Mature Study

Charles Darwin University is Australia's newest university that not only spans the Northern territory but also offers education experiences in a range of climatic zones from the wet tropics to the desert. Diversity and multiculturalism are the hallmarks of the university which is reflected in the range of courses that it offers. It is one of the few dual sector institutions where students can study either Higher Education or Vocational Education and Training. This means that a student can begin their studies at Certificate or undergraduate level and progress through to graduating with a Doctorate. The university has campuses located at Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Alice Springs, central Jabiru, Nhulunbuy and Tennant Creek.

To be eligible to attend Charles Darwin University (CDU) applicants must meet at least one of the minimum admission requirements and be selected for enrolment in competition with other applicants.  Program intakes are determined by the number of places available and the number of eligible applicants seeking entry to those programs.  In addition to the minimum admission requirements some courses take into account other criteria such as an audition or portfolio.

In most cases you do not need to apply for a place in a VET course at CDU. However you should contact the course coordinator of the course you want to study before enrolling. For further detail check the following information about applying/enrolling for a VET course

CDU has a special entry scheme as a means of entry into most undergraduate courses. The aim of this scheme is to provide applicants who do not meet the normal entry requirements or whose qualifications are not competitive enough to gain entry into a tertiary course.  To be eligible for this quota applicants must be 19 years or over and not hold a completed higher education level award. Examples of the selection criteria used for ranking applicants in this category include:

• performance in the Special tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) - compulsory
• assessment of a personal competencies statement provided by the applicant 
• evidence of employment experience 
• other criteria such as performance in an audition or portfolio of work
  

If you wish to be considered for the special entry subquota you must fill out the UniWeb online application form. This form will provide you with instructions on how to  sit the STAT test, fill out a personal competencies statement and have your employment experience considered.
 

CDU offers a broad range of courses and study options for students in the higher education (HE) and vocational education and training (VET) sectors. CDU also offers a range of short courses to further your personal and professional development. These courses can range from a few hours to several days in length and are run on weekdays, at weekends and in the evenings. Enrolment is open to anyone over the age of 16 and no special qualifications are necessary for entry.  Enquiries relating to customised corporate training and general enquiries should be directed to the Business Development Unit on 08 8946 7757.

Refer to Worksheet 2 - Finding a course that is right for you (worksheet 2 as text 27KB or worksheet 2 as PDF 85 KB) and Worksheet 4 - Understanding your study requirements (worksheet 4 as text 63KB or worksheet 4 as PDF 94KB) to assist you identify the impact of your disability on tertiary study.

The Student Facilitator (Disabilities) coordinates services for students with disabilities studying at CDU. This person is the first point of call for students with disabilities studying at the university. Examples of the services provided by the Student Facilitator (Disabilities) include:

• assessment and organisation of reasonable adjustments
• advice on and use of assistive technological equipment
• alternative examination arrangements
• tutors, note takers, interpreters 
• referral to other services or agencies
• other support and advice as needed
  

For further information on the services provided to students with disabilities contact the Student Facilitator (Disabilities) on (08) 8646 6288.

The following equity scholarships are available to students studying at Charles Darwin University:

• Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship (CECS) 
• Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship (CAS)
  

These scholarships are offered by the Department of Education Science and Training (DEST) to increase access to tertiary education for students from low socio economic backgrounds, particularly Indigenous students and students from rural and regional areas. Applications for these scholarships are processed by the university and forms can be downloaded from the CDU website. For further information contact the Scholarships Office on (08) 8946 6194.

Scholarships at CDU are grouped into three main categories:

• Entry level scholarships
• Enrolled Student Scholarships
• Commonwealth Learning Scholarships
  

Information and application forms can be downloaded from the scholarships homepage or by contacting the Scholarships Office on (08) 8946 6194.

If you need financial assistance you may be eligible for a student loan from Charles Darwin University. The Student Loan Scheme provides short term and emergency loans for study related purposes or basic needs. The scheme is only open to students who have financial needs which they cannot meet from any other source. Applicants must provide a guarantor for loans over $50.00. Further information can be obtained from Support and Equity Services on (08) 8946 6288.

Refer to Worksheet 6 - Financial planning (worksheet 6 as text 27 KB or worksheet 6 as PDF 79KB) to assist you budget for tertiary education.