International education - Study in the NT
Study in the NT
There is a full range of study options in Darwin for international students, from primary school through to university undergraduate and postgraduate options.
University
The Northern Territory’s only university is Charles Darwin University (CDU). There are four campuses throughout the Territory, in Darwin (the largest campus), Palmerston, Katherine and Alice Springs, with a combined student contingent of more than 18,000, including international students from some 50 countries.
CDU offers a broad range of study areas and courses, from higher education to Vocational Education and Training (VET), undergraduate degrees and postgraduate programs. Visit the international students section of CDU’s website for more information.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
VET provides skills and knowledge for work through a standardised national training system. VET is generally practical, hands-on and industry focused and courses range from Certificate I to Advanced Diploma level.
VET courses are offered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) throughout the Territory, including Charles Darwin University. See a list of VET courses offered by CDU.
The International College of Advanced Education (ICAE) in Darwin offers a course in the hospitality and casino industry to overseas students.
Primary and secondary education
Northern Territory Government primary and secondary schools offer a wide variety of subjects and meet a high standard of teacher qualification, curriculum content, class size and school facilities. Requirements are set by the Northern Territory Government and the Northern Territory Board of Studies. In addition to government schools there are several private schools and colleges throughout the Territory.
See the Department of Education and Training website for information about attending a Northern Territory Government primary or secondary school.
Or if you prefer a private school or college in Darwin:
Or in Alice Springs:
Learning English
The Australian Centre for Languages Darwin English Centre located at Charles Darwin University offers English programs for international students that wish to undertake study in the English language before commencing a higher Education course.
Northern Territory government schools also offer intensive English programs at primary, middle school and senior high school levels.
Study costs
Fees and costs associated with courses vary from institution to institution. International students should speak directly to their institution about the cost of their study.
Charles Darwin University offers scholarships in certain circumstances.
Travel and health insurance
Australia has a special system of health cover for international students called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). It’s a condition of your student visa that you maintain the cover for the length of your stay. Your educational institution will arrange your health cover for you; each provider has arrangements with a specific OSHC provider.
Your OSHC will help you pay for any medical or hospital care you may need while you’re studying in the Northern Territory, and it will contribute towards the cost of most prescription medicines, and an ambulance in an emergency. OSHC does not cover dental, optical or physiotherapy or any other special treatment. If you want to be covered for these treatments you will need to purchase additional private health insurance.
Quality education
Government registered
All providers of education to international students must be registered with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Each registered institution will have a registered provider number as evidence of current registration.
Quality assurance
All CRICOS registered providers are required under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act (ESOS) to meet the requirements of the National Code, 2007. The National Code is a set of nationally consistent standards that governs the protection of overseas students and delivery of courses to those students by providers registered on CRICOS.
Student protection
Student interests are protected by Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000, which regulates education and training services.
Student support
Police Fire and Emergency Services
The Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Service (NTPFES) works hard to promote community safety. The NTPFES works closely with community groups and other government agencies to help address a wide range of issues, ranging from crime and anti-social behaviour, fire protection and cyclone preparedness.
Law and order
For information about the Northern Territory Legal System visit the Department of Justice.
Legal assistance can be obtained from the Northern Territory Legal Aid Commission.
Health
There are excellent health care facilities right across the Northern Territory via hospitals, health centres and community care centres. Private medical specialists, general practitioners, dentists, allied health practitioners and other agencies also provide health care and family support services. There are also mental health professionals available in the Territory.
The St John Ambulance Service provides ambulance services throughout the Northern Territory, and fully accredited public hospitals are located in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy. Royal Darwin Hospital and Alice Springs Hospital offer a wide range of specialist services. In Darwin, you can receive treatment in the private hospital if you have private health insurance.
Free dental services are provided to infants, school children and priority groups. There are also many private dentists throughout the Territory.
For more information, visit the Northern Territory Department of Health and Family Services.
Safety and wellbeing
The safety of international students is very important to education providers, most of whom have a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, discrimination and harassment. The following websites may be of interest if you have concerns in these areas:
Childcare
In the Northern Territory parents and children have access to quality childcare. All forms of daycare are offered; long daycare, family daycare, outside school hours care and occasional care. Visit the Online Care for Kids website for information on childcare centres and options in the Northern Territory.
Counselling services
If international students are experiencing personal problems or issues related to their study, the education provider should provide assistance and advice. Alternatively, there are a number of organisations in the Northern Territory that provide excellent counselling services.
Complaints and grievances
Your education provider should have policies and procedures in place to enable you to make a complaint or lodge a grievance about issues you might have with your study. Visit the education provider’s website in the first instance.
