Thinking about studying at Charles Darwin University? You’re in the right place! Let’s walk through rankings, fees, admissions, scholarships and more—in a way that Indian students actually care about.
Why Choose CDU?
Global & National Rankings
CDU is making impressive moves globally. It climbed to #584 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, up from a 621–630 last year (which is ahead of most Australian peers) More impressively, it ranks top-20 in Australia for international student diversity—which says a lot about how welcome you’ll feel. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Graduate Outcomes & Employability
Here’s where CDU truly shines. The Good Universities Guide 2025 ranks CDU **8th** in Australia for full-time undergraduate employment, with 81% of grads landing jobs within 4 months—6.5% higher than the national average and earning about 5.6% more.
QILT reports even higher: undergraduate employment is 85.9%, postgraduates 86.1%. Employer satisfaction? A solid 86%.
Professor Scott Bowman puts it simply: “We’re a university on the rise.”
Fees & Scholarships
Tuition Costs for Indian Students
Exact fees vary by program, but expect a competitive range compared to Group of Eight universities. CDU’s strong employment outcomes offer a great return on investment.
Scholarship Options
- CDU Global Merit Scholarship – Fee waivers for top international performers.
- CDU Bachelor of Nursing Scholarship – Reduced tuition for nursing undergrads.
- Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarship – Academic excellence rewarded.
All help make international study more affordable.
Admissions & Intakes
IELTS & Visa Basics
CDU typically requires a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no band below 6.0), though exact details depend on the course. Visa approval rates are favorable—Yocket reports around 59%, one of the highest in the country.
Application Tips & Timelines
- Check intake dates—most are Feb, July, and Nov.
- Prepare transcripts, personal statement, and English test.
- Optional: attend virtual info sessions for insights on life at Darwin.
Life at CDU
Campuses & Study Flexibility
CDU is unique—its main campus is Darwin, geographically closer to Asia than to Sydney. It offers flexible learning, including online and regional campuses.
Research & Industry Links
Being part of the Innovative Research Universities (IRU), CDU delivers impact-led research in areas like Indigenous health, environment and cybersecurity.
Plus, 19 CDU academics made Stanford’s Top 2% list of scientists—especially strong in health, IT and ecology.
Frequently Asked questions:
1. What is Charles Darwin University’s global ranking?
Charles Darwin University (CDU) ranks #584 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, making it one of Australia’s top emerging universities for quality education and research.
2. How much are the tuition fees at Charles Darwin University for Indian students?
CDU’s tuition fees for international students vary by course. On average, undergraduate programs start from around AUD 28,000 per year and postgraduate programs from AUD 32,000 per year.
3. What are the IELTS requirements for Charles Darwin University?
Most CDU courses require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no band less than 6.0. Some professional programs like Nursing or Education may require higher scores.
4. What is the visa success rate for Charles Darwin University applicants?
According to recent data, CDU has one of the highest student visa approval rates in Australia, with success rates around 59% for Indian applicants, depending on individual profiles.
5. What scholarships are available at Charles Darwin University?
Popular scholarships for international students include the CDU Global Merit Scholarship, Bachelor of Nursing Scholarship, and the Vice-Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarship—all offering partial tuition fee waivers.
6. When are the intakes for international students at Charles Darwin University?
Charles Darwin University offers major intakes in February, July, and November, giving students flexibility to start their studies at different times of the year.
Conclusion & Next Steps
In short, Charles Darwin University offers excellent job outcomes, rising global rankings, impactful research, and a welcoming student environment—all at a competitive cost. If you’re an Indian student seeking a globally-connected, impactful Australian overseas education, CDU deserves serious consideration.
Ready to explore your options? Book a free counselling session now!