Study in Darwin, international student city guide

The city of Darwin is located on the north coast of Australia, is the capital of the Northern Territory and home to more than 50% of the territory’s population.

Whilst the Northern Territory is sparsely populated, Darwin has plenty of cultural, sporting, entertainment, accommodation and travel opportunities to offer its visitors. So if you are looking for a unique study abroad experience in Australia, Darwin is a very attractive destination to consider.

Darwin is said to be where Australia’s urban landscape meets the Outback, with a mixture of modern conveniences and outdoor spaces.

If you love nature, the Kakadu National Park is a short road trip away from Darwin, and one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. A UNESCO world heritage listing, Kakadu is a large nature reserve which comprises a variety of landscape including large areas of jungle, and wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, crocodiles, snakes and parrots.

In the city of Darwin, there are also a variety of tourist attractions which highlight the city’s natural beauty and unique wildlife, including:

• Mindil Beach – Famous for its sunset markets and stunning ocean views.
• Darwin Waterfront – A lively area with restaurants, a wave pool, and a lagoon.
• Crocodylus Park – A wildlife park featuring crocodiles and other native animals.
• Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory – Showcasing local history, art, and natural science exhibits.
• Litchfield National Park – Known for its waterfalls, swimming spots, and scenic beauty.

The traditional owners of the Darwin area are the Larrakia people, and aboriginal people make up a significant part of the population.

The Larrakia group, who call themselves “Saltwater People” provide a strong connection to Australia’s past. Studying in this area will give you a unique cultural experience, with opportunities to see other perspectives of life in Australia and understand the interesting history of the country.

Australia is such a vast land mass that the climate varies noticeably depending on the region, and the climate in Darwin and the Northern Territory is tropical, with both wet and dry seasons. If you like warm weather, Darwin offers you one of the warmer destinations to study abroad. The temperature is predictable, remaining around 30C for most of the year, due to its proximity to the equator.

Darwin is a popular destination for international students from all over the world, and students from South East Asia find it a particularly attractive location to study due to the short flights into Darwin Airport and relatively affordable travel fares but specifically those from South East Asia, as it is a short flight into the city airport, with relatively affordable travel fares.

Why study in Darwin

As an international student in Darwin, you’ll find a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The city is smaller compared to other major Australian cities like Sydney or Melbourne, but it boasts a diverse community.

International students make up a significant portion of the student population, with students from over 60 countries choosing to study at Charles Darwin University, for example. This fosters a rich tapestry of cultures and provides ample opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds.

The smaller population of Darwin means students benefit from smaller class sizes, more direct interaction with lecturers, and a close-knit campus community, making it an ideal study destination for those seeking a supportive learning environment.

The city is home to several universities and higher education institutions, offering a range of courses. Due to the surrounding environment, universities are particularly strong in subject areas such as environmental science, engineering, and Indigenous studies.

Cost of studying in Darwin

The cost of studying and living in Darwin as an international student is relatively affordable compared to larger Australian cities, though it can still be a significant investment.

Tuition fees will vary depending on university and your course choice.

For example, at CDU, undergraduate courses typically range from AUD 20,000 to AUD 35,000 per year, while postgraduate courses may cost between AUD 25,000 and AUD 40,000 per year. Scholarships are available to help offset these costs, including those specifically for international students.

When it comes to living expenses, Darwin is known for having a slightly higher cost of living due to its remote location.

On average, international students should budget around AUD 18,000 to AUD 25,000 per year for living costs, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other personal expenses. Rent in Darwin can range from AUD 150 to AUD 300 per week depending on whether you live on campus, in shared housing, or rent privately.

Groceries and eating out can be more expensive than in larger cities, but students can manage their budgets by cooking at home or exploring student discounts. Public transportation is also reliable, and Darwin’s smaller size makes it easier to get around.

For those looking to supplement their income, international students on a student visa can work up to 24 hours per week during the semester, which can help ease living expenses and there are plentiful opportunities for part-time work available to students. Overall, Darwin offers a high quality of life at a relatively reasonable cost for students.

Student visas to study in Darwin

As an international student in Australia you will probably need an Australian student visa. These are called ‘Subclass 500’ visas, and they allow you to study in Australia for up to 5 years. Obtaining a visa will cost around AUD 1,600, depending on where you are from and if you are exempt for any reason.

Universities in Darwin

Darwin is the home to all of the universities in the Northern Territory, which provide students with a wide range of education options.

Charles Darwin University

Charles Darwin University (CDU), is the primary higher education institution in the city. CDU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs and is recognised for its research in areas such as sustainability, environmental studies, and tropical health.

It has a strong emphasis on both traditional and online education, making it accessible to students from various backgrounds.

CDU remains the main university-level institution in the region for international and domestic students alike.

It also offers TAFE (Technical and Further Education) courses. A TAFE course is hands-on training that teaches practical job skills in areas like trades, healthcare, business, and hospitality. These courses are shorter than university degrees and lead to certificates or diplomas, helping you start or advance your career.

The Darwin waterfront building is a recommendation for a pleasant area to spend some time with your studies.

Flinders University NT Darwin Campus

Flinders University’s Darwin campus is located within the Royal Darwin Hospital, offering specialised medical and health programs.

This campus focuses on providing students with hands-on clinical training and research opportunities in areas such as rural and remote health, Indigenous health, and tropical medicine.

The Darwin campus is part of Flinders University’s Northern Territory (NT) Medical Program, allowing students to complete their medical degrees in the NT while engaging with the unique health challenges of the region.

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education

The Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education is Australia’s only dedicated Indigenous institution, offering both higher education and vocational training.

Located in Batchelor, near Darwin, the institute focuses on providing culturally appropriate education and training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Its courses range from foundational literacy and numeracy to higher education degrees, with an emphasis on Indigenous knowledge, arts, education, and community development, fostering skills and leadership in Indigenous communities across Australia.

There are also a number of Vocational Education and Training (VET) institutions. These include:

• International College of Advanced Education (ICAE) – This private institution specialises in hospitality and business management training. It offers nationally recognised qualifications with a focus on practical skills and industry experience.
• GTNT Group – As a leading training and employment organisation, GTNT provides apprenticeships, traineeships, and other VET programs. It works closely with employers to offer hands-on learning opportunities.
• Australian Careers College (ACC) – ACC delivers a range of VET courses in business, community services, and hospitality. It focuses on providing high-quality education to both domestic and international students.

Darwin university rankings 2025

You may find that world university rankings are a useful tool to help you to compare your options when choosing a university. Darwin is home to two universities that always rank highly:

Summary

Darwin offers international students a different experience to other major Australia cities like Sydney and Melbourne, and as the capital of the Northern territories, offers access to vast national parks and wildlife to explore.

There are excellent university options in the city and if the idea of a slightly more laid back lifestyle appeals, Darwin is a unique destination to consider for your studies.