About Charles Darwin University
Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a public university in Australia's Northern Territory, named after the naturalist Charles Darwin. It was created in 2003 by a merger and began operating on 1 January 2004; its oldest predecessor, Darwin Community College, dates from 1974.
CDU is a dual-sector university, which means it offers both university degrees and vocational (TAFE) training. It is known for health, environmental science, engineering, IT and education, and for research on tropical and Indigenous issues.
- Founded
- 2004 (roots from 1974)
- Type
- Public
- Students
- 22,000+ (2023)
- Main campus
- Casuarina, Darwin
- Other campuses
- Darwin city, Alice Springs, Sydney and more
All courses at Charles Darwin University (120)
Undergraduate (60)
Postgraduate (60)
Rankings & recognition
CDU is ranked 584 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, up from 621–630 the year before, and 401–500 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
Location: Darwin, Australia
Darwin, Australia
The main campus is at Casuarina in Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, and the new Danala campus is in Darwin city centre. CDU also has campuses in Palmerston, Katherine, Alice Springs and Nhulunbuy, and a campus in Sydney.
Darwin is a small, multicultural tropical city with a warm climate all year. Living costs are lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, and studying in a regional area can give international graduates extra post-study work options under Australian rules.
For international students
CDU welcomes international students, including students from Pakistan, at its Darwin and Sydney campuses. Courses usually start in February/March and July. You will need your academic documents and an English test such as IELTS, PTE or TOEFL; the score depends on the course.
CDU offers scholarships for international students on many courses. Contact us to check what you qualify for.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Charles Darwin University?
The main campus is in Casuarina, Darwin, in the Northern Territory of Australia. CDU also has a campus in Sydney.
What is the QS ranking of CDU?
CDU is ranked 584 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Is Darwin a regional area for students?
Yes. Darwin is classed as a regional area, which can give longer post-study work rights. Rules can change, so check the latest Australian visa information before you apply.
Can I apply to CDU from Pakistan?
Yes. Send us your documents on WhatsApp and we will help you choose a course and apply.
Sources: cdu.edu.au, cdu.edu.au, en.wikipedia.org