Study with us

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is one of Australia’s most multicultural universities, with students from more than 60 nationalities.

If you aspire to enter a university program and study in Australia, our International College provides a pathway to study.

Our courses prepare you to undertake undergraduate and postgraduate programs at CDU.

At the CDU International College, we offer pathways designed to ensure you get the most out of your studies. Specialised language development, a well-rounded curriculum and smaller class sizes provide the support necessary to meet your goals and prepare for the real world.

2025 courses at the CDU International College

These innovative pathway programs are designed to equip you with knowledge, skills and confidence for study and life, and provide guaranteed entry to Charles Darwin University undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Programs are available in four categories:
  • First Year Diploma Programs (Information Technology) are two-semester courses that function as an alternative first year of an undergraduate degree at CDU.
  • Accelerated – International Masters Qualifying Program develops advanced knowledge and skills in academic writing, research, critical thinking and intercultural communication to successfully undertake postgraduate study at CDU.
Successful completion of each program is subject to students meeting necessary progression requirements. Further details about each program are available on their course listing page, or in the prospectus, downloadable below.
Program type 2025 Intakes Campus Duration Articulates to
Diploma of Information Technology March, July, November Danala – Education and Community Precinct 8-9 months (Two semesters) Year 2 of Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Information Technology,
Accelerated International Masters Qualifying Program (MQP)* March, July, November Danala – Education and Community Precinct 4-5 months (One semester) Most postgraduate programs
Want to learn more about CDU International College?
2025 Key Dates   Semester 1  Semester 2  Summer Semester 
Orientation
Teaching starts Monday, 03 March Monday, 21 July Monday, 17 November
Teaching ends Friday, 30 May Friday, 17 October Friday, 06 February 2026

Programs at the CDU International  College are delivered by UP Education, an education provider that partners with leading universities in Australia and New Zealand to provide learning pathways for international students, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence to excel at English-language universities.

The collaboration between the Charles Darwin University and UP Education will provide you with the foundation to be successful in our comprehensive range of world-class offerings. UP Education is internationally known for its specialist language courses and university entrance qualifications, with over 14,000 students across 50 campuses in New Zealand and Australia.

Scholarships

Pathway scholarships

Scholarships of up to 30% tuition fee are available for pathway programs.

No application is required as applicants are automatically assessed after submitting their application to a course within the CDU International College. The scholarships are for all pathway applicants from all regions.

STUDY IN DARWIN

Shape your future in a dynamic city

Darwin is a unique tropical city in northern Australia famous for its multiculturalism, spectacular natural scenery, markets, Indigenous culture, and fascinating history. 

CDU is particularly proud of its unique character that stems from its location in the Northern Territory and close interaction with Aboriginal culture and the peoples of Southeast Asia.

LIFE ON CAMPUS

Darwin - Danala Education and Community Precinct

Located in Darwin’s central business district on Larrakia country, in the heart of the Darwin CBD. 

Students will benefit from state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to enhance the learning experience. Students will have access to employment and work-integrated learning opportunities in the heart of the Darwin CBD.