CDU attracting international students for city campus by 2024

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is undertaking the massive task to attract more international students to fill its city campus due for completion in 2024, as construction progresses.

With the construction of the campus continuing to ramp up over the coming months, CDU’s focus will be on attracting international students to grow its student cohort in the Territory who’ll be able to study from the new campus and live and work in Darwin.

International students generated $145 million for the NT’s economy in 2019 alone and supported more than 600 jobs.

Newly arrived international students contribute more than $40,000 each to the local economy in the Territory every year, with CDU keen to ensure those students choose the Territory as their destination of choice.

As a result, CDU has visited India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia and East Timor this year alone in a bid to promote studying at CDU to students.

Darwin residents will see the city’s Community and Education Precinct taking shape as construction progresses on the new city campus for CDU, with the building rising from the ground, as concrete forms, and structure work progress to level two.

There are more than 80 workers on-site, employing local people in Darwin from construction and sub-contractor businesses. Staff numbers are expected to ramp up in July and August as the structure progresses and internal building works commence.

The basements one and two and the ground floor slab (level one) are now complete and formwork and reinforcing works continue to progress on level two, with structural columns and upper stair cores now visible from the street. 

Construction of the level three, centre lift core and stairwells are also progressing.

Ongoing works to complete the nine-level structure include the installation of the external façade, the building’s fit-out and landscaping works, which are anticipated for completion in 2024.

Charles Darwin University (CDU) Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman said the construction of the project was progressing well with students, staff and the community looking forward to seeing the project completed.

“The project has come a long way in a short period of time, we’re focused on attracting students to grow our student cohort to fill the campus by its completion and to address workforce shortages,” Professor Bowman said.

“Investment in this large-scale construction project has helped keep Darwin and the Northern Territory’s economy moving through COVID-19, supporting local jobs and the Territory’s economy.”

“Once complete, the new campus, will be a drawcard for international students wanting to study in Australia and will establish Darwin as a university city and CDU as the University of Northern Australia.”

Minister for Jobs and Training Paul Kirby said the modern city campus, the centrepiece of the Darwin City Deal, would deliver for the economy, jobs and liveability.

“The Territory Labor Government continues to invest in making Darwin CBD a more vibrant, attractive and liveable place.

“As Minister for Training, I am particularly pleased to see this iconic education facility taking shape in the Darwin City. This is a boost for small business and a boost for local jobs.”

It is anticipated the major milestone of structure topping out will take place in late 2022.

The new $250 million Education and Community Precinct is the centrepiece of the 10-year Darwin City deal, a partnership between the Australian and Northern Territory Governments and the City of Darwin.