Home › Colleges › Australia › Charles Darwin University
70%
Acceptance rate
~$20k
Tuition / yr
6
IELTS required
28%
Intl students
2003
Founded
#584
QS World rank
Most diverse Australian university; affordable fees; practical focus; growing reputation. This guide covers Charles Darwin University's courses, fees, English & academic requirements, scholarships, the step-by-step admission process, student-visa and post-study-work rules, and tips to get in — everything in one place.
▶ Predict my admission chances (free)📚 Courses & programs at Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University is best known for Nursing & Health, Engineering, Trades & Vocational, Education. Popular programs for international students include:
- Engineering
- Health Sciences
- Business
- Education
- Nursing
- IT
- Trades
Class profile: 8,353 students; 2,319 international from 90+ countries; diverse enrollment.
✅ Entry requirements
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| PTE Academic | 58 |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 |
| GRE | Not required |
| GMAT (MBA) | Not required |
| Min GPA / grade | Credit average |
| Work experience | N/A |
💡
Below the English score? Don't pay to find out — take a free full-length IELTS mock (or PTE / TOEFL) and see your gap instantly. Full breakdown: IELTS score for Charles Darwin University.
💰 Fees & cost of studying
| Tuition (international) | ~$20k/yr (AUD $18.52k-34k range) |
| Application fee | $0 |
| Living costs (est.) | AUD 21,000/yr (visa requirement) |
| Scholarships | Various scholarships available |
Plan your budget for tuition + living + health insurance + the visa fee. Compare funding with the free scholarship finder.
📝 Step-by-step admission process
- Choose Feb or Jul intake
- Meet IELTS 6.5; prepare SOP, CV, transcripts
- Apply via portal or agent (rolling)
- Receive offer → accept & pay deposit
- Get CoE (Confirmation of Enrolment)
- Apply for Subclass 500 student visa
📄 Documents checklist
- Transcripts
- Statement of Purpose
- CV
- IELTS / TOEFL / PTE
- Passport
- Financial proof
- GTE statement
- CoE
🛂 Student visa & post-study work · Australia
- Student visa: Student visa (Subclass 500)
- Work while studying: 48 hrs/fortnight during term
- Post-study work: Temporary Graduate visa (485): 2–4 years
🎯 Tips & tricks to get admission
- Clear the requirements comfortably. Meet IELTS 6+ and the GPA cleanly, then differentiate with a focused SOP and 1–2 strong recommendation letters.
- Write a tailored SOP. Name the exact program and 1–2 professors/labs at Charles Darwin University and connect your background to them — generic essays are the #1 reason strong profiles get rejected.
- Hit the English score first. Charles Darwin University needs IELTS 6 / TOEFL 79 / PTE 58. Take a free full-length mock to find your weakest section before you book the real test.
- Prepare finances early. Budget for tuition (~$20k/yr (AUD $18.52k-34k range)) plus living costs (AUD 21,000/yr (visa requirement)); visa officers want clear, stable proof of funds.
- Apply in the right intake. Charles Darwin University's main intakes are February & July — applying 4–6 months ahead keeps scholarships and on-campus housing open.
📅 Intakes & deadlines
| Intakes | February, July |
| Typical deadline | Rolling |
| Acceptance rate | 70% (moderately selective) |
All figures are indicative and change year to year — always confirm on the official site (www.cdu.edu.au) before applying.
Frequently asked questions
- What IELTS score do I need for Charles Darwin University?
- Charles Darwin University typically requires IELTS 6 (TOEFL 79, PTE 58). GRE: Not required.
- How much does Charles Darwin University cost?
- International tuition is approximately ~$20k/yr (AUD $18.52k-34k range), plus living costs of AUD 21,000/yr (visa requirement). Application fee: $0.
- What is the acceptance rate at Charles Darwin University?
- Charles Darwin University has an indicative acceptance rate of about 70% (8,353 students; 2,319 international from 90+ countries; diverse enrollment).
- What are the intakes and deadlines at Charles Darwin University?
- Intakes: February, July. Typical deadline: Rolling.
- Is Charles Darwin University hard to get into?
- Charles Darwin University is moderately selective, with an indicative acceptance rate of about 70%. A complete application that clearly meets the requirements has a strong chance.
- Does Charles Darwin University require GRE or GMAT?
- GRE: Not required. GMAT (for MBA): Not required. Always confirm the exact policy for your specific program on the official site.
- Can I work after studying at Charles Darwin University?
- Temporary Graduate visa (485): 2–4 years (Australia). You can typically also work part-time while studying: 48 hrs/fortnight during term.
- What documents do I need to apply to Charles Darwin University?
- Typically: Transcripts, Statement of Purpose, CV, IELTS / TOEFL / PTE, Passport, Financial proof, GTE statement, CoE. Check program-specific requirements before applying.