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Charles Darwin University

6.6(2)
VerifiedPublicEstd. 2003
Founded
2003
Type
Public
University Guide

About Charles Darwin University

Explore overview, courses, fees, admissions, campus life, scholarships and student accommodation guidance in one premium Admistay guide.

Charles Darwin University is a public university in Darwin, Australia, established in 2003. The university has 2 campuses in Darwin and 6 campuses spread across the Northern Territory. Charles Darwin University is ranked at #584 by the QS World University Rankings 2026 and #132 in the Times Higher Education 2025 ranking. Charles Darwin University offers more than 300 programs, including those in higher education (UG, PG, and research), vocational education and training (VET), and short courses and enabling programs. The programs are offered in 3 semesters in an academic year, in March, July, and November. MBA and Engineering courses like Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Environmental Science are popular among international students. The Charles Darwin University tuition fee ranges from AUD 18,520 - 34,000 (INR 10.5 - 19.3 L) for UG, PG, and research degrees like PhD. The university also provides several scholarships to international students for up to 50% tuition fee and accommodation costs waivers.

Also check: Charles Darwin University Reviews

charles-darwin-university

Table of Contents
  1. Charles Darwin University Rankings
  2. Charles Darwin University Courses and Fees
  3. Charles Darwin University Admissions

    3.1 Charles Darwin University Graduate Admissions

    3.2 Charles Darwin University Undergraduate Admissions

  4. Charles Darwin University Application Deadline
  5. Charles Darwin University Cost of Attendance
  6. Charles Darwin University Scholarships
  7. Charles Darwin University Placements

    7.1 Average Salaries of Charles Darwin University Graduates

  8. Charles Darwin University Campus
  9. FAQs

Charles Darwin University Rankings

Charles Darwin University is recognized for its academic excellence and employment outcomes. Given below are some of the rankings of CDU by reputed ranking bodies:

Ranking Agency 2026 2025 2024
QS World University Ranking #584 #621-630 #621-630
THE World University Ranking - #401-500 #401-500
ARWU (Shanghai Ranking) - - -
US News & World Report - #621-630 #818

Also Check: Charles Darwin University Rankings


Charles Darwin University Courses and Fees

Charles Darwin University offers over 300 programs in various disciplines, including Health, Arts, Engineering, Science, and Business. In the 2025 academic year, the Health discipline courses saw the highest enrollment at 4,330 students. MBA and Engineering courses like Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Environmental Science are also popular among international students.

Given below are some of the top programs offered by Charles Darwin University:

Course Duration Tuition Fee in AUD Tuition fee in INR
MA Professional Accounting 1.5 years 34,720 20 L
MBA Sustainable Enterprise 1.5 years 34,720 20 L
MBA Sustainable Leadership 1.5 years 34,720 20 L
M.Eng Civil Engineering 2 years 37,104 21 L
M.Eng Electrical and Electronics Industry 2 years 37,104 21 L
M.Eng Mechanical Engineering 2 years 37,104 21 L
M.I.T Cyber Security 2 years 31,688 18 L
M.Eng Software Engineering 2 years 37,104 21 L
MS Data Science 2 years 31,688 18 L
MS Nursing Practice (Pre-Registration) 2 years 35,144 20 L
Bachelor of Information Technology (B.I.T) 3 years 31,688 18 L
Bachelor of Nursing (B.N) 3 years 34,576 20 L
Diploma in Information Technology 1 year 31,158 18 L
Diploma in Psychology 1 year 30,192 17 L

Charles Darwin University Admissions

Charles Darwin University admission requirements are the same for all programs, except for the Bachelor of Nursing and the Master of Engineering courses. While the common minimum English proficiency test score in IELTS is 6.0 for most programs, it is 7.0 and 6.5 for Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Engineering courses, respectively. Also, students with no academic background in Mathematics, or any engineering-related fields, must complete CDU Undergraduate Certificate in Intro to Math & Physics.

Charles Darwin University Graduate Admissions

Charles Darwin University offers more than 50 graduate courses in various disciplines, like health, business, IT, public health, and emergency management. For admissions to graduate programs at Charles Darwin University, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the course you are applying to. You also have to demonstrate English proficiency by taking either TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Cambridge English. You also have to submit your passport, academic transcripts, and a statement of purpose along with your application.

Given below are the detailed admission requirements for graduate courses at Charles Darwin University:

Eligibility Criteria Supporting Documents

A 3- or 4-year bachelor’s degree in a related field

For MBA, a 3-year bachelor’s degree requires at least 6 months of work experience

Any 1 of the following English language proficiency test scores:

IELTS - 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each band

PTE - 58 overall, 50 in each section

TOEFL iBT - 79 overall, 21 in each section

Cambridge English - 176 overall, 169 in each skill

Academic transcripts

Bachelor’s degree certificate

A CV or Resume (Check: Tips to Write an Effective Resume)

A Statement of Purpose

2 Letters of Reference (for MBA)

Passport


Charles Darwin University Undergraduate Admissions

Charles Darwin University offers around 120 undergraduate programs in various disciplines, ranging from arts, science, engineering to business, and economics. Admissions to undergraduate programs at Charles Darwin University require you to have at least 60% marks in Class 12. Apart from this, you need to prove your proficiency in the English language by taking any of the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE exams. This English language test requirement might be waived off if Class 12 was passed in English. The documents you need to submit are your score transcripts, passport, and financial proof.

Given below are the detailed eligibility requirements and the supporting documents for admission to the undergraduate programs at Charles Darwin University:

Eligibility Criteria Supporting Documents

Class 12 minimum scores:

CBSE/ICSE - 60%

Punjab and Haryana Boards - 75%

Other boards - 65%

Any 1 of the following English language proficiency test scores:

IELTS - 6.0 overall and in each band

TOEFL iBT - 60 overall, 21 in writing

PTE - 50 overall and in each section

The English requirement is waived off if Class 12 is passed in English.

Class 10 and 12 mark sheets

Passport

English test score report

Financial Proof (for visa)

Course-specific requirements:

BS Nursing - Medical check-ups, vaccinations, police clearance, fitness form

B. Engg - If no Maths/Physics in Class 12, CDU Undergraduate Certificate in Intro to Math & Physics is required.

Also check: Australian Student Visa

Charles Darwin University Application Deadline

Charles Darwin University offers its programs in 3 intakes - Semester 1 in March, Semester 2 in July, and Semester 3 in November. The deadlines are similar for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The applications close at least 2 months before the start of the session. The applications for Semesters 1 and 2 are now closed. They are open for the November Semester 3 till August 25, 2025. Given below are the detailed application deadlines for the courses at Charles Darwin University:

Semester Application Deadline
Semester 1 (March, 2026) 17 December 2025 (tentative)
Semester 2 (July 2026) 28 April 2025 (tentative)
Semester 3 (November 2025) 25 August 2025

Also check: Intakes in Australia


Charles Darwin University Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance is the total expenses on the tuition fees, the accommodation, books and study materials, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. Given below is the estimated cost of attendance per week at Charles Darwin University.

Expense Type Weekly Expenses (AUD) Weekly Expenses (INR)
On-campus Accommodation 185 - 270 10,067 - 14,693
Off-campus Accommodation 283 - 750 15,401 - 40,816
Groceries and Eating Out 80 - 280 4,353 - 15,238
Phone and Internet 20 - 55 1,088 - 2,993
Gas and Electricity 35 - 140 1,904 - 7,619
Public Transport 7 - 55 380 - 2,993
Entertainment 80 - 150 4,353 - 8,163
Textbooks 200 - 500 11,400 - 28,400
Total 890 - 2200 50,600 - 1.25 L

Also check: Cost of Living in Australia

Charles Darwin University Scholarships

Charles Darwin University (CDU) offers a wide range of scholarships for international students. These scholarships award up to 50% tuition fee waivers. Here are some notable scholarships:

Scholarship Name Eligibility Award
Vice-Chancellor's International High Achievers Scholarships (VCIHAS)

95% in the highest level of qualification

GPA 5.3

A 600-word statement

Cover 50% tuition fee cost
CDU Global Merit Scholarship International applicants are automatically considered Cover 30% tuition fee cost
CDU International College Pathway Scholarship International applicants are automatically considered Cover 10-20% tuition fee cost
ELICOS Scholarship International applicants are automatically considered Cover up to 20% tuition fee cost
CDU Bachelor of Nursing Scholarship Enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing course Cover 20% tuition fee cost

Also check: Scholarship in Australia for Indian Students


Charles Darwin University Placements

Charles Darwin University (CDU) placements are a major attraction for international students, offering a high return on investment. According to university reports, UG students have an employment rate of 79%, while PG students maintain an employment rate of 93%. UG students earn a median starting salary of 61,000 AUD (33.4 Lakhs INR), and PG students earn 68,400 AUD (37.2 Lakhs INR).

Average Salaries of Charles Darwin University Graduates

Area of Study Average Salary (AUD) Average Salary (INR)
Psychology 49,100 26.7 Lakhs
Pharmacy 59,800 32.5 Lakhs
Law and Paralegal Studies 63,900 34.7 Lakhs
Engineering 77,700 42.2 Lakhs
Health Services and Support 86,500 47 Lakhs
Nursing 93,600 50.9 Lakhs

charles-darwin-university-placements

Also check: Jobs in Australia

Charles Darwin University Campus

Charles Darwin University has multiple campuses, with the main one located in Darwin, Northern Territory. The Casuarina campus is the largest and offers a tropical, multicultural environment with modern teaching facilities, libraries, labs, and student accommodations.

charles-darwin-university-campus

Also check: Charles Darwin University Gallery

  • Charles Darwin University also has campuses in Alice Springs, Sydney, Palmerston, and regional centers, supporting both on-campus and online learning.
  • On-campus accommodation is available at International House Darwin (IHD) and UniLodge Darwin, offering furnished rooms, study spaces, and 24/7 security.
  • International House Darwin (IHD) offers single rooms, shared kitchens, and social areas, while UniLodge Darwin provides studio apartments and recreational facilities.
  • Student accommodation includes internet, laundry, 24/7 security, and cultural activities.

With about 15-20 students per teacher, Charles Darwin University maintains small class sizes, helping you get more personalized and interactive lectures and assignments. With a vibrant body of 3,500 international students from over 70 countries, makes Charles Darwin University exemplifies diversity and cross-cultural interactions. With several scholarships covering the vast amount of tuition fees, Charles Darwin University is an ideal place for students to develop holistically.

FAQs

Ques. Does Charles Darwin University accept Duolingo scores for English language proficiency?

Ans. No, Charles Darwin University does not accept Duolingo as a proof of English language proficiency. The only English language proficiency tests accepted are TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and Cambridge English.

Ques. What is the acceptance rate of the Charles Darwin University?

Ans. The acceptance rate at Charles Darwin University is 75%. With a good academic record, and strong English language skills, international students can easily get admission to this prestigious university.

Ques. What support does Charles Darwin University provide for specially-abled students?

Ans. Charles Darwin University provides a comprehensive range of services to students with special needs. These services inlcude personalized learning and extra time in exams, flexible deadlines and rest breaks, among others.

Ques. What is Charles Darwin University best known for?

Ans. As a research-intensive university, Charles Darwin University produces world-class research with real-world impact. As Australia's first dual-sector university, CDU offers TAFE courses across a diverse range of study areas and alongside higher education opportunities.

Ques. Are part-time jobs allowed for international students at Charles Darwin University?

Ans. Yes, international students on a valid student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during official university breaks or holidays.

Courses & Fees

Compare courses in a cleaner, easier way

Explore tuition, duration, language, eligibility, and exam requirements without the clutter.

Courses

56

Fee from

₹17,86,710.24

Exams

TOEFL · IELTS

Showing 5 of 22 bachelors

Overview
Degree TypeBachelor
Duration3 years
Study ModeFull Time
LanguageEnglish
Fees
Tuition FeeINR 25.5 L/Yr
Native FeeAUD 38,720 /Yr
Living Expense₹1959077
Estimated Total₹1959077
Fee trendTuition progression
Official Program Page
Admission Guide

Admission Process

Charles Darwin University offers more than 300 programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels. MBA and Engineering courses like Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Environmental Science are some of the popular courses among international students. The courses are provided to students in 3 intakes - March, July, and November. The applications for the March and July intakes are now closed. The applications for the November intake are open till August 25, 2025. Charles Darwin University has an acceptance rate of 59%, which shows moderate selectivity.

There is no requirement for standardized tests like GMAT, GRE, SAT, or ACT for admission. Students with a strong academic record and good work experience (for MBA) can easily get admission. You only need to prove your English language proficiency by taking any of the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Cambridge English and achieving the minimum scores prescribed by the university. Along with your application, you also need to submit your academic transcripts, passport, a statement of purpose, a CV or resume, and your Bachelor’s degree certificate.

charles-darwin-university-admission


Charles Darwin University Courses and Fees

Charles Darwin University offers over 300 programs in various disciplines, including Health, Arts, Engineering, Science, and Business. In the 2025 academic year, the Health discipline courses saw the highest enrollment at 4,330 students. MBA and Engineering courses like Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Environmental Science are also popular among international students.

Given below are some of the top programs offered by Charles Darwin University:

Course Duration Tuition Fee in AUD Tuition fee in INR
MA Professional Accounting 1.5 years 34,720 20 L
MBA Sustainable Enterprise 1.5 years 34,720 20 L
MBA Sustainable Leadership 1.5 years 34,720 20 L
M.Eng Civil Engineering 2 years 37,104 21 L
M.Eng Electrical and Electronics Industry 2 years 37,104 21 L
M.Eng Mechanical Engineering 2 years 37,104 21 L
M.I.T Cyber Security 2 years 31,688 18 L
M.Eng Software Engineering 2 years 37,104 21 L
MS Data Science 2 years 31,688 18 L
MS Nursing Practice (Pre-Registration) 2 years 35,144 20 L
Bachelor of Information Technology (B.I.T) 3 years 31,688 18 L
Bachelor of Nursing (B.N) 3 years 34,576 20 L
Diploma in Information Technology 1 year 31,158 18 L
Diploma in Psychology 1 year 30,192 17 L

Charles Darwin University Admission Requirements

Charles Darwin University admission criteria do not include standardized tests like GMAT, GRE, SAT, or ACT. You only have to take any of the English proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Cambridge English. The English requirements are also waived for undergraduate applicants if they have passed Class 12 in English. For the MBA program, you also need to have a minimum work experience of 6 months if you hold a 3-year degree. Apart from these eligibility requirements, you need to submit a copy of your passport, financial proof for an Australian Student Visa, a CV or resume highlighting your work experience, and a statement of purpose. Given below are the admissions requirements for the MBA, other graduate programs, and undergraduate programs.

Charles Darwin University MBA Admissions

Charles Darwin University provides 4 kinds of postgraduate business courses - MBA Sustainable Leadership, MBA Sustainable Enterprise, Master of Project Management, and Graduate Certificate of Business. The durations of the MBA programs are given below:

  • Master of Project Management - 2 years
  • MBA Sustainable Leadership, MBA Sustainable Enterprise - 1.5 years
  • Graduate Certificate - 1.5 years.

Charles Darwin University does not provide MBA programs in an online mode. The courses have to be taken on campus.

To be eligible for admission to MBA programs at Charles Darwin University, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • 4-year bachelor’s degree in any field
  • For a 3-year bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 6 months of work experience is required
  • Any 1 of the following English language proficiency tests with a minimum score prescribed:
    • IELTS - 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each band
    • PTE - 58 overall, 50 in each section
    • TOEFL iBT - 79 overall, 21 in the writing section
    • Cambridge English - 176 overall, 169 in each skill

After meeting the eligibility criteria, you need to submit the following documents along with the application:

Charles Darwin University Graduate Admissions

Charles Darwin University offers more than 50 graduate courses in various areas of study: business, IT, public health, and emergency management. For admissions to graduate programs at Charles Darwin University, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree in a field related to the course you are applying to. You also have to demonstrate English proficiency by taking either TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Cambridge English. You also have to submit your passport, academic transcripts, and a statement of purpose along with your application. Standardized tests like GMAT and GRE are not required.

Given below are the detailed admission requirements for graduate courses at Charles Darwin University:

Eligibility Criteria Supporting Documents

A bachelor’s degree in a related field

Any 1 of the following English language proficiency test scores:

IELTS - 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each band

PTE - 58 overall, 50 in each section

TOEFL iBT - 79 overall, 21 in each section

Cambridge English - 176 overall, 169 in each skill

Academic transcripts

Bachelor’s degree certificate

A CV or Resume

A Statement of Purpose

Passport

Charles Darwin University Undergraduate Admissions

Charles Darwin University offers around 120 undergraduate programs in various disciplines, ranging from arts, science, engineering to business, and economics. Admissions to undergraduate programs at Charles Darwin University require you to have at least 60% marks in Class 12. Apart from this, you need to prove your proficiency in the English language by taking any of the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE exams. This English language test requirement might be waived if Class 12 was passed in English. The documents you need to submit are your score transcripts, passport, and financial proof. Standardized tests like ACT or SAT are not required.

Given below are the detailed eligibility requirements and the supporting documents for admission to the undergraduate programs at Charles Darwin University:

Eligibility Criteria Supporting Documents

Class 12 minimum scores:

CBSE/ICSE - 60%

Punjab and Haryana Boards - 75%

Other boards - 65%

Any 1 of the following English language proficiency test scores:

IELTS - 6.0 overall and in each band

TOEFL iBT - 60 overall, 21 in writing

PTE - 50 overall and in each section

The English requirement is waived if Class 12 is passed in English.

Class 10 and 12 mark sheets

Passport

English test score report

Financial Proof (for visa)

Course-specific requirements:

BS Nursing - Medical check-ups, vaccinations, police clearance, fitness form

B. Engg - If no Maths/Physics in Class 12, CDU Undergraduate Certificate in Introduction to Maths & Physics is required.


Charles Darwin University Application Deadline

Charles Darwin University, one of the institutions offering multiple intakes in Australia, has 3 academic intakes - Semester 1 in March, Semester 2 in July, and Semester 3 in November. The deadlines are similar for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The applications close at least 2 months before the start of the session. The applications for Semesters 1 and 2 are now closed. They are open for the November Semester 3 till August 25, 2025.

Given below are the detailed application deadlines for the courses at Charles Darwin University:

Semester Application Deadline
Semester 1 (March 2026) 17 December 2025 (tentative)
Semester 2 (July 2026) 28 April 2026 (tentative)
Semester 3 (November 2025) 25 August 2025

Charles Darwin University Admission Decision

Charles Darwin University takes up to 2 weeks to arrive at the admission decision. Once the application is submitted, CDU verifies academic qualifications, English proficiency, and the Genuine Student criteria. You must note that meeting minimum entry criteria does not guarantee you an offer, especially for quota-bound programs like the Menzies Medical Program or programs with a limited number of seats. The offer letter (conditional or unconditional) will contain the next steps in the admissions process - uploading the accepted offer letter with signature, and fee payments. After this, you will receive the Confirmation of Enrollment for the visa application.

charles-darwin-university-admission-process


Charles Darwin University Acceptance Rate

Charles Darwin University has an acceptance rate of 59%, showing moderate selectivity. This means that approximately 59 out of every 100 applicants are offered a place at the university. As of the 2025 academic year, 3500 international students are enrolled in various disciplines across UG, PG, and research levels. In recent admissions, CDU extended over 1,900 offers to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with the number of offers seeing a notable increase from the previous year's 1,951. During the first semester, 2,183 students were enrolled, and the international student body saw an impressive growth of 80%, accounting for 12.2% of the total student population. CDU also has a student-teacher ratio of 20:1, offering personalized learning and assignments for students.

Charles Darwin University has a very simple and easy admission process. No standardized tests like GMAT, GRE, SAT, or ACT are required for any program at any of the undergraduate, postgraduate, or research levels. Admission is based on your academic performance and work experience. While the university issues both conditional and unconditional offers, it is important to achieve the minimum prescribed scores to make your profile stand out. Since the applications for Semester 3 close on August 25, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

FAQs

Ques. Even if GMAT or GRE is not required for admission to CDU, can I still upload my scores?

Ans. While CDU does not mention anything about the requirements for GRE or GMAT, you can check the application portal if you have the space to upload optional documents.

Ques. What are the conditions if I have not submitted an English proficiency test for admission to CDU?

Ans. If you have not submitted English language test scores, you will be issued a conditional offer letter. On enrolment, you will have to take and complete the CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 course.

Ques. Is Duolingo accepted as proof of English proficiency at CDU?

Ans. No, Duolingo is not accepted as proof of English proficiency at CDU. You can only take TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Cambridge English to prove your English proficiency. If you do not take these tests, you will be provided a conditional offer, after which you will have to complete the CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 course at the CDU campus.

Ques. What minimum TOEFL score in other sections should I have to be eligible for CDU postgraduate programs?

Ans. CDU mentions a minimum score of 21 for its writing section. There are no minimum scores prescribed for the other sections, so you have to make sure you achieve 79 overall.

Placements & Recruiters

Charles Darwin University Placement Details

Charles Darwin University in Darwin, Northern Territory , Australia placement details include salary insights, top recruiters, and hiring trends to help students understand career outcomes and campus opportunities.

Students usually compare highest package, average package, and recruiter profile before applying. This section gives a compact overview of career outcomes and placement visibility in Darwin, Northern Territory , Australia.

Recruiters
N/A
Salary Metrics
0/2
Placement Metric

Highest Package

N/A

Represents the top salary package reported in the available placement information.

Placement Metric

Average Package

N/A

Shows the typical package range students may expect based on the available average salary data.

Placement information is currently limited.

More salary or recruiter data may be updated later for this college.

Rankings over the years

Year-wise highlights from global and country rankings available for this university.

2022

Highlights
2022
  • Best overall country rank: #15
  • Medicine: #15 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 14 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Medicine
  • 5 ranking records in 2022

2023

Highlights
2023
  • Best overall country rank: #14
  • Sports Sciences: #12 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 15 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Medicine
  • 3 ranking records in 2023

2024

Highlights
2024
  • Best overall country rank: #16
  • Engineering: #12 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 4 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Education
  • 3 ranking records in 2024

2025

Highlights
2025
  • Best overall country rank: #15
  • Engineering: #11 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 6 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Medicine
  • 3 ranking records in 2025

2026

Highlights
2026
  • Best overall country rank: #15
  • Overall: #15 in country
  • Top source: THE
  • 3 ranked streams
  • Focus areas: Overall, Engineering
  • 3 ranking records in 2026

Contact Information

Ellengowan Dr, Casuarina NT 0810

+61-8-8946-7215

Student Reviews & Ratings

Overall sentiment and category-wise rating summary

Overall score

6.6/10
Top Rated

Based on 2 ratings

Rating Breakdown

Visual summary of rating distribution and categories

Live Summary
Academic
7.5/10
Faculty
8.0/10
Infrastructure
8.0/10
Accommodation
6.5/10
Placement
6.5/10
Extracurricular
6.0/10