Charles Darwin University
Admission criteria and entry schemes
To be offered a place in a course at Charles Darwin University, applicants need to meet minimum entrance requirements, satisfy the English language requirements and, where quotas apply, be selected based on merit. Admission criteria is specified in each program (course) description, including any additional selection criteria such as interviews.
CDU offers a number of flexible entry options for undergraduate courses. We’ll consider a range of qualifications and experience when you apply; for example, your ATAR, VET or TAFE qualifications, previous work or study experience, or completion of an enabling program.
Some courses have limited places. For these courses, offers for admission will be based on merit. This means that, even though you may meet the minimum admission requirement to study at CDU, your rank may not be competitive enough to receive an offer to that course. If your course has limited places, you may like to contact CDU’s Student Central on 1800 061 963 for specialised advice.
Undergraduate applicants
Australian Year 12 students
If you are a 2022 or 2023 Australian Year 12 student, you will be considered for admission on the basis of your ATAR or equivalent. If you have completed other recognised qualifications (AQF Certificate IV or higher) these may also be assigned a selection rank and considered for admission. Refer to the individual course information pages for any additional selection criteria.
Selection rank adjustments
Selection rank adjustments may allow 2022 and 2023 Year 12 applicants to receive an offer to a program even though they have an ATAR below the published selection rank.
CDU considers equity and Year 12 subject selection when assessing applications for most undergraduate courses.
Contact CDU’s Student Central team on 1800 061 963 or for further information.
Minimum admission requirements
You will meet the minimum admission requirements for most undergraduate courses if you have completed one of the following:
- successful attainment of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60.00 after any applicable ATAR adjustments have been applied
- successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate IV level or higher
- successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma
- overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications
- attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 135 (or a score of 145 if prior to May 2010)
- successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success course, or other recognised tertiary preparation course
- submission of an acceptable employment experience.
Some courses may be competitive and have a limited number of places. This means that while the minimum ATAR to apply is 60.00, these courses may cut off at a higher rank. Check the individual course descriptions to find the ATAR requirements for your chosen course. If the course you have chosen has additional entry requirements, you will be contacted by our Admissions team.
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Advanced standing is available for students who have undertaken higher education awards at Charles Darwin University or other universities, or who have successfully completed certain VET or TAFE courses.
If you have successfully completed a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher, you can be considered for admission into most CDU undergraduate courses
Note: There are some courses at Charles Darwin University that do not admit applicants solely on the basis of a VET qualification. Refer to the 91ÌÒÉ« course entry for more information.
Minimum ATAR requirements
CDU does not have a restriction on the age of your ATAR or equivalent. The minimum entry for most courses is an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60.00 after any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Prospective students who do not have the necessary qualifications, or whose qualifications are not competitive enough, may consider sitting an admissions test, or providing details of their work experience, to gain entry to their chosen course.
If you are considering this pathway you will normally be required to sit the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
If you are eligible and competitive enough to apply with another qualification you do not need to sit the STAT.
Bridging and enabling course entry
For applicants who don’t meet course entry requirements or wish to develop their academic skills prior to undergraduate study, we offer free enabling courses; the Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) or Preparation for Tertiary Success (PTS) for Indigenous students.
With TEP or PTS, you’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence you’ll need to succeed at university.
You can complete the programs online or on campus in as little as 16 weeks, and you’ll then meet the requirements to apply for entry to most CDU undergraduate degrees. CDU also accepts similar bridging programs offered at universities around Australia.
English language proficiency
All applicants are required to demonstrate the minimum English language proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. These entry requirements will generally be met by undertaking previous education in an English speaking country or obtaining a minimum International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score.
If you are required to provide documentary evidence for entry to your chosen course, you will be prompted to do so in your application.
Our dedicated team provides high-level admissions and academic support to First Nations students, as well as pastoral care, advocacy and referrals to mainstream CDU support services.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who don’t meet minimum entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees are encouraged to consider an enabling program, such as our Preparation for Tertiary Success or Tertiary Enabling Program.
Postgraduate applicants
The admission requirements for postgraduate courses vary depending on the course. Read the course descriptions in the course search carefully when applying.