Facilities & Overview
Charles Darwin University, located in the capital city of Darwin, is a comprehensive teaching and research intensive university and the only university in the Northern Territory of Australia. This is a unique and authentic part of Australia; a vast region of one of the oldest landscapes on the planet and among the most culturally and biologically diverse. It enjoys close proximity to our Southeast Asian neighbouring countries.
This unique region profoundly influences the teaching and research activities of the University and the learning experiences of our students.
CDU is ranked #5 in Australia for research quality by the Spain based SCImago world report on research active universities in 2009 and among the top 300 worldwide. CDU is a member of the Australian Innovative Research Universities, committed to excellence in research, teaching and training and in 2009, rated 4 stars for research intensiveness by the Good Universities Guide.
CDU is a youthful and friendly place to study that promises you a different educational experience. Our unique low student to staff ratio provides a personalised and supportive teaching and learning environment. We have over 75 courses on offer for international students.
Our international students from more than 50 different countries enrich campus life.
Our graduates have better than average career and employment prospects and our unique relationship with the Government of the NT offers opportunities for migration sponsorship for students who want it.
Also, CDU students can assess public transportation for FREE.
CDU is one of the few dual sector universities in Australia that deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education. This means that you can choose a course to suit your education needs, with pathways leading into bachelor degrees. Our teachers are well qualified and our range of courses prepares our students for the competitive global market.
Location & Facilities
Casuarina campus
Charles Darwin University's campuses and education centres are located across the Northern Territory. The main campus for International Students is the Casuarina Campus. It is located in the northern suburbs of Darwin, and is about 12 km from the city centre.
It is set in 56 hectares of parkland, near an unspoilt beach and on a major bus route.
The campus has excellent facilities including:
- An extensive library with state of the art learning precinct
- Modern research facilities
- On-campus accommodation
- Childcare
- Several cafes
- Post Office
- Bookshop
- Ovals
- Bars
- Gym
- Basketball court
Palmerston campus
Charles Darwin University's Palmerston campus also offers limited courses for international students, mainly the hospitality programs. It is a friendly, warm and welcoming place for students, staff and visitors. The campus is people-oriented and seeks to engage further with the dynamic and growing community of Palmerston and surrounding regional area to help contribute to its growth and development for future generations.
Palmerston campus is set in tropical bush land within walking distance of Palmerston city centre. Its man-made lake is a lure for bird life and contributes to the relaxed atmosphere of the university grounds.
Palmerston campus has modern facilities that enhance the learning environment for students and provide a pleasant environment for visitors who use the facilities available. A state-of-the-art library, with an after-hours study area for students to use, accessible from 7am to12am daily, is situated on campus.
The campus is home to a number of VET business units, and its highly acclaimed teaching team consists of executive chefs, award-winning bakers, environmental scientists, as well as experts in conservation and land management, retail, beauty therapy, hairdressing and tourism and hospitality.
The campus currently houses the VET areas of Tourism; Hospitality & Recreation;Conservation and Land Management; Sales and Personal Services; Commercial, Cookery and Bakery; and courses from Business; Information Technology; and Library Studies.
Palmerston hosts several training facilities that are open to the public including the Karawa training restaurant for tourism and hospitality students, where you can enjoy a three-course meal; the Hairdressing Salon; and the Beauty Salon. There is a virtual enterprise Top End Travel, where students learn toursim and business operations.