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Charles Darwin University: Rankings, Fees, Admission Guide 2026
138 acre campus- Estd. 2003
Last updated on 2 Sep '26Charles Darwin UniversityWhat's new?
Charles Darwin University application deadline for international students is Oct 9, 2026, for offshore students applying for Sem 3.
Why choose Charles Darwin University?
Charles Darwin University is a public university based in Casuarina, Australia. It is accredited by TEQSA. Two campuses of CDU are in Darwin and six satellite campuses in metropolitan and regional areas of the Northern Territory.
This university is largest tertiary education provider in Northern Territory and first dual-sector university in Australia, which offers academic degree courses and vocational educational courses. At CDU Australia, more than 22,000 students are enrolled. Charles Darwin University acceptance rate stands at 77%.
Why Choose CDU University?
As per the Graduate Outcomes Survey for 2024, CDU University is the highest performing dual sector university for graduate employment. On top of this, CDU graduates earn more than the national average. Charles Darwin University has received 5 star rating for employment outcomes.
- Top-Ranked University - It ranks within the Top 23% of the Universities worldwide as per Times Higher Education world rankings for 2026.
- Research excellence - CDU University is home to world class research. The researchers tackle challenges across Health, Science, Environment and Technology, and Education
- No application fee - There is no application fee for Charles Darwin University for international students. Students can submit a direct online application form. Alternatively, students can take the help of the registered country-based representatives.
- Scholarships - Many scholarships are available for CDU international students such as Vice Chancellor's Scholarship, CDU Global Merit Scholarship, CDU Bachelor's Nursing Scholarship, and more. Students can check more details about Charles Darwin scholarships from the section given below on this page.
Overall Shiksha Study Abroad platform, Charles Darwin University has an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5. Some of the Indian students reviews for CDU are-
- Harsimran Kaur (Master of Data Science, Batch of 2025) states that teaching methods at CDU are really good. Also, this university offers many opportunities for students to explore careers in their study fields. This student landed the first corporate job in the Northern Territory government because CDU conducted events to connect with people
- Jasleen Kaur (Diploma of Health Science, Batch of 2026) states that CDU campus offers a welcoming environment. The university offers diverse faculty and great campus life. The faculty at CDU is higly approachable and knowledgeable. They use interactive teaching methods like real world case studies, practical labs, and group discussions
Facts about CDU
Note that Charles Darwin University is one of members of Innovative Research Universities in Australia. It is also a member of Northern Australia Universities Alliance (NAUA). Check facts about CDU University from the table given below-
|
Particulars |
Stats |
|---|---|
|
Founded |
2003 |
|
Acceptance rate |
77% |
|
Type of university |
Public University |
|
Location |
Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia |
|
Accreditation |
TEQSA |
|
Popular courses among Indian students |
MBA, MS, PG |
|
Notable alumni |
Peter Styles, Gail Garvey, Matthew Gardiner |
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Charles Darwin University acceptance rate is around 77%. This university is moderatly selective at time of admission. Indian students who want to take admission here should meet the minimum requirements and apply before the deadline.
- For admission to UG courses of CDU University, Class 12 education must have been completed with a minimum percentage of 60% - 75%
- Indian students who want to take admission to PG courses should have a Bachelor's degree
CDU University a no. of scholarship options for international students. A few of the scholarships that are offered include Vice Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarships, CDU Global Merit Scholarship, CDU Bachelor of Nursing Scholarship, etc.
| Scholarship | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vice Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarships | 50% reduction in the tuition fee |
| CDU Global Merit Scholarship | 30% off of the tuition fee (for selected courses) |
| CDU Bachelor of Nursing Scholarship | 20% off of the tuition fee |
CDU University has been rated 5 stars for employment outcomes as per the Good Universities Guide. Also, this university ranks at #23 in Australia for Undergraduate starting salary as per Good Universities Guide 2025. In 2025, this university's employment rate has rose to 90.7%.
Also, CDU University offers a no. of scholarships to international students such as Vice Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarships and CDU Global Merit Scholarship.
Charles Darwin University Ranking 2026
One of the top universities in the Australia, Charles Darwin University ranks at #29 nationally in 2026, as per Shiksha Popularity rankings. For 2026, Charles Darwin University ranking stood at #470 in the world rankings. Subject rankings of CDU University are #24 for Engineering, #29 for MS, #30 for Science, #33 for MSN, etc.
By Other Ranking Bodies
Apart from Shiksha Popularity ranking, QS has also ranked the university globally. Charles Darwin University QS ranking is #584 in 2026. In 2027, the QS rankings of CDU University has improved as it is placed at #551. Charles Darwin University ranking stood at #401-500 by THE in 2026, globally.
Charles Darwin University Programs & Fees
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. But, for iternational students, 120+ course options are there. Study areas for Charles Darwin University courses are Architecture, Accounting, Data Science, Engineering, Health Science, etc.
Charles Darwin University Popular Programs
The duration of the most Charles Darwin University UG courses is 3 years and that of PG courses is 2 years. The top programs opted by Indian students at CDU are listed below-
- Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-Registration)
- Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
- Bachelor of Design
- Master of Public Health
Charles Darwin University Fees in INR
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 Living
The annual Charles Darwin University cost of living for Indian students is around AUD 25,205 - AUD 28,005 (INR 13.8 L - 15.3 L). Listed below is the breakdown of the expenses:
| Particulars | Annual Cost of Living | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | AUD 24,505 | INR 13.4 L |
| Transportation | AUD 500 - AUD 3,000 | INR 28 K - 1.6 L |
| Study materials (books and supplies) | AUD 200 - AUD 500 | INR 11 K - 28 K |
3.7(2)18 months - 2 years
17 students got admitted to this university
5.0(1)1 year - 3 years
Guided 1K students to Australia universities.
How to take admission to Charles Darwin University from India?
For Charles Darwin University admissions, Indian students can either apply directly or via a registered agent. 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
Indian students have to submit the following documents for CDU University admission-
Entry Requirements
- For admission to the UG courses of CDU University, Indian students should have completed Class 12 with 60% - 75% (percentage varies as per the boards)
- Those who want to take admission to the PG courses of this university should have a Bachelor's degree.
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Regular
Charles Darwin UniversityCharles Darwin University Scholarships for Indian students
Charles Darwin Uni offers many scholarship options to international students. Note that these scholarships reward high-achieving students with outstanding academic accomplishments. Listed below are some of the most popular Charles Darwin University scholarships for international students-
- Vice Chancellor’s International High-Achievers Scholarship: Available for UG and PG international students. It covers 50% of the tuition fees for the full duration of the course. An application is required for this Charles Darwin Australia scholarship. The students must have 95% in the highest completed qualification
- CDU Bachelor of Nursing Scholarship: As the name suggests, this scholarship is available for Bachelor of Nursing applicants of CDU Australia. The applications are automatically assessed once the students submit the application for CDU Bachelor of Nursing course. It covers up to 20% of the tuition fees.
- Dili International School Scholarship: This Charles Darwin Australia scholarship enables 3 students to receive funding for a 3-year Bachelor's degree. The students have to pay AUD 13,750 per annum, and rest of the fees are covered by the university.
- CDU Global Merit Scholarship: This scholarships for CDU Australia UG, PG and Higher Research students who meet the entry criteria for studies at CDU. It covers 30% of the tuition fee. No application is required for this scholarship.
Charles Darwin University Popular Courses
2 yearsCharles Darwin University Graduate Outcomes: Average Salary, Placement Rate
Charles Darwin University grads work for leading industries such as Operations, Education, Business Development, etc. As per the Good Universities Guide 2025, CDU University ranks at #23 in Australia for Undergraduate starting salary. A few years back, this university received 5-star rating for employment outcomes.
Charles Darwin University Placement Rate
As per QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey for 2025, CDU University placament rate is 90.7% (overall). Charles Darwin University graduates work for leading firms such as Northern Territory Government, Department of Education and Training, Power and Water Corporation, etc. International students in Australia can work part time. Australia Student Visa holders can work 48 hours per fortnight.
ROI after Education at CDU University
As per the 2024 Graduates Outcomes Survey, Charles Darwin University graduates earn more than the national average. While the Undergraduates earn 3% more than the national average and the Postgraduates earn 6% more than the national average. Given below is the salary mentioned in the 2025 Survey.
|
Course |
Annual Fee (Investment) |
Salary (ROI) |
|---|---|---|
|
UG |
INR 5 L - 27 L |
AUD 80,000 (Around INR 53.17 L) |
What after graduating from CDU University?
After graduating from CDU University, international students can apply for Temporary Graduate Visa (Sub-Class 485). As per this, the students can stay in Australia for 2-3 years, depending on the study qualification and look for work. The application fee to apply for this Australia Post Study Work Visa is AUD 5,750.
Charles Darwin University Courses and Fees 2026
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(13 courses) | INR 19 L - 28 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 - 94, PTE: 6.5 - 58, Duolingo: 110 & Above |
UG Diploma(18 courses) | INR 10 L - 23 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 - 7, TOEFL: 46 - 60, PTE: 42 - 50 |
B.Sc.(12 courses) | INR 20 L - 26 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 - 7, TOEFL: 60 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(11 courses) | INR 17 L - 27 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-5 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above |
UG certificate(9 courses) | INR 5 L - 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 6 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 46 & Above, PTE: 42 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(8 courses) | INR 21 L - 26 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above |
MSN(3 courses) | INR 22 L - 27 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 - 7, TOEFL: 94 & Above, PTE: 66 & Above |
BBA(5 courses) | INR 18 L - 21 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above |
MIM(5 courses) | INR 21 L - 26 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 18 months-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6.5 & Above, TOEFL: 79 & Above, PTE: 58 & Above |
B.A.(11 courses) | INR 17 L - 20 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 6 & Above, TOEFL: 60 & Above, PTE: 50 & Above |
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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
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Charles Darwin UniversityContact Information
Ellengowan Dr, Casuarina NT 0810, Australia
Casuarina ( Northern Territory)
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