Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development is an inter-disciplinary degree that will teach you to understand, critically analyse and apply concepts of community development, humanitarian practice and development aid.
During the course, you'll explore concepts in a variety of fields including culture studies, sociology, ethics, Indigenous knowledge, community development, international humanitarian assistance and development, project management, and language studies. You'll learn from academics and industry practitioners who have a professional focus on national and international community work, disaster relief and development.
You'll complete a two-week intensive unit, which will give you the knowledge and skills to work in humanitarian assistance.
In the final year of study, students completing the Human Services major will undertake 400 hours of community-based placements with humanitarian, human services or development aid organisations in Australia or overseas. International placements are available with industry partners, including in the Asia Pacific.
With an unprecedented number of displaced people across the world seeking life-saving relief, there is a growing need for skilled and trained humanitarian and development aid workers. This degree will give you the knowledge and skills to provide support for those affected by man-made and natural disasters, poverty and social injustice.
Career opportunities
Graduates exit the program with a foundation in community work, human service delivery and international humanitarian practice.
Career opportunities include working for non-government organisations (NGOs) and government agencies in the field of community development and international humanitarian assistance and development aid.
The degree provides an excellent basis to pursue a higher degree in allied fields including emergency and disaster management, humanitarian and development aid as well as international relations.
Practical experience
Human Services major students will complete 400 hours of placements with community-based, humanitarian or development aid organisations in Australia or overseas.
Professional recognition
The Human Services major of this course is accredited by Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA). To receive ACWA professional body recognition students need to complete all 8 units in the Human Services group of units in the course structure.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
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.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $27,096.00. This equates to $ $3,387.00 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 humanitarian emergency & disaster management at CDU?
There is growing demand for skilled humanitarian, emergency and disaster management professionals in today's world. Study at CDU to learn how to help those affected by natural disasters, man-made conflicts, social injustice and poverty.
- Gain hands-on experience with intensives and placements in Australia and overseas
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Learn from academics and experienced industry professionals
Why study humanitarian, emergency and disaster management at CDU?
There is growing demand for skilled humanitarian and development aid professionals in today's world. Study humanitarian, emergency and disaster management at CDU to learn how to help those affected by natural disasters, man-made conflicts, social injustice and poverty.
- Gain hands-on experience with intensives and placements
- Learn from academics and industry professionals
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study humanitarian emergency & disaster management at CDU?
There is growing demand for skilled humanitarian, emergency and disaster management professionals in today's world. Study at CDU to learn how to help those affected by natural disasters, man-made conflicts, social injustice and poverty.
- Gain hands-on experience with intensives and placements in Australia and overseas
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Learn from academics and experienced industry professionals
Why study humanitarian, emergency and disaster management at CDU?
There is growing demand for skilled humanitarian and development aid professionals in today's world. Study humanitarian, emergency and disaster management at CDU to learn how to help those affected by natural disasters, man-made conflicts, social injustice and poverty.
- Gain hands-on experience with intensives and placements
- Learn from academics and industry professionals
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
The course is made up of 240 credit points of core and elective units. This includes introductory units in:
Course structure
- social work
- psychology and sociology
- direct practice with individuals and groups
- community work and development
- project management
- legal issues
- social policy
- remote and regional practice
If you choose to complete the ACWA accredited Human Services major you will be required to undertake two placements in your third year of study.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (15 units) | 150cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 150 credit points as detailed below. HAD100 Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development |
| Specialist Electives (7-9 units) | 70-90cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 70-90 credit points as detailed below. Students may focus on one area or choose a combination of units from any area. HUMAN SERVICES (ACWA accredited major) INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT SKILLS FOR HUMANITARIAN PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT IN PRACTICE |
| Electives (0-2 units) | 0-20cp | Students may take up to 20 credit points of elective units which are are selected from undergraduate units offered by CDU, including units offered within the Bachelor of Humanitarian Aid and Development program. When selecting electives, choose units at a suitable level. The first number in each unit code indicates the year level at which the subject is taught. Undergraduate units are coded at 100 to 300 level, therefore units coded as IAS1xx, IAS2xx and IAS3xx would be first, second and third year units respectively. Note: Students must not exceed 100 credit points at 100 level. |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2024
- CRA101 The Creative North replaces IAS102. Students who have completed IAS102 prior to 2024 should not complete CRA101.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2023
- DEM311: Title change from "Emergency and Disaster Management in Context" to "Hazard Analysis, Disaster and Risk Governance in Context"
- CHN161, HEL161, INI161, YOL161 Language units added as specialist elective choices.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
- Human Services (ACWA accredited major) added.
- IAS133 removed from Development in Practice selection and added to Skills for Humanitarian Practice.
- PSY140 has been replaced by PSY150. Students that have completed PSY140 prior to 2022 should not complete PSY150.
- CUC100 added to Development in Practice
- HCS351 and HCS365 moved from core to Human Services major
- Structure changed from 17 core and 6 specialist electives to 15 core, 7-9 specialist electives, and 2 electives
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
HUMAN SERVICES MAJOR (ACWA ACCREDITED)
- Students must not exceed 100 credit points at 100 level
- Students must study at least 60 credit points at 300 level or above
- HSC261 Fundamentals of Humanitarian Practice must be undertaken in INT-4
- Some units may be available in Summer Semester
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | HAD100 Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development | CO |
| SWK101 Introduction to Human Services | CO | IAS222 Global Sociology | CO |
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaces PSY140) | CO | SWK201 Human Service Organisations | SE |
| IAS133 Introduction to International Relations | SE | SWK102 Communication Skills | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | HAD250 Humanitarian Needs Assessment | CO |
| DEM300 Community-Based Risk Management | CO | HCS261 Fundamentals of Humanitarian Practice (WIL) (INT-4) | CO |
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | IAS352 Practices and Skills in Indigenous Community Work | SE |
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | SWK313 Engaging With Individuals and Families in Partnership | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS402 Intercultural Practice | CO | HCS351 Professional Practice Placement (20 credit points) | SE |
| DEM311 Hazard Analysis, Disaster and Risk Governance in Context (title change 2023) | CO | HCS365 From Theory to Practice - Aid and Development | SE |
| SWK301 Working with and Developing Communities | CO | SWK318 Skills for Regional and Remote Practice | CO |
| SWK316 Building Safe Communities | SE | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | GE = General Elective |
INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT, SKILLS FOR HUMANITARIAN PRACTICE or DEVELOPMENT IN PRACTICE PATHWAYS
- Students must not exceed 100 credit points at 100 level
- Students must study at least 60 credit points at 300 level or above
- HSC261 Fundamentals of Humanitarian Practice must be undertaken in INT-4
- Some units may be available in Summer Semester
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO |
| SWK101 Introduction to Human Services | CO | HAD100 Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development | CO |
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaces PSY140) | CO | Specialist Elective 2 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | IAS222 Global Sociology | CO |
| HCS261 Fundamentals of Humanitarian Practice (WIL) (INT-4) | CO | HAD250 Humanitarian Needs Assessment | CO |
| SWK301 Working with and Developing Communities | CO | Specialist Elective 5 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | Specialist Elective 6 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| IAS402 Intercultural Practice | CO | SWK318 Skills for Regional and Remote Practice | CO |
| DEM311 Hazard Analysis, Disaster and Risk Governance in Context (title change 2023) | CO | Specialist Elective 7 | SE |
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | Specialist Elective or Elective | SE/GE |
| DEM300 Community-Based Risk Management | CO | Specialist Elective or Elective | SE/GE |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
HUMAN SERVICES MAJOR (ACWA ACCREDITED)
- Students must not exceed 100 credit points at 100 level
- Students must study at least 60 credit points at 300 level or above
- HSC261 Fundamentals of Humanitarian Practice must be undertaken in INT-4
- Some units may be available in Summer Semester
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HAD100 Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development | CO | ||
| IAS222 Global Sociology | CO | ||
| SWK201 Human Service Organisations | SE | ||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | HAD250 Humanitarian Needs Assessment | CO |
| SWK101 Introduction to Human Services | CO | HCS261 Fundamentals of Humanitarian Practice (WIL) (INT-4) | CO |
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaces PSY140) | CO | SWK313 Engaging With Individuals and Families in Partnership | SE |
| IAS133 Introduction to International Relations | SE | IAS352 Practices and Skills in Indigenous Community Work | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | HCS351 Professional Practice Placement (20 credit points) | SE |
| SWK301 Working with and Developing Communities | CO | HCS365 From Theory to Practice - Aid and Development | SE |
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | SWK318 Skills for Regional and Remote Practice | CO |
| SWK316 Building Safe Communities | SE | ||
| Year 4 | |||
| IAS402 Intercultural Practice | CO | ||
| DEM311 Hazard Analysis, Disaster and Risk Governance in Context (title change 2023) | CO | ||
| DEM300 Community-Based Risk Management | CO | ||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | GE = General Elective |
INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT, SKILLS FOR HUMANITARIAN PRACTICE or DEVELOPMENT IN PRACTICE PATHWAYS
- Students must not exceed 100 credit points at 100 level
- Students must study at least 60 credit points at 300 level or above
- HSC261 Fundamentals of Humanitarian Practice must be undertaken in INT-4
- Some units may be available in Summer Semester
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ||
| HAD100 Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | IAS222 Global Sociology | CO |
| SWK101 Introduction to Human Services | CO | HAD250 Humanitarian Needs Assessment | CO |
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaces PSY140) | CO | Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | Specialist Elective 5 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | SWK318 Skills for Regional and Remote Practice | CO |
| HCS261 Fundamentals of Humanitarian Practice (WIL) (SP2) | CO | IAS402 Intercultural Practice | CO |
| SWK301 Working with and Developing Communities | CO | Specialist Elective or Elective | SE/GE |
| Specialist Elective 6 | SE | Specialist Elective or Elective | SE/GE |
| Year 4 | |||
| DEM300 Community-Based Risk Management | CO | ||
| DEM311 Hazard Analysis, Disaster and Risk Governance in Context (title change 2023) | CO | ||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 7 | SE | ||
____________________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective |
HUMAN SERVICES MAJOR (ACWA ACCREDITED)
- Students must not exceed 100 credit points at 100 level
- Students must study at least 60 credit points at 300 level or above
- HSC261 Fundamentals of Humanitarian Practice must be undertaken in INT-4
- Some units may be available in Summer Semester
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | ||||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaces PSY140) | CO | ||||
| SWK201 Human Services Organisations | SE | ||||
| SWK102 Communication Skills | SE | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| SWK101 Introduction to Human Services | CO | HAD100 Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development | CO | ||
| IAS133 Introduction to International Relations | SE | IAS222 Global Sociology | CO | ||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | HAD250 Humanitarian Needs Assessment | CO | ||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | HCS261 Fundamentals of Humanitarian Practice (WIL) (INT-4 only) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| DEM300 Community-Based Risk Management | CO | SWK313 Engaging with Individuals and Families in Partnership | SE | ||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | IAS352 Practices and Skills in Indigenous Community Work | SE | ||
| DEM311 Hazard Analysis, Disaster and Risk Governance in Context (title change 2023) | CO | SWK318 Skills for Regional and Remote Practice | CO | ||
| SWK301 Working with and Developing Communities | CO | IAS402 Intercultural Practice | CO | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| SWK316 Building Safe Communities | SE | ||||
| HCS351 Professional Practice Placement (20cp) | SE | ||||
| HCS365 From Theory to Practice - Aid and Development | SE | ||||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | GE = General Elective |
INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT, SKILLS FOR HUMANITARIAN PRACTICE or DEVELOPMENT IN PRACTICE PATHWAYS
- Students must not exceed 100 credit points at 100 level
- Students must study at least 60 credit points at 300 level or above
- HSC261 Fundamentals of Humanitarian Practice must be undertaken in INT-4
- Some units may be available in Summer Semester
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| IAS101 Indigenous Australia | CO | ||||
| IAS201 Cultural Capabilities | CO | ||||
| PSY150 Introduction to Psychology A (replaces PSY140) | CO | ||||
| Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| SWK101 Introduction to Human Services | CO | HAD100 Introduction to Disasters, Humanitarian Aid and Development | CO | ||
| MAN204 Project Management | CO | IAS222 Global Sociology | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 2 | SE | HAD250 Humanitarian Needs Assessment | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective 3 | SE | HCS261 Fundamentals of Humanitarian Practice (WIL) (INT-4 only) | CO | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| DEM300 Community-Based Risk Management | CO | SWK318 Skills for Regional and Remote Practice | CO | ||
| DEM311 Hazard Analysis, Disaster and Risk Governance in Context (title change 2023) | CO | IAS402 Intercultural Practice | CO | ||
| SWK301 Working with and Developing Communities | CO | Specialist Elective 5 | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective 4 | SE | Specialist Elective 6 | SE | ||
| Year 4 | |||||
| SWK312 Social Research Methods | CO | ||||
| Specialist Elective 7 | SE | ||||
| Specialist Elective or Elective | SE/GE | ||||
| Specialist Elective or Elective | SE/GE | ||||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program and achieved a minimum mark of 65% in the Foundation English units A and B are eligible to apply.
Essential requirements
For students undertaking placements, you will require a National Police Clearance from the Australian Federal Police and a Working with Children Card (OCHRE Card or equivalent) in time to start your placements.
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* 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.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2024
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
During my degree I completed a student placement with the National Society of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in Timor-Leste, which allowed me the opportunity to experience first hand the reality of international community development.
Stephanie Von Kanel
CDU student
No other university in Australia would provide you with the unique skill set and professional growth that CDU offers.
Hasan
CDU student
During my degree I completed a student placement with the National Society of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in Timor-Leste, which allowed me the opportunity to experience first hand the reality of international community development.
Stephanie Von Kanel
CDU student
No other university in Australia would provide you with the unique skill set and professional growth that CDU offers.
Hasan
CDU student
Course details
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2024.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 9 | .0 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | 7 | .0 |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | <5 | N/P |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | 41 | .0 |
| All students | 57 | .0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
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.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
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.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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