Skip to main content
Start of main content
Student on horseback
Study locations

Katherine

Welcome to Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman Country.

Katherine, often called the Crossroads of the North, is a hub for mining, agriculture, horticulture and tourism in the Northern Territory. On the lands of the Jawoyn, Wardaman and Dagoman peoples, Katherine offers a wealth of natural beauty and ancient culture.

Katherine is a part of the Big Rivers region, which covers approximately 25% of the NT’s total land area. The region extends 170 km south of Darwin to the Western Australia. 

  • A leader in Indigenous education

    Each year CDU teaches over 4,000 Indigenous students in over 150 locations across the NT.

  • #15 in Australia for skills development in agriculture and environmental sciences

    According to the Good Universities Guide 2024

  • Learn from industry experts

    To develop real-world skills

About CDU Katherine

CDU operates out of two sites in Katherine - Katherine Rural campus and Katherine Town Centre. Although these are our central sites, CDU delivers training and courses right across the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia. We support students in TAFE and higher education studies and research through local administrative assistance, on-site exam supervision and dedicated facilities for lecturers engaging with our Katherine-based students.

A wide range of short courses are offered by CDU Katherine, including:

Contact the friendly CDU Katherine Admin team to see which courses are coming up by emailing katherine@cdu.edu.au or calling 1800 779 577.

 

 

VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped
Katherine Rural Campus

Our services and facilities 

CDU Katherine offers a variety of services and facilities for students, including:  

Empowering First Nations success 

CDU Katherine focuses on enhancing the support model for First Nations students, ensuring their success by implementing inclusive and culturally appropriate learning and teaching practices. We’re dedicated to fostering partnerships with First Nations communities to provide education and training opportunities on Country, creating a deeper connection to culture and land.  

CDU Katherine also recognises the importance of engaging with First Nations community-based organisations in the Big Rivers region. By collaborating with these organisations, we can identify their workforce priorities, considering factors such as economic growth, major developments, local decision-making programs and employment projects. 

Agriculture student
Students from Indonesia’s Indonesia’s Gadjah Mada University have been studying at Katherine Rural Campus to foster understanding of Australian systems and processes when it comes to the livestock industry, biosecurity, production systems and the supply chain.

International students

Katherine Rural campus is committed to fostering global connections and enriching international students' experiences. With a focus on training, exchanges and immersive learning, the campus regularly hosts international student groups who come to engage in various activities and experiences directly relevant to their studies.

This is an opportunity for students to connect with peers, exchange ideas and learn about what CDU Katherine and Big Rivers region has to offer.  

Driving change through research 

In the Katherine and Big Rivers region, our researchers are delivering cutting-edge research across healthcare, environmental science, public policy, agriculture and more. CDU is committed to undertaking world-class research that supports sustainable development for the future of the Northern Territory. 

Our research topics at CDU Katherine include: 

  • What technology will support the best quality healthcare for our regional and remote communities in the future?  

  • What economic opportunities are emerging to support the livelihoods of First Nations peoples?  

  • How do we best take care of our tropical savannas, or manage groundwater in arid, semi-arid and wet dry tropical regions?  

  • How can Indigenous Research Methodologies transform Western ways of conducting research?

katherine open day
katherine campus
Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman Country

Katherine accommodation

Katherine Student Accommodation (KSA) includes a recreation room, dining room, training and conference facilities and a pool. These facilities are available to all residents - whether living here on a short or long-term stay or visiting from any school groups or conference groups.

Find out more

Message from the Associate Vice-Chancellor 

Alison Haines, Associate Vice Chancellor, Katherine and Big Rivers Region

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is thrilled to expand its presence in the thriving Katherine township and wider Big Rivers region. Together with Katherine Rural campus and Katherine Town Centre, the region is integral to CDU’s mission of reinvesting in regions and reinvigorating our campuses.

CDU Katherine is recognised for First Nations engagement and continuing to grow the University’s reach and impact across the Northern Territory. We have a strong focus on remote delivery and enhancing our delivery options to communities in the Big Rivers region, creating a student experience where everyone can connect and succeed.

We are proud to be a part of the remarkable development in Katherine and the Big Rivers region. Together, we’re forging opportunities and making powerful contributions to the social and economic growth of the region.

Alison Brook, Associate Vice-Chancellor, Katherine and Big Rivers region

What's happening at CDU

  • Yron smiling with his apprentice

    CDU TAFE

    Whether you're starting or switching your career, or moving up in your chosen field, there are many ways to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and carve out a richer and more rewarding future.

    Visit CDU TAFE
  • Australian map

    Destination Australia Scholarships

    Destination Australia scholarships provide financial support to Domestic and International students who choose to study in regional and rural Australia.  

    Learn more
  • CDU art student allyce smiling

    Launchpad

    Explore our blog for empowering stories, study tips and more.

    Read more
Katherine Rural Campus

Making an impact in the Big Rivers region

CDU Katherine is actively involved in the Big Rivers region, supporting and driving economic growth, resilience and diversity. The university plays a key role in building local skills and business capability, aiding in the attraction and retention of a strong workforce.  

Living in the Big Rivers region

Katherine is located on Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman Country, approximately 3 hours south of Darwin in the Big Rivers region. 

Katherine Rural campus

CDU’s Katherine Rural campus spans more than 4,400 hectares of land, and includes a purpose-built training, conference and accommodation facility which is also available for hire to external clients.

The campus is home to our award-winning Brahman Stud and working cattle and farming operations, giving students the opportunity to benefit from real world experience and practical learning activities.

Location

16 km North Stuart Hwy
Katherine NT 0850

PMB 155
Katherine NT 0852

Campus map

Contact us

1800 779 577 (Freecall)

08 8973 8311
08 8973 8300 (Fax)

Campus evacuation diagram

Where to find us 


Katherine Town Centre

Katherine Town Centre delivers training in CDU TAFE courses in a range of areas, including business, community services and childcare, along with hosting a variety of training delivered by the Darwin teams.

Students studying with CDU can access support at the Town Centre office for queries such as:

  • computer access
  • queries and fee payments
  • course enrolment information
  • examination invigilation (free to CDU students).

The office operates at the Katherine Region Training Centre on Second Street.

Location

Katherine Region Training Centre
19 Second Street
Katherine NT 0850

PO Box 2169
Katherine NT 0851

Contact us

08 8973 9900
08 8973 9903 (Fax)

Where to find us 

Katherine news

  • group of people standing in front of CDU TAFE sign

    $3.5 million to fund new CDU TAFE Trades Training Centre in Katherine

    Today at the Charles Darwin University (CDU) Katherine Rural Campus, the Honourable Brendan O’Connor MP Minister for Skills and Training announced CDU TAFE will receive $2.5 million to build a new Technical Trades Training centre on the site.

    Read More
  • Team photo on cattle fence

    Australia’s outback trainers travel more than 2000 km a week to teach students

    Charles Darwin University’s Katherine Rural Campus workplace delivery trainers can travel more than 2000 kilometres in a week to meet with students on some of the most isolated cattle properties on earth.

    Read more
  • The Outback Active Program is run by Charles Darwin University (CDU) and Southern Cross Care.

    New program to help older residents in regional communities to stay active

    A new online fitness program will support the health of ageing residents in the Katherine region while giving Charles Darwin University (CDU) students invaluable placement opportunities. 

    Read more
Back to top