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Why Study in Darwin?

Darwin is a vibrant, multi-cultural city, home to nearly 140,000 people hailing from close to 60 countries. With plenty of cultural, sporting, entertainment, accommodation and travel opportunities, Darwin also boasts one of the highest employment rates in Australia, making it ideal for students to find a job.

In fact, the Northern Territory is the fastest growing economy in Australia due to our rich natural and mineral resources, agriculture and tourism. There is a constant high demand for skilled and qualified workers in business, engineering, IT, tourism and hospitality, health, education, communications and the public services sector.

Darwin offers a different life from other big cities – it is where Australia’s urban meets the Outback. And if you love nature, Darwin is an amazing place to live in. Home to one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations, Kakadu National Park is a 20,000 sq. km. jungle, home to crocodiles, kangaroos, wallabies, parrots and snakes.

Darwin features a tropical climate, with a wet and dry season. Weather is normally very predictable, with temperatures averaging around 30C all year round.

Darwin can be an especially attractive proposition for students from South East Asia, as it is only a short flight back home, with affordable travel fares.

Employment and Career Opportunities

Charles Darwin University graduates have the best career and employment prospects. Some choose to return home, confident that their CDU degree has prepared them for their future careers. Some choose to pursue their careers in the Northern Territory. They can take advantage of the unique relationship between CDU and the NT Government to develop their career and for migration sponsorship.

Graduates with good English language skills quickly find employment in their area of professional training. CDU graudates have the best chance for a Skilled Graduate working Visa; if they are good employees, their employer may sponsor them for permanent residency.

Migrant Opportunities

Graduates with at least two years of study at CDU, are eligible for NT Government migration sponsorship.

Flexibility for International Students

CDU has more than 680 international students from 55 countries, making it one of the most diverse universities in Australia. With more than 75 nationally recognised and accredited programs for international students, several of our Masters and Bachelor programs have industry internships that give students the experience to develop work ready skills in their professions, working with local employers.

Our Navitas English College teaches English language courses to prepare students for admission to degree programs, and Essington International Senior College teaches Senior High School on campus, with pathways into CDU degrees.

Our international students ranked CDU 1st in Australia for Learning Experience, and Living Experience; 2nd for Arrival Experience and 4th for Support in the 2010 global International Student Barometer survey. 29 Australian universities participated in the ISB.

To start studying at CDU, students will require a student visa, issued by the Department for Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). The student visa also enables students to work part time, and provides access to subsidised student health cover in Australia and the opportunity to study in Australia for longer than originally intended.

For details on how to apply, and what documents are required, please get in touch with your local Australian Government Office.

Renowned for Research

CDU is renowned for its research expertise and leadership in tropical and desert knowledge of the Australian and Asia-Pacific regions. Annual research income is AUD$26 million. Research is interdisciplinary and applied in environment, health, education, engineering, information technology, renewable energy, social and economic policy and indigenous knowledge through our major research institutes, including Menzies School of Health Research, The Northern Institute and The Centre for Renewable Energy and Low Emission Technology (in partnership with the NT Government).

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