Territory benefiting from five-star university graduates

Despite nearly one in five Charles Darwin University students being from a low socio-economic background, CDU has been awarded five stars for Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary by The Good Universities Guide.

Analysis from The Good Universities Guide 2018, produced by Good Education Group, shows these strong graduate outcomes are also echoed at a field of study level, with the university best in the country for Full-Time Employment across three fields — humanities, culture and social sciences, science and mathematics, and social work. Charles Darwin University was also best in the country for Starting Salary in teacher education.

Charles Darwin University’s strategic priorities include offering courses that address shortages in key skill areas relevant to northern Australia’s Indigenous communities. To support this goal, CDU’s Away From Base program is designed to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students offset the cost of travel, accommodation and meals by offering financial support to those enrolled in mixed-mode or external courses.

“The social challenges facing the Northern Territory are well-documented and it’s vital that CDU produces alumni eager to make a difference in the Top End,” said Good Education Group CEO Chris Lester.

Recent graduates helping to strengthen the local economy include Kiera Dawson who completed her Bachelor of Laws in 2016 and was recently admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.

Marley Mitchell graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in 2014 before obtaining a role at mining contractor Brierty in Darwin, often speaking at Gurinbey — one of Charles Darwin University’s Academic Support Centres.

The Good Universities Guide is produced by Good Education Group and is available online and via selected newsagents. For more information visit www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au.