Study Abroad programs at CDU provide opportunities for students to engage in life-changing study experiences in Australia.
Students can choose to study for one or two semesters at a time. As a study abroad student, you will participate as a fee-paying student, which means fees are paid directly to CDU and not to your home institution.
Generally, the courses you study at CDU can be transferred as academic credit towards your degree. Transferral of your academic credit is subject to approval from your home university.
Contact your home institution to find out if any support is available to help arrange your study abroad experience.
Have a question? Get in contact with the Global Engagement Team via the link or email cduglobalengagement@cdu.edu.au.
How to apply
The CDU Study Abroad program invites students from all universities around the world to study some of Australia’s most unique programs and courses for a semester or two.
You will need to include the following documents with your application:
- Copy of passport
- Proof of English language Proficiency
- Certified copy of a current academic transcript
- Simplified Statement (one page about why you want to study abroad and why you choose to study at CDU)
Your application process includes selecting CDU units to study. Generally, the courses you study at CDU can be transferred as academic credit towards your degree. Transferral of your academic credit is subject to approval from your host university.
Key Dates
| 2024 Study Period | Applications close |
| Semester 1 – February – June 2024 | 29 December 2023 |
| Semester 2 – July – October 2024 | 3 May 2024 |
Unit selection
Students participating in the study abroad program are not required to obtain approval from your home university for the units you wish to enrol in at CDU. However, if you want to transfer your academic credit back to your degree at your home university, you will need to ensure that your home university approves your selected study units.
A full-time load at Charles Darwin University is 30-40 credit points per semester. Generally, 30-40 credit points are equivalent to enrolling in three to four units worth 10 credit points each.
Equivalency of 40 CDU credit points:
| Location | Credit points |
| USA | Approximately 12-15 Credits |
| Europe | Approximately 30 ECTS |
| Canada | Approximately 15 Credits |
| Japan | Approximately 15 Credits |
| UK | Approximately 60 Credits or 30 ECTS |
*Other regions do not have universal credit point systems. Refer to your home university's website to determine the full-time loading.
Study Abroad program options
Option 1: Design your own program
You can design your own program by selecting units from CDU’s range of study areas, as long as you have the necessary prerequisites. Please note that all units are subject to availability, capacity and eligibility. Please have a look at our unit catalogue to review available units for Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Option 2: Choose a Study Abroad package
Select from our unique and exciting Study Abroad Packages (PDF, 723.24 KB), which draw on our research and teaching strengths. These packages enable you to select specialised units in an area of your interest. We recommend that you have a look at some backup units in case of timetabling clashes and availability, by looking at our unit catalogue for Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Please note that the 2024 units will be published on 1 August 2023.
Fees and living costs
Study Abroad students enroll at CDU as fee-paying students.
| Study abroad fees 2024 | Cost 2024 |
|---|---|
| CDU Study Abroad fee per semester | A$8,840 for one semester and A$17,680 for two semesters |
| Student services and amenities fees | A$40.00 per 10 credit points per semester |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | A$165 for 3 months, A$330 for 6 months (price varies according to duration) |
Additional expenses
Study Abroad students will need to pay for:
- Return flights
- Compulsory overseas student health insurance
- Student visa
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
- External agency fees (optional)
| Expenses | Cost* |
| Overseas student health insurance (6 months) | A$1,656 |
| Student visa (base application fee) | A$650 |
| Expenses for Darwin | |
| Student accommodation (on-campus per week) | A$185 |
| Groceries and eating out | A$100 to A$300 per week |
| Gas and electricity | $20 to $140 per week |
| Phone and internet | $15 to $30 per week |
| Public transport | $7 per week |
| Car (after purchase) | $150 to $260 per week |
| Entertainment | $80 to $150 per week |
| On-campus accommodation | $185 - $240 per week with all utility bills included |
| Off-campus accommodation | $150 - $350 per week in a shared rental. $360 - $650 per week in a private rental.** |
* The cost of living will vary according to your lifestyle.
** Price subject to change
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