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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.
Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
20Course code
Overview
The First Nations Introduction to University Program is the perfect first step into university for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people aged 17 years or older who are interested in pursuing studies in Health, Teacher Education, Arts and Humanities, or STEM. This free program, offered on campus in Darwin, is designed to provide you with academic skills, confidence, and an introduction to both study and careers in your chosen stream.
What You'll Learn: In this program, you'll explore both First Nations and Western ways of knowing, doing, and sharing knowledge. The program consists of two units:
- ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing
- ZIP012 Communicating Diversity and Perspectives at University
You can complete the program in a four-week block or spread your study over two two-week blocks. If you live outside the Greater Darwin area, financial support for travel and accommodation is available.
Support and Mentoring: You will be supported throughout the program by a tutor who will help you with academic support and assessments, as well as a First Nations mentor to guide you through your transition to academic life and build a sense of belonging at CDU.
Outside the classroom, you'll participate in activities designed to connect you with fellow students, university staff, and the wider professional community.
Specialised Study Areas: The program allows you to choose a study area that aligns with your interests and career goals. Each stream includes an academic skills unit and a subject-specific unit tailored to your chosen discipline:
- Health: Explore clinical and non-clinical health careers, covering topics such as health policy, research, and management.
- Teacher Education: Gain insight into teaching careers, learning about Professional Standards, First Nations-led programs, and supporting students- social and emotional learning.
- Arts and Humanities: Delve into creative arts, political science, history, and social studies to discover career opportunities in these fields.
- STEM: Get an introduction to careers in environmental science, engineering, IT, aviation (remote pilot/drone use), and Indigenous enterprises.
This program offers a pathway to your next course and a valuable foundation for your university journey.
Next Steps: Upon completing ZIP011 and ZIP012, you have several options for your next course of study:
- Certificate II or III in your discipline area.
- If you have completed the NTCE or a Certificate III, you may enrol directly in a Diploma or Degree at CDU (subject to specific entry requirements).
- To qualify for a diploma or degree, you can complete two more enabling units from the TEP (Tertiary Enabling Program)
- TEP023 Foundation Maths
- TEP025 Bioscience or TEP024 Perspectives in Humanities.
Fees
There is no fee for this program and if you live outside the Greater Darwin area, financial support will be provided for travel and accommodation.
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Why study a pathway course at CDU
At CDU, there is a study pathway for everyone. We strive to provide you with a range of alternative entry methods suitable for students at all levels of education and English proficiency.
- Free 16-week Tertiary Enabling Program
- Range of First Nations enabling and pre-enabling programs
- #5 Australian university for first-in-family study (GUG 2024)
Why study a pathway course at CDU
CDU International College prepares you to study undergraduate and postgraduate programs at CDU.
- Attend classes at the modern CDU Waterfront campus in Darwin City, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive CDU student support
- Specialised language development, a well-rounded curriculum and smaller class sizes provide the support necessary to meet your goals and prepare for the real world
Why study a pathway course at CDU
At CDU, there is a study pathway for everyone. We strive to provide you with a range of alternative entry methods suitable for students at all levels of education and English proficiency.
- Free 16-week Tertiary Enabling Program
- Range of First Nations enabling and pre-enabling programs
- #5 Australian university for first-in-family study (GUG 2024)
Why study a pathway course at CDU
CDU International College prepares you to study undergraduate and postgraduate programs at CDU.
- Attend classes at the modern CDU Waterfront campus in Darwin City, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive CDU student support
- Specialised language development, a well-rounded curriculum and smaller class sizes provide the support necessary to meet your goals and prepare for the real world
What will I study?
This intensive study and mentoring program, is delivered on campus in Darwin and runs over either 2 weeks or 4 weeks, depending on the study area selected.
Course structure
You will enrol in two interlinked units that will provide foundational skills and knowledge for your proposed future disciplinary studies:
- ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing
- ZIP012 Communicating Diversity and Perspectives at University
ZIP011 explores key disciplinary ideas, so students are grouped according to their proposed discipline of study. ZIP012 provides students with academic literacy knowledge and skills to present these ideas as a written academic assignment. A collaborative learning approach draws on your own knowledge systems, experiences and language and explores how these can enhance formal academic knowledge frameworks.
A candidate must successfully complete two units totalling 20 credit points (cp) as detailed below.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (2 units) | 20cp | Two Core units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below. ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing |
20cp | Total Credit Points |
Study plan
To participate in this 4-week intensive program students will enrol in two interlinked units providing foundational skills and knowledge towards study in their chosen discipline. For example, students interested in Teacher Education studies will Explore First Nations issues in Education in ZIP011 and in ZIP012 they will learn skills to plan, research and write an essay about issues in Education.
Contact hours for each unit over the 4-week intensive will be between 50-60 hours with remaining hours being provided through supported online engagement.
Unit availability 2024
| Intensive 1 | Intensive 2 | Intensive 5 | Intensive 6 |
| ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing | ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing | ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing | ZIP011 Exploring Diverse Ways of Knowing and Doing |
| ZIP012 Communicating Diversity and Perspectives at University | ZIP012 Communicating Diversity and Perspectives at University | ZIP012 Communicating Diversity and Perspectives at University | ZIP012 Communicating Diversity and Perspectives at University |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
This course is only available for First Nations peoples who would like to pursue a career in health, teacher education, arts and humanities, or STEM.
To participate in this program you must be 17 years or over and completed at least Year 10 or equivalent. If you are a mature person without completion of Year 10, you can still apply based on your skills and experience.
Students in the program will be supported through peer-to-peer learning and mentoring.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
I really felt like the teachers cared. I think that’s what I like about CDU – it feels like more of a family and more of a home.
Sizol
CDU student
I really felt like the teachers cared. I think that’s what I like about CDU – it feels like more of a family and more of a home.
Sizol
CDU student
Course details
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
To apply for this program, fill in the details on the application form.
Remember to apply by 15th December 2023 for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
Further Assistance
For information on applying and/or enrolling in this course please contact Barbara Baugh from our First Nations Student Support team.
Barbara is available to assist you, if you would like to discuss the program and/or the application process further. She can be contacted on (08) 8946 7421 or email barbara.baugh@cdu.edu.au.
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