CDU welcomes more than 800 new university places for the Territory

Charles Darwin University (CDU) has been awarded more than 800 university places to tackle skill shortages and give more people from under-represented backgrounds the chance to go to university in the Northern Territory.

Federal Minister of Education Jason Clare announced today that 20,000 additional places will be allocated to students under-represented at Australian universities including those from poorer backgrounds, Indigenous Australians and students from rural and remote Australia.

CDU is among the five higher education providers receiving the most funding for additional places, receiving 831 new places for students starting next year in 2023 and in 2024.

The funding is for courses in a range of disciplines, including nursing, education, and engineering but also includes places for other courses such as social work, psychology, paramedicine, IT and more. 

CDU Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman said the allocation of the additional university places will help reduce labour shortages in high demand professions in the Territory.

“CDU welcomes the Government’s announcement that it will give more students within the Territory the opportunity to go to university, while also addressing our regions workforce needs,” Professor Bowman said.

“This funding announcement means money will be put into training for disciplines where there are significant skill shortages in regional and remote communities, such as education and health professions.”

Professor Bowman said these places are in disciplines where there are significant workforce shortages, giving opportunities for people in disadvantaged regions, such as remote communities.

“We know that there are many barriers to education for First Nations Territorians, for those in remote and rural locations and for those who simply cannot afford university, so we welcome these extra places to make university more accessible and more of a viable option for these students,” he said.

“By taking down the cost barriers, the Federal Government has made an immediate impact to address skill shortages, ensuring more Territorians can benefit from a world-class education they deserve.”