History of CDU
Charles Darwin University (CDU) was founded in 2003 after merging the Northern Territory University (including the Centralian College of Alice Springs, Katherine Rural College, and the University College of NT) and the Menzies School of Health Research.
Pioneer Northern Territory higher education institutes preceding these include Darwin Community College opened in 1974, the Centralian College of Alice Springs opened in 1979 and the Darwin Institute of Technology opened in 1985.
No other single Australian university serves such a large area of the continent, in such a remote location and with such a small population to sustain it.
Celebrating a milestone
In 2014, the University celebrated 25 years of Higher Education in the Northern Territory. Hear from the people who campaigned for tertiary education in the NT.
Charles Darwin University is a truly unique institution.
With our home and our heart in the Northern Territory, we embrace the inclusive, resilient, and courageous spirit of the NT in our campuses and delivery sites that reach a diverse footprint from the capital cities of Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney to the regional hubs of Alice Springs, Palmerston and Katherine and our remote locations in Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and on Country – in community, with the community.
Our multi-campus, dual-sector status, virtual and online expertise, course profile, research activities, delivery methods, and operation result from our commitment to the regions in which we operate.
The Northern Territory spans approximately one-sixth of Australia’s landmass and yet is home to just one per cent of the population, of whom 30 per cent are First Nations Peoples.
Due to our location, we are in an enviable position to contribute to the future opportunity of Northern Australia, and our neighbours in the Asia Pacific, through our innovative and impactful training, education, and research.
The University now has the new Strategic Plan in place, which will guide the development of our university over the next five years. It gives us a very clear road map to building a bigger, better and stronger university, valuing and empowering our people to make a difference.
CDU believes in the transformative power of training, education and research to change people’s lives for the better. We have a collective responsibility to make sure that our training, education and research are not only high quality and delivered by outstanding educators and researchers but are accessible and meaningful. What we do matters to our communities.
We are a deeply connected university, working in partnership and collaboration with First Nations peoples, our communities and industries, government, and alumni to address the needs of the Northern Territory and regional, rural, and remote people nationally and globally.
We are committed to making significant contributions to the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the NT and Northern Australia and to export our expertise nationally and globally.
Why choose CDU?
Top ranked university for employment outcomes
CDU is ranked the number two university for postgraduate outcomes and number four for undergraduate outcomes in Australia.*
Work-integrated learning
Many CDU postgraduate courses include professional placements where students can gain practical skills and develop competency and knowledge within their field.
Excellent Return on Investment (ROI)
High employment and graduate salary outcomes mean that students who choose to study at CDU have an excellent ROI.
Supportive
You will receive dedicated support from academic staff and personal support staff, who will work with you throughout your studies to ensure your success.
We lead the return of international students
CDU was the first university to welcome a flight of international students back to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are leaders in research
82% of research at CDU is at world standard.**
Convenient
We have multiple campuses through the main areas of Darwin and surrounds, Alices Springs and Sydney Central Business District.
*Good Universities Guide 2023.
**ERA Research Excellence Ranking 2018.
We continue to build on our successes to deliver world class education.
CDU is a top 100 university in the Asia Pacific
CDU ranked 91st in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia-Pacific University Ranking 2019. The Ranking features 35 Australian universities, with CDU placing 29th among them. The Ranking analysed more than 300 universities across 13 nations in East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania.
CDU is a five-star university for undergraduate full-time employment outcomes
The Good Universities Guide 2024 ranks CDU as the number seven university in Australia for full-time employment for undergraduate students and seventh for undergraduate starting salaries in Australia.
By study area, CDU is ranked top five in Australia for undergraduate employment outcomes in engineering, humanities and social sciences, law and paralegal studies, psychology and social work. CDU’s undergraduate students enjoy a median starting salary of $61,400 and a full-time employment rate of 79%. The Good Universities Guide ratings provide independent five-star performance ratings for all universities in Australia. These are based on student-relevant criteria such as graduate salaries, teaching quality, learning resources, graduate employment rates and much more.
CDU is the #2 Australian university for postgraduate full-time employment outcomes
The Good Universities Guide 2024 has ranked CDU as the number two Australian university for full-time employment for postgraduate students. CDU postgraduate students enjoy a full-time employment rate of 93% and a median graduate salary of $68,400.The Good Universities Guide ratings provide independent five-star performance ratings for all universities in Australia. These are based on student-relevant criteria such as graduate salaries, teaching quality, learning resources, graduate employment rates and much more.
CDU is the #5 Australian university for first-in-family study
Good Universities Guide 2024 has ranked CDU the number five university in Australia for providing first-generation university study opportunities. This measures CDU’s proportion of domestic students who are the first in their family to undertake undergraduate-level study.
The Good Universities Guide ratings provide independent five-star performance ratings for all universities in Australia. These are based on student-relevant criteria.
