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:
- Foundation Studies Program is a direct academic pathway to a first-year undergraduate degree at CDU.
- First Year Diploma Programs (Business Studies, 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.
- ELICOS program offers two levels of course: English for Academic Purposes Level 3 (EAP3) and English for Academic Purposes Level 4 (EAP4). English for Academic Purposes prepares international students for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at English for Academic Purposes prepares international students for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Charles Darwin University.
| Program type | 2025 Intakes | Campus | Duration | Articulates to |
| International Foundation Studies Program | TBC | Danala – Education and Community Precinct | 8-9 months (Two semesters) | Most undergraduate degrees |
| Diploma of Business Studies | TBC | Danala – Education and Community Precinct | 8-9 months (Two semesters) | Year 2 of Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Digital Enterprise, Bachelor of Accounting |
| 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 |
| English for Academic Purpose 3 (EAP3) | TBC | Danala – Education and Community Precinct | 10 weeks | • Eligible CDU undergraduate programs requiring an IELTS equivalent of 6.0 overall. • EAP 4 |
| English for Academic Purpose 4 (EAP4) | TBC | Danala – Education and Community Precinct | 10 weeks | • Eligible CDU undergraduate programs requiring an IELTS equivalent of 6.5 overall. • Eligible CDU postgraduate coursework programs requiring an IELTS equivalent to 6.5 overall. |
| 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 |
| 2025 Key Dates for ELICOS program | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester |
| Orientation | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Teaching starts | TBC | TBC | TBC |
| Teaching ends | TBC | TBC | TBC |
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.
