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This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.
Key details
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Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
80Overview
The International Foundation Studies Program (FSP) has been developed to meet the needs of students who have a desire to advance their educational knowledge and skills in preparation for entry to university. Core and academic elective content develops theoretical proficiencies, skills and competencies as well as entrepreneurial enterprise, and leadership and team skills to equip students with the pedagogical constructs required for study at tertiary level. In addition to these academic and social foundations, students are also equipped with ongoing cultural orientation to Australia and the Northern Territories.
This course is delivered in partnership with UP Education, whose approach fulfills the commitment to learning by prioritising students, delivering high-quality teaching, upholding strict academic standards and helping students to be well-rounded.
The Program is also designed to allow students to experience a focused study in an area of special interest or in specific disciplines that will better prepare them to study across the various sectors of their selected university course. It also helps students set and articulate goals and improve their self-management capabilities and confidence.
Fees
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2024 is AUD $23,144.00. This equates to $ $2,893.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
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?
The information provided for this course was valid for the final year of enrolment. Students continuing in this course may find there have been some changes to the unit availability. Students should, in the first instance, refer to the recommended study plan in the newest version of this course to make their unit selection for the current year.
Course structure
Every re-enrolling student will be able to complete their current course of study. As a continuing student you should always consider transferring to the newest course version to enable you to take advantage of new and exciting changes to university programs. Students electing not to transfer should refer to the transitional arrangements where provided.
If you have any queries, or concerns about your course progression you would like clarified, please contact Student Central on freecall 1800 061 963 or student.central@cdu.edu.au.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
All units are scheduled for five contact hours per week over a 13 week teaching semester . FSP001, FSP002 and FSP011 are offered every semester. Other units are offered every second semester so that students have access to all units in a two semester course. At least one mathematics unit selected from FSP010 Foundation Mathematics with Calculus or FSP011 Foundation Mathematics with Statistics must also be taken.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (3 units) | 30cp | Core units totalling 30 credit points as detailed below. FSP001 Foundation English A FSP002 Foundation English B FSP015 Australian Histories, Institutions and Cultures (replaces FSP003 Foundation English C from 2023) |
| Specialist Elective Units (5 units) | 50cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 50 credit points selected from the units listed below. PLUS Complete the remaining 40 credit points from the following. Students may undertake the remaining mathematics unit listed above as part of this selection if desired. |
| 80cp | Total Credit Points |
Study plan
A candidate must successfully complete 8 units totalling 80 credit points over two semesters (4 units each semester) as detailed below.
Students commencing in Semester 1 2024
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time load.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Calendar Year 1 (2024) | |||||
| FSP001 Foundation English A | CO | FSP002 Foundation English B | CO | ||
| FSP015 Australian Histories, Institutions and Cultures | CO | Specialist Elective 3 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 4 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Specialist Elective 5 | SE | ||
Specialist Electives - must include at least one Maths unit selected from FSP010 (not offered in 2024) or FSP011.
Semester 2 and Summer Semester 2024
This course is not available for entry in Semester 2 or Summer Semester 2024.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
- Applicants must have completed the equivalent of Year 11, Australian Secondary Schools.
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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 162, with no skill below 154. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B1. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 42 with no score lower than 36. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 46 with a minimum score of 14 for reading, speaking and listening and a minimum score of 21 for writing. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
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.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
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