CDU International College set for first students

Charles Darwin University is intensifying its work to grow international student numbers with the launch of an international pathway college in Darwin. 

The CDU International College, which is located in the university’s Darwin Waterfront campus, opens its doors in early March to the first intake of international students who aspire to enter university programs.  
 
The courses, including CDU’s Foundation, First Year Diplomas, Masters Preparation Program and Masters Qualifying Programs, will prepare international students to undertake undergraduate and postgraduate programs at CDU. 
 
The courses will be delivered by CDU’s partner and top three International Pathway Provider, UP Education, which has been providing pathway learning for more than 20 years in Australia and New Zealand. 
 
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Maddocks said that growing international student numbers was one of the university’s highest priorities. 
 
“I have been very clear that prospects for the university’s future growth rest in the short-to-medium term with the international student market and our landmark partnership with UP Education is a critical part of this plan,” Professor Maddocks said. 
 
“It is the first time that CDU has offered university pathway programs and we are looking forward to welcoming the first of many students in March.” 
 
Professor Maddocks said CDU was well placed to attract more international students. 
 
“CDU is geographically closer than any other Australian university to key international student markets. Our graduate employment performance, our rising-star global tertiary education status, and our inclusive culture make it a highly desirable choice for international students,” he said. 
 
UP Education CEO of University Partnerships, Ms Marnie Watson said she was impressed with CDU’s dedication to increasing its international student body, commitment to cultural diversity and innovative approach to education, and UP Education was pleased to be selected as the university’s trusted academic partner.  

“We have extensive experience in the provision of pathway courses, educating more than 1000 pathways students from around the world each year across Australia and New Zealand. I firmly believe we can be a transformative partner – delivering international students who will be motivated by the university’s outstanding graduate employment performance and reputation in the delivery of tertiary education globally,” Ms Watson said.  
 
With three new university partnerships added to its portfolio in the past 12 months including CDU, UP Education ranks as a top three International Pathway Provider in the Australasian market with six partnerships in the region (Swinburne, University of Tasmania, Charles Darwin University, University of Auckland, Auckland University of Technology, and Victoria University of Wellington).  

CDU has been identified by Times Higher Education as one of an elite global group of “rising stars” – a new generation of challenger universities quickly rising in world rankings.  
 
The university also came out joint top in a ranking of the highest graduate salaries in the country. CDU graduates recorded a median salary of $65,200 in the latest Good Universities Guide.