Top three FAQs from future uni students

Wondering how much you need to fork out to get a degree? Or want to know whether you can do your degree online so you don’t have to put your career on hold while you study? Or maybe you’re stumped on the eligibility requirements for your dream course.

Finding out all the answers to your questions about studying at university can seem a little daunting, but don’t let that stand in the way of achieving your goals. Check out the answers to the top three questions we’re asked by prospective students, like you, below.

How much does a degree cost?

Want to study, but think you can’t afford it? You needn’t feel like this because there are plenty of options to manage your uni expenses, so let’s crunch the numbers.

Course fees are the largest expense when studying: a course is broken down into individual units that each have an associated fee. A typical three-year degree normally consists of 24 units; units cost between $800 and $1300 (AUD) for Commonwealth supported students (where the Australian Government subsidises your tuition fees) and $2,200 and $3,100 for full fee-paying students. Your fees are calculated by semester based on the number of units you enrol in.

Check out the fees and payment page for a run-down of how much your units cost and information on Student Services & Amenities Fees.

There are a few different options for managing this expense: 

1. Pay your fees in full each semester and you might be able to claim it at tax time.
2. Defer fee payment through the government HECS-HELP loan scheme. Visit the Australian Government’s StudyAssist website for more information. For postgraduate students FEE-HELP is available.
3. Check if your employer offers educational or professional development reimbursement schemes.  
4. Apply for a scholarship. Scholarships are not only awarded on account of academic merit; there are many other categories that you may be eligible to apply for.

 

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Do I have to study on campus or are online options available?

We absolutely get that you’re probably going to need to balance study with your other commitments, like work, friends and family, so that’s why we offer more than 100 courses online. Studying online as an external student at CDU allows you to learn at your own pace, so you can study where and when it suits you.

You can also take advantage of other flexible learning options to suit your lifestyle, with the majority of our degrees offered part-time. We also offer a Summer Semester, so you can spread your study load across three semesters, which means you can shorten the time it takes to complete your degree. Here are some other clever ways to complete your degree sooner.

Nursing and Midwifery students may study online, they still have clinical placement and teaching blocks that must be attended in person. As do  Education students, information can be found online here. Your chosen course will have more information in the Study Plan tab as to whether or not placements are required. 

Not sure if you should study online or on campus? Here are five questions to ask yourself to help make up your mind. Alternatively, many courses are available for mixed-mode study, which means you can get the best of both worlds

 

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Am I eligible to study at Uni?

This is a great question! CDU’s admission requirements depend on the level of study you want to undertake, whether it’s a Vocational Education and Training course, or an undergrad or postgrad degree.

If you are looking at studying an undergrad degree with CDU, there are several ways to meet the admission requirements:

1. An Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60 after any applicable adjustments have been applied.
2. Successful completion of a national vocational education and training qualification at Certificate IV level or higher. It’s important to note that some courses may require a minimum of a Diploma.
3. Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
4. Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
5. Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 135 (or a score of 145 if prior to May 2010).
6. Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program or Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or another recognised tertiary preparation course.
7. Some courses also recognise qualifications from the school of life, so you may be eligible to apply on the basis of your work and life experience. Your chosen course will have more information: http://www.cdu.edu.au/study

Some courses are more competitive than others, and while you may meet the minimum entry, admission to some courses may vary to the above points. Please check the information page of your chosen course to check the requirements.

 

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Contact us!

We are here to fully support you through the application process. If you're interested in studying with Charles Darwin University, but need a hand selecting the right degree, completing your application, or just have questions about studying, we're here to help. Get in touch by:

1. Booking a callback appointment so we can answer your questions at a time that suits you
2. Calling us on 1300 243 095
3. Emailing us with your enquiry at study@cdu.edu.au.