accept any country-specific admission requirements. For most of the courses, CDU requires a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university, in the field that corresponds with the applicants choice of course.
Prospective students of Charles Darwin University can apply to the university through the Official Application Portal available on the university's official website. Refer to the table below for Charles Darwin University application deadlines for international students-
Intakes | Offshore | Onshore |
|---|---|---|
Semester 1 2026 | Closed | Feb 20, 2026 |
Semester 2 2026 | Jun 12, 2026 | Jul 10, 2026 |
Semester 3 2026 | Oct 9, 2026 | Nov 6, 2026 |
Note: While applying, candidates do not need to pay any money as they do not charge any Charles Darwin University application fee.
Charles Darwin University acceptance rate is around 78%, which means out 100 applications only 78 are admitted. It may be difficult for international students to get admission to the university because of moderatly high acceptance rate.
Charles Darwin UniversityCharles Darwin University Scholarships
Charles Darwin Uni offers a generous range of scholarships to international students. Note that these scholarships reward high-achieving students with outstanding academic accomplishments and who contribute to their potential by making a positive impact on the world.
Listed below are some of the most popular Charles Darwin University scholarships for international students-
- Vice Chancellor’s International High-Achievers Scholarship
- CDU Bachelor of Nursing Scholarship
- Dili International School Scholarship
- CDU Global Merit Scholarship
- CDU International College Pathway Scholarship
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Yes, Charles Darwin University allows international students with a visa to work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight or 20 hours per week while studying in the university when their course is in session. Students of CDU must note that summer semester isn’t compulsory for most courses, so if they're not enrolled in any units, they can work unlimited hours then too. If summer semester is compulsory for their course, students can work a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight during the trimester.
There are around 30 Charles Darwin University scholarships available for international students. Applicants must meet the requirements to be eligible for scholarships. Mentioned below are the list of CDU scholarships with their benefits-
Scholarships | Amount |
|---|---|
INR 8.20 L | |
INR 8.20 L | |
Vice-Chancellor's International High Achiever's Scholarship- Bachelor of Arts (A) | INR 6.70 L |
INR 7.99 L | |
Vice-Chancellor's International High Achiever's Scholarship- Business (Masters) (B) | INR 4.30 L |
Vice-Chancellor's International High Achiever's Scholarship- Bachelor of Environmental Science (B) | INR 8.55 L |
Vice-Chancellor's International High Achiever's Scholarship- Business (Masters) (A) | INR 4.22 L |
Also read: Top Australia Scholarships for International Students
Charles Darwin University Popular Courses
2 yearsCharles Darwin UniversityStudents Ratings & Reviews
2 Verified Reviews- 50% students never faced discrimination in this university
(2) 2 people found this helpfulCharles Darwin University Placements
Charles Darwin University is highly regarded for offering highest placement rate in Canada. Charles Darwin University placement rate attracts international students the most. Charles Darwin University graduates are constantly in high demand worldwide. Charles Darwin University grads work for leading industries such as Operations, Education, Business Development, etc.
Charles Darwin University Placement Rate
According to unofficial sources, Charles Darwin University placement rate is around 88% to 89%, and the graduates are employed within 6 months of employment. Charles Darwin University graduates work for leading firms such as Northern Territory Government, Department of Education and Training, Power and Water Corporation, etc. According to data curated from the web, the average salary of Charles Darwin University MBA graduate is listed below:
|
Particulars |
Salary |
|---|---|
|
Average Salary (Postgrad) |
AUD 100,000 /year |
ROI after Education at Charles Darwin University
Return on Investment (ROI) for a university is determined by the salary a graduate can expect to earn after graduation, compared to all the costs associated with attending college, such as tuition, living expenses, and foregone earnings. Given below are the details of the fees (investment) and salary (return) at Charles Darwin University:
|
Course |
Annual Fee (Investment) |
Salary (ROI) |
|---|---|---|
|
MBA |
INR 19 L - 23 L |
AUD 100,000 |
|
UG |
INR 4.46 L - 23.77 L |
AUD 87,200 |
Commonly asked questions On Placements
Charles Darwin University placement rate is around 88% to 89%, as per unofficial sources. CDU grads are highly skilled in Leadership, Project Management, Customer Service, etc.
Charles Darwin University placement rate is around 88% to 89%, and the grads are employed within 6 months of employment. According to sources on the web, the average salary of Charles Darwin University grads are listed below-
Type of Program | Average Salary |
|---|---|
PG | AUD 100,000 |
UG | AUD 87,200 |
According to unofficial sources, Charles Darwin University placement rate is around 88% to 89%. Charles Darwin University grads are in high demand all over the world. The top employer at Charles Darwin University are listed below-
- Northern Territory Government
- Charles Darwin University
- Department of Education and Training
- Royal Darwin Hospital
- Power and Water Corporation
Charles Darwin University Fees
Charles Darwin University fees for international students: Studying at the university can be considered expensive for Indian students as the first-year tuition Charles Darwin Uni fee for undergraduate courses is around INR 4.46 L - 23.77 L. Whereas, the annual tuition fee for postgraduate courses is around INR 8.9 L - 24.6 L.
Charles Darwin Uni Cost of Attendance
Based on the candidate's choice of accommodation and lifestyle, the cost of living varies. On average, the annual Charles Darwin University cost of living for international students is around AUD 25,205 - AUD 28,005 (INR 13.8 L - 15.3 L). Note that this amount is inclusive of accommodation, food, books, entertainment, travel, and other expenses.
Listed below is the breakdown of the expenses:
| Particulars | Annual Cost of Living | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | AUD 24,505 | INR 13.4 L |
| Travel | AUD 500 - AUD 3,000 | INR 28 K - 1.6 L |
| Books, Supplies & Materials | AUD 200 - AUD 500 | INR 11 K - 28 K |
| TOTAL | AUD 25,205 - AUD 28,005 | INR 13.8 L - 15.3 L |
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(13 courses) | INR 17 L - 25 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 79 - 94, PTE: 58 - 65, Duolingo: 110 & Above |
PG Diploma(4 courses) | INR 18 L - 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL, PTE |
B.Sc.(12 courses) | INR 18 L - 23 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 7, TOEFL: 60 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(8 courses) | INR 19 L - 23 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above |
B.A.(10 courses) | INR 15 L - 17 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above |
UG Diploma(18 courses) | INR 9 L - 21 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 - 7, TOEFL: 46 - 60, PTE: 42 - 50 |
B.E. / B.Tech(11 courses) | INR 15 L - 24 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above |
BBA(5 courses) | INR 16 L - 19 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above |
MIM(5 courses) | INR 19 L - 23 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above |
LL.B.(3 courses) | INR 16 L - 17 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above |
Commonly asked questions On Fees and Eligibility
Charles Darwin University programs for international students range from foundation courses to first-year diplomas, pre masters courses, certificate level programs, Diploma and advanced Diploma programs, undergraduate, postgraduate as well as high degree by research programs. Annual tuition fees required to pursue a degree course at CDU is around 15-17L on an average, which makes it an affordable study abroad option. Students can refer to the table listed below for course specific fees requirements-
| Course | Tuition |
|---|---|
| MBA/PGDM | INR 18.74 L - 23.04 L |
| MS | INR 16.96 L - 24.6 L |
| PG Diploma | INR 17.81 L - 19.31 L |
| MIM | INR 18.74 L - 23.04 L |
Charles Darwin University MBA fees vary from INR 17 L to INR 19 L for first-year. The university is among the affodable universities in the country. Mentioned below is the complete first-year cost to study MBA program-
Fees components | Amount (for 1 year) |
|---|---|
Tuition & fees | INR 17,22,665 |
Hostel & Meals | INR 5,33,429 |
Insurance | INR 34,767 |
Transportation | INR 97,038 |
Phone and internet | INR 1,08,128 |
Total approximate fees | INR 24,96,027 |
Also read: MBA in Australia Guide
Charles Darwin University Notable Alumni
Charles Darwin University rich alumni network include 21,000+ members all over the world. CDU alumni network include mentors, innovators, famous personalities, leaders, etc. Some most popular notable alumni at CDU are listed below-
| Alumni Name | Profession/Designation | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Jaquelyne Hughes FRACP | A Torres Strait Islander Woman and Senior Research Fellow at Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University | |
| Gail Garvey (AM) | An Indigenous Australian Health Services Researcher |  |
| Peter Donald Styles | An Australian Politician |  |
| Vicki Susan O'Halloran | An Australian Businesswoman and Community Worker |  |
| Natasha Stacey | An Environmental Anthropologist |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
Charles Darwin University rich alumni network include 21,000+ members all over the world. CDU alumni network include mentors, innovators, leaders, etc. Some notable alumni at Charles Darwin University are listed below-
- Peter Styles
- Gail Garvey
- Matthew Gardiner
- Jaquelyne Hughes
- Sue Carter
College comparison
Compare Charles Darwin University with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 16.96 L - 24.6 L | #401 THE, 2026 | |
| INR 26.55 L - 39.81 L | #19 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 17.88 L - 33.57 L | #410 QS, 2026 | |
| INR 12.92 L - 31.92 L | #392 US News, 2025 | |
| INR 20.61 L - 38.85 L | #373 US News, 2026 | |
| INR 14.31 L - 37.82 L | #132 US News, 2026 |
CompareCharles Darwin UniversityStudying in Australia
Key Facts About Australia
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Charles Darwin University Campus Life
Located in the vibrant city of Darwin, Australia, the Charles Darwin University Campus is one of the best campuses around the globe. With seven campuses in its ambit, the university offers facilities such as affordable as well as high-quality accommodation and dining, a library, study spaces, sports and fitness facilities, and more. CDU is known for offering state-of-the-art facilities and providing its students with an experiential learning environment. Students get to study in a very safe, affordable and welcoming environment.
Charles Darwin University Campus Location
Charles Darwin Uni operates on seven campuses, namely Casuarina Campus, Education and Community Precinct Campus, Palmerston Campus, Sydney Campus, Katherine (Rural) Campus, Alice Springs Campus, and Nhulunbuy Campus. Listed below are the details of the address-
| Campus Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Casuarina Campus | Ellengowan Drive Brinkin NT 0810 |
| Education and Community Precinct Campus | 54 Cavenagh Street Darwin City NT 0800 |
| Palmerston Campus | 80 University Avenue Palmerston NT 0830 |
| Sydney Campus | Levels 8 - 11 815 George Street Haymarket NSW 2000 |
| Katherine (Rural) Campus | Lot 5626 (16km North of Katherine) Stuart Hwy Katherine NT 0850 |
| Alice Springs Campus | 10 Grevillea Drive Alice Springs NT 0871 |
| Nhulunbuy Campus | Lot 1468 (Behind the Bakery) Dartnall Close Nhulunbuy NT 0880 |
Commonly asked questions On Others
Yes, Charles Darwin University offers various services to the students. This includes IT related services, air conditioned campus, security, library which is opened on all weekdays from 8:30 am to 1 am. CDU also provides access to learnline which is a digital platform where students can find all the study material for their courses.
Charles Darwin University
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 years ago
Applicants must meet the below CDU entry requirements for the Master of Medical Laboratory Science. They must also meet the English language requirements to get admission. Mentioned below are the Charles Darwin University requirements for Master of Medical Laboratory Science:
- The applicants must comp
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
Charles Darwin University is one of the top ranked universities. The university offers various programs at UG and PG levels for its Indian students. Charles Darwin University is ranked at #621-630 for world university ranking. In 2024, the university was ranked at #601-610. This means the university
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 months ago
As per the official admission guidelines by Charles Darwin University, international students are required to submit various documents for all UG and PG courses.
- A statement of purpose (SOP) is required for most of the PG courses.
- Letters of Recommendation are not made mandatory, but they can streng
P
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 6 months ago
Ranked at #29 in Australia and #437 in the world by Shiksha Popularity Rankings, Charles Darwin University is considered a popular choice among international students for a variety of reasons. Some of those are mentioned below:
Fees are affordable for Indian students.
Scholarships up to 50% are avail
B
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 6 months ago
The acceptance rate at Charles Darwin University stands at 75% meaning out of every 100 applications, 75 students are rolled out an offer letter. This acceptance makes this university the least selective. However, international students are required to meet Charles Darwin University eligibility crit
L
Contributor-Level 9
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Charles Darwin UniversityLocation
| University City | Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia |
| Size of city | Small |
| Population of City | 331 |
Charles Darwin UniversityCampuses
Ellengowan Drive Brinkin NT 0810
Visit official siteCharles Darwin UniversityContact Information
Ellengowan Dr, Casuarina NT 0810, Australia
Casuarina ( Northern Territory)
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