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Charles Darwin University
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Location : Australia ,Northern Territory
Overall Rating :
Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a young institution that already has achieved world rankings for the impact of its research. It is the only Australian university with headquarters in the Northern Territory, which is located on the southern rim of Asia. Because of its geographic location, CDU has a deep interest in South-East Asia, Northern Australia, and in Indigenous Australia, and specialises in research and teaching in these areas.
CDU has 11 campuses and centres located throughout the Northern Territory, and in Sydney and Melbourne. The CDU Business School is located in a purpose-built facility at the prestigious Darwin Waterfront precinct, which overlooks the Timor Sea and is adjacent to Darwin’s CBD. The university’s main campus is in the culturally rich city of Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory. It also provides training at 150 remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, making CDU one of the most diverse universities in Australia.
More than 24,000 students study with CDU on campus and online in a range of disciplines including engineering and information technology, the environment, health, psychological and clinical sciences, business, creative arts and humanities, education and law.
CDU is recognised as a leader in environmental studies (tropical and desert knowledges), Indigenous education and studies, remote nursing, South-East Asian studies and in online learning. It is a dual sector university with course offerings ranging from certificate through to doctoral level. Around 70% of CDU students are located throughout Australia and undertake their studies online.
The university is listed in joint 31st position in The Times Higher Education’s best 150 universities aged less than 50 years old. This is the fourth consecutive year that the university has risen in this ranking. Times Higher Education also ranks CDU in the top 2% of universities in the world.
The university is attracting an increasing number of international students, who come from more than 60 countries. The international student population is drawn particularly to the multicultural character of Darwin.
CDU has strong partnerships with other institutions including the Australian National University, Flinders University and the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education. It is a member of the Innovative Research Universities network.
Courses
Admission
All International students are required to meet minimum Academic and English language entry requirements.
Undergraduate
The minimum academic entry requirements for admissions to undergraduate degree is the completion of a qualification deemed equivalent to Australian Year 12 by the University's qualification assessment references. Applicants may also be required to satisfy specific course requirements such as a minimum overall grade score or prerequisite knowledge. The most common equivalencies accepted by Charles Darwin University are listed below.
| Bangladesh | Higher School Certificate (HSC) in First Division. B Accounting: Minimum grade of GPA 4.0 in business maths subjects B Engineering, Bachelor of Pharmacy, B Medical and Laboratory Science: Minimum grade of GPA 4.5 in maths, physics or chemistry for specific courses |
| Brunei | GCE “A” levels* |
| Cambridge Pre U Diploma | CDU recognises the Cambridge Pre U diploma for direct admission to an undergraduate degree. The University will also accept a combination of Cambridge Pre U and GCE A levels subjects to satisfy direct entry requirements |
| Canada | Ontario Year 13 Secondary School Diploma; British Columbia Year 12 Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma |
| China | Successful completion of a recognised pre-tertiary or foundation program; Or successful completion of one year study at a recognised tertiary or higher education institution; Or completion of the National College Entrance Examination (NCEE) with GAOKAO score required for entry into Tier Two university in the relevant province |
|
Denmark |
Studentereksamen |
| Fiji | NZ University Bursaries Exam/National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Equivalent of eligibility to enter a New Zealand university |
| Germany | Abitur |
| Hong Kong | HKDSE with an average of 4 in Level 4 core subjects and average of 4 in two Level 4 electives |
| India | Successful completion of All India Senior School Certificate, Indian School Certificate, Senior Secondary Certificate and State Board Examinations with an average score of at least 60% in best 4 academic subjects including English |
| Indonesia | Entry to some courses with SMU minimum grade of 8; Successful completion of one year of a university degree or Diploma III (DIII) from a recognised institution |
| International Baccalaureate | Completed IB diploma with minimum 24 points from 6 subjects at one sitting |
| Japan | Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate with a minimum grade average of 70% or successful completion of one year of a Bachelor's degree at a recognised University |
| Korea (Republic of), South | Senior High School Diploma with a grade average of A or successful completion of one year of a Bachelor's degree at a recognised University |
| Malaysia | Malaysian STPM; entry to some courses with Senior Middle 3 MICSS UEC minimum two A and two B grades; Canadian OAC pre university diploma |
| Nepal | Completion of the Higher Secondary Education Board (HSEB) in First Division: B. Accounting: minimum grade of 60% in business maths subjects B. Engineering, B Pharmacy, B Medical and Laboratory Science: minimum grade of 65% in maths,physics and chemistry B. Nursing: minimum overall score of 65% Completion of the Proficiency Certificate with a minimum grade average of 65% |
| Norway | Vitnemal |
| Pakistan | Higher Secondary School Certificate Intermediate (Division 1) with an average of 60% in four academic subjects or successful completion of the first year of a degree at a recognised institution |
| Philippines | Successful completion of one year of a bachelor’s degree at a recognised university |
| Singapore | GCE “A” levels* |
| Sri Lanka | GCE “A” levels* |
| Taiwan | Successful completion of one year of a bachelor’s degree at a recognised university; or two years study at a recognised junior college |
| Thailand | Successful completion of Mathayom 6 with GPA 3.0 or better; or successful completion of one year of a bachelor’s degree at a recognised university |
| UK | GCE “A” levels* |
| USA | High School diploma with minimum B average grade/ GPA 3 and SAT score minimum 1200 (prior to 2004) and 1700 since 2004 |
| Vietnam | Successful completion of Bang Tot Nghiep Pho Thong Trung Hoc (1975 onwards) with minimum average of 75% in 4 subjects or successful completion of one year of a bachelor’s degree at a recognised university |
*Completion of A Level. The minimum eligibility requirement is 3 A Level subjects at Grade E. The subject General Studies (or its equivalent) will not be considered. AS (or H1) Level subjects will not be considered.
Pathways to undergraduate degree
Students who do not meet the university's academic entry requirements may be eligible for admission to a Certificate III, IV or Diploma or the University's Foundation Studies program as a pathway to a degree.
Advanced standing
International students who have completed post-secondary studies may request consideration for advanced standing (transfer credit) towards an undergraduate degree at Charles Darwin University. Applications for credit must include full documentation of previous studies, including certified course descriptions. International students awarded credit based on previous studies must maintain full-time enrolment at the university as a condition of their student visa.
Postgraduate
| Cousework programs |
The minimum academic requirements for admission to a postgraduate or graduate entry degree is the completion of a bachelor's degree which is deemed equivalent to an Australian bachelor's degree by the University's qualification assessment references. Applicants may also be required to satisfy specific course requirements such as a minimum overall grade score, prerequisite knowledge or work experience. |
| Research programs |
Applicants must have successfully completed the equivalent of an Australian honours degree or master's degree. |
Vocational Education and Training
| Certificate level programs | A qualification equivalent to Australian Year 10 |
| Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs | A qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12 |
English language entry requiements
While IELTS remains the principal English language proficiency qualification, listed below are other qualifications which would satisfy the University's minimum English language proficiency requirements. All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
Regardless of CDU's requirements and acceptance of certain equivalents, all applicants must still satisfy the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) English language proficiency (ELP) requirements for student visa applications (if applicable).
| Test / Course | Postgraduate requirement | Undergraduate requirement | VET requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0, except for:
|
A minimum overall score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 |
| Australian Technology and Management College (ATMC) | Successful completion of English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Students will be required to sit an exit test on completion and achieve a score equivalent to IELTS overall 6.5. | Successful completion of English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Students will be required to sit an exit test on completion and achieve a score equivalent to IELTS overall 6.0. | |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176 with no skill below 169. | A minimum overall score of 169 with no skill below 169, except for:
|
A minimum overall score of 165, except Cert III. In Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) and Cert. III in Retail Baking which require a minimum overall score of 170. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency |
A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. | A minimum overall grade of B2. | |
| Navitas Academic English | A minimum overall pass of 65% in Academic English 3 with a 65% pass in the research essay; Research courses require a minimum overall pass of 65% in Academic English 3 and a 75% pass in the research essay. | A minimum overall pass of 55% in Academic English 3, except for B.Nursing, B.Midwifery, B.Pharmacy and B. Social Work which require a minimum overall score pass of 65% in Academic English 3. | An overall pass of 60% in Academic English 2 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50, except for:
|
A minimum overall score of 42 with no less than 36 in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. |
| TOEFL Internet based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21, except for:
|
A minimum overall score of 46 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
A guide in determining how many weeks of Academic English program would be required based on an IELTS test result (or equivalent):
| Minimum IELTS Test Result Requirement | Program Applied for at CDU | Number of Weeks Required for English Program | Navitas Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall 6.0, Writing 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 | Postgraduate (Master) and B Nursing/B Midwifery/ B Social Work/ B Pharmacy/ B Education (Graduate Entry) | 10 weeks | Academic English 3 (10 weeks)* |
| Overall 5.5 with Writing 5.5 and no band less than 5.0 | Bachelor (except B Nursing/B Midwifery/ B Social Work/ B Pharmacy/ B Education (Graduate Entry)) | 10 weeks | Academic English 3 (10 weeks)* |
*Depending on GTE/GS assessment , some applicants may not be approved with 20 weeks English program package.
| Education undertaken | Postgraduate | Undergraduate | VET (for International students only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Secondary Schooling | Completion of a recognised Australian Year 12 including English 4 SA or equivalent. | Completion of a recognised Australian Year 10 or higher for admission to Cert IV or higher. | |
| Overseas Senior Secondary Schooling | Completion of a recognised overseas secondary qualification from the list of English Speaking Countries (Table A) where the medium of instruction was English. For B.Nursing, B.Midwifery & B.Social Work completion of a recognised overseas secondary qualification from the Standard English Language list. |
||
| Course/s at AQF Level 4 or higher | Successful completion of two years full time equivalent at a recognised institution in a country from the list of English Speaking Countries (Table A) where the medium of instruction was English. | Successful completion of one year full time equivalent at a recognised institution in a country from the list of English Speaking Countries (Table A) where the medium of instruction was English. For for B.Nursing, B.Midwifery & B.Social Work: successful completion of two years full time equivalent at a recognised institution in a country from the list of English Speaking Countries (Table A) where the medium of instruction was English. |
|
| Table A: Recognised English Speaking Countries | |
|---|---|
| Standard List |
Extended List (Requires written confirmation that the medium language of instruction was English) |
|
|
| Country | Requirement(s) |
|---|---|
| Canada | A score of 60% in English in the final year of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Canadian Pre-University program, valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Denmark | A grade of 9 or better in Senior High School English, valid for five years, from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Finland | A grade of 8 or better in English or English A – language within the Upper Secondary School Certificate, valid for five years, from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Germany | A grade of 4 or better in English in Senior High School exam (Arbitur) valid for five years, from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Hong Kong | Level 4 in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) English Language Examination. |
| Malaysia | A grade of C6 or better in the General Paper in the GCE 'O' Level 1119 Bahasa Inggeris (English language) subject from the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM); Note: There are two grades for 1119 Bahasa Inggeris; only the GCE-O Level grade is accepted. The GCE-O Level 1119 Bahasa Inggeris grade is stated on the SPM result slip, however, it is not available on the SPM final certificate. |
| Netherlands | A grade of 8 or above on completion of 6 years of English at High School , valid for five years, from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Norway | A grade of 4 on the upper secondary school, valid for five years, from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Singapore | A score of D or better in the General Paper in the Singapore Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) OR a grade of C or better in English Language in the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level). Both are valid for 2 years, from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Sweden | A grade of VG or better in English in the Senior School Studies, valid for five years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
Accommodation
If you have not already organised accommodation with a recommended accommodation provider such as IHD or UniLodge, it is important to organise temporary accommodation for your first few nights here before arriving in Australia. This might be at a local hostel, or with a friend or family member. From here, you can begin to search for the accommodation option that best fits your needs.
University recommended accommodation
There are plenty of accommodation options in Darwin, including on-campus accommodation, student accommodation, and private renting. CDU recommends two accommodation options that can offer affordable and convenient living in walking distance from all university facilities, as well as entertainment facilities and activities for those times that you need a break from your studies.
International House Darwin (IHD)
Located on Casuarina campus, IHD offers a great residential community for both local and international students.
IHD is:
- a two-minute walk to the CDU library, university amenities and teaching areas
- within easy walking distance to a major shopping area
- equipped with a swimming pool, computer facilities, recreational areas, study rooms and spacious gardens
- equipped with furnished standard rooms, some with ensuite options
- part of a network of International Houses in Australia and overseas.
UniLodge Darwin
UniLodge DarwinUniLodge Darwin student accommodation opened in February 2015, offering students a modern and convenient living environment only 800 meters from the gates of Charles Darwin University.
Unilodge has the following features:
- great recreation room with pool tables and table tennis
- large media room with 70inch LED TV and FOXTEL
- outdoor terrace with BBQs
- study rooms on every level
- situated on Darwin's largest shopping precinct, Casuarina Square.
UniLodge Darwin is a purpose built student accommodation building, offering residents a large range of room options at different price points. For more information, please visit UniLodge Darwin or call the UniLodge concierge on (08) 8942 0706.
Shared accommodation
Renting alone or sharing with others can be a great option whilst studying. Charles Darwin University offers a free off-campus accommodation advising service, which can assist you with:
- searching for accommodation
- making an application for accommodation
- organising share accommodation
- understanding your rights and responsibilities during a tenancy period
- ending a tenancy agreement.
When searching for your new home, you can use sites like Gumtree and Flatmates to find a share house arrangement. It is important to always visit a location before you commit to moving in, or pay any money for rent or bond.
Rental accommodation is advertised through StudyStays. You are also welcome to contact local real estate agents for listings of rental properties
The accommodation officer is happy to discuss your accommodation options but is unable to book or arrange accommodation on your behalf. If you require assistance, please contact Accommodation Services via email ataccommodation.assistance@cdu.edu.au or make an appointment by contacting Equity Services on 08 8946 6288. You can also visit Equity Services online for further information.
For rights and responsibilities regarding renting accommodation in the Northern Territory please visit Consumer Affairs.
Finding accommodation in Melbourne
Whilst Charles Darwin University does not have any designated student accommodation available in Melbourne, there are several generic student accommodation options available such as UniLodge Melbourne and Urbanestthat you can apply for.
Renting is also a great option, alone or with friends and family. Melbourne offers a wide range of price points based on locality and property type, so make sure you visit the property before signing a lease or paying any money. Remember to ensure that you are near public transport so you can easily get to university and work.
When searching for your new home, you can use sites like Gumtree and Flatmates to find a share house arrangement.
Rental accommodation is advertised through StudyStays. You are also welcome to contact local real estate agents for listings of rental properties
It is important when renting to be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. If you are ever unsure of your rights, visit Consumer Affairs or contact the CDU Accommodation Officer on 08 8946 6288.
Finding accommodation in Sydney
Charles Darwin University does not offer student accommodation in Sydney, however there are several generic student accommodation options available such as UniLodge, Urbanest and Iglu.
Renting is also a great option, alone or with friends and family. Sydney offers a wide range of price points based on locality and property type, so make sure you visit the property before signing a lease or paying any money. Remember to ensure that you are nearby public transport, and can easily get to university and work.
When searching for your new home, you can use sites like Gumtree and Flatmates to find a share house arrangement.
Rental accommodation is advertised through StudyStays. You are also welcome to contact local real estate agents for listings of rental properties
It is important when renting to be aware of your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. If you are ever unsure of your rights, visit Fair Trading or contact the CDU Accommodation Officer on 08 8946 6288.
Homestay
Homestay offers the experience of living with a local family, and sharing your culture while you learn about your new country. If you are interested in exploring the option of homestay, or wish to find out more, you can visit the Australian Homestay Network.
Scholarships
Currently there are no scholarships available.
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