Located right at the top of Australia in the Northern Territory, Darwin is Australia’s hottest capital city. So, if you’re looking to study in a tropical climate surrounded by beaches, it’s the perfect choice for you.
Darwin (and the wider Northern Territory) is home to some amazing landscapes, many of which are world-famous (like Uluru!), but there are many other reasons why you should study in Darwin.
1. The education in Darwin is top-tier
According to the Times Higher Education University Rankings, Charles Darwin University is ranked =30th for ‘Millennial universities’. It is also 2nd in Australia for graduate employment, and =1st for graduate salary. Charles Darwin is a globally connected and respected university, with campuses across the Northern Territory. The university offers more than 75 nationally recognised and accredited programs for international students.
Darwin (and the Northern Territory) also offers high-quality primary and secondary school options and English language courses. There are many private vocational education and training (VET) providers that offer an extensive range of courses, including early childhood education and care, leadership and management, nursing, commercial cookery, nursing and electro-technology and instrumentation.
2. The Northern Territory is absolutely stunning
Every Australian will tell you the same thing: the Northern Territory is like nowhere else. Whilst studying in Darwin, you’ll be able to explore the greater area around the city easily. Think wondrous stretches of desert, towering natural monoliths, swimming holes and absolutely incredible natural sights like the breathtaking Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, world-famous Uluru, Kakadu National Park and Karlu Karlu (the Devil’s Marbles).
3. Darwin city is beautiful, warm and close to nature
The more famous sights in the Northern Territory are stunning, but so is the city of Darwin. While the city centre is a bustling urban space, it is surrounded by natural wonders including sandy, sun-splashed beaches and the famous Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. The climate is warm and pleasant, with a tropical savanna climate – so it’s perfect for those who enjoy warmer weather and being close to nature.
4. When it comes to scholarships, Darwin offers many opportunities
In some of Australia’s bigger capital cities, applying for opportunities – scholarships, mentorships, work placements, and so on – can sometimes be overwhelming and competitive. And with so many fellow students all vying for the same placements, it can be difficult to secure a spot. Fortunately, there are many more openings available to you in a city like Darwin. For example, at Charles Darwin University, there are many opportunities for generous scholarships available – and it’s possible there could be less competition for scholarship places in a smaller city like Darwin. For example, 12 of the Territory’s international education and training providers have partnered with Study NT to offer the Study in Australia’s Northern Territory Scholarship.
Study NT also offer the International Student Accommodation Grant, to assist international students who are considering moving to Darwin with their relocation. The grant provides the student with the first six weeks of the student’s accommodation fee at either International House Darwin or Unilodge.
5. The classes are usually smaller
Class sizes across Darwin’s international education providers are deliberately kept smaller, which means you’ll likely receive far more attention, mentoring and engagement from your lecturers and tutors. This can ensure greater learning success during your studies. In Darwin, you won’t just be another student in the crowd; you’ll be constantly and consistently engaged, proactive and right in the middle of the action. This can also help you start building a strong network of professional contacts, who can assist you when it comes to looking for internships or job opportunities in the future.
6. Darwin is home to a wealth of Aboriginal art and culture
In the Northern Territory you can experience the oldest living culture on earth, and the depth of cultural experiences here are like nowhere else. In Darwin, you can meet artists at work at one of the city’s many Aboriginal art galleries, such as the Readback Book Exchange and Aboriginal Art Gallery in the city centre, or the Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association at Milikapiti. To see the city of Darwin in a different light, take a tour led by an Indigenous guide and learn about the Larrakia people’s stories. If you’re after a weekend away, head to the nearby Tiwi Islands to celebrate the famous Milimika Festival, a festival of art, dance, music and football!
You can also visit the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima, showcasing the oldest continuous culture on earth through the newest technology in the MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia.
7. Darwin’s local communities are incredibly friendly, inclusive and culturally diverse
The Northern Territory is home to many multicultural community groups and services. These groups come together at the city’s Darwin Waterfront Harmony Soiree, an annual event celebrating the Northern Territory’s cultural richness. The event includes cultural performances, stalls and activities such as lantern competitions, a lantern flotilla release and an epic fireworks finale. There are also many chances to make friends – and an impact – as a student volunteer through Volunteering SA/NT.
8. Darwin’s markets are absolutely iconic
If you’re in Darwin, don’t forget to wander through the city’s most iconic and world-famous markets. The Saturday Parap Village Markets, the Sunday Nightcliff Markets and the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets on Thursday evenings are all popular. The Rapid Creek Markets (as explored in the video above) is Darwin’s oldest markets. Each one colours the streets with brilliant live music, performances, stalls, and Asian and Aboriginal arts, crafts and foods.
9. Darwin is wild!
Darwin is home to an incredible ecosystem of Australian wildlife. Think plant life, birds and animals – including saltwater crocodiles! Go bird-watching, or watch crocodile-feeding at Darwin’s Crocodylus Park or Crocosaurus Cove. You can even spot wild crocs in Kakadu National Park – but remember, be careful and CROCwise.
Darwin’s education providers work closely with partners in desert knowledge, national plant biosecurity and sustainable tourism. So, by choosing to study in Darwin, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get really, really close to nature.
10. Darwin is like nowhere else
When you study in Darwin, you’ll be living in a place completely unique to the rest of Australia. It’s raw, genuine, and as pure an Aussie experience as you can get. Plus, it’s filled with boundless opportunities. From breathtaking natural surroundings to friendly community and learning opportunities, it’s easy adjusting to a new life in Australia’s Northern Territory.
