Looking to study in Australia without breaking the bank? Charles Darwin University (CDU) in Darwin offers a range of scholarships for international students—including both partial and fully funded options, plus research stipends for master’s and PhD candidates.

Below, you’ll find everything you need: what’s available, who qualifies, how to apply, and where to get help.

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🎓 What Scholarships Are Available for International Students?

CDU’s scholarship lineup includes:

• Vice‑Chancellor’s International High Achievers Scholarship (VCIHAS) – Covers 50% or 25% tuition fees for undergrad or master’s coursework.
• CDU Global Excellence Award – 50% tuition fee in the first year + 10% in subsequent years.
• CDU Global Leader Award – 25% tuition in first year + 10% later.
• CDU Global Achiever Award – 15% tuition waiver first year.
• VET Distinction Scholarship – A one-off AUD 3,000 for Vocational Education tuition.
• Northern Territory Scholarships – Up to AUD 12,000 based on academic merit and leadership Reddit+15024jobs.com+15Scholarship Roar+15Global Scholarships.

Fully Funded Research Scholarships

• Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship – Covers full tuition, offers a tax-free stipend (AUD 34,190/year for 2025 rate), plus relocation support up to AUD 2,500 for international students kabulscholarship.com+2cdu.edu.au+2Scholarships Future+2.

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✅ Who Can Apply?

Eligible candidates include:

• International students (not citizens of Australia or New Zealand)…
• Enrolling in eligible undergraduate, master’s coursework, or PhD/research programs at CDU Scholarships Future+6cdu.edu.au+6024jobs.com+6.
• Strong academic records, often equivalent to top grades or honours qualification.

For RTP scholarships, you must have an acceptance from a CDU academic supervisor and meet strict research eligibility (e.g. master’s by research or relevant honours) Reddit+14kabulscholarship.com+14Scholarships Future+14.

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📅 Application Timeline & Deadlines

Coursework Scholarships (VCIHAS, Global Awards)

• Round 1 Applications Open: 25 November 2024
• Round 1 Close: 07 March 2025 (outcomes by end of March)
• Round 2 Open: 04 June 2025 – Close: 25 July 2025 (outcome by end of August) kabulscholarship.com+2cdu.edu.au+2cdu.edu.au+2.

Research (RTP) Scholarships

• Admission applications due: 1 Sep 2025 (intake Jan–Mar 2026)
• RTP application closes: 30 September 2025 (outcomes mid-November) ntu.edu.au+14cdu.edu.au+14kabulscholarship.com+14.

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🛠️ How to Apply — Step-by-Step

Coursework Scholarships:

1. Apply for admission to a CDU coursework program.
2. Use CDU’s Scholarship Finder tool to select awards you’re eligible for.
3. Submit the scholarship application online through CDU’s portal before the deadline.
4. Wait for results — conditional on visa and enrolment status Elvoyager+15cdu.edu.au+15024jobs.com+15024jobs.com.

Research Scholarships (RTP):

1. Reach out to CDU academics to secure a research supervisor.
2. Apply for admission to your chosen research program.
3. Once accepted, you’ll be automatically considered for RTP — no separate application or fee required.
4. Upload required documents: CV, transcripts, research proposal, supervisor confirmation, English results, references Scholarships Future+2kabulscholarship.com+2cdu.edu.au+2.

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✍️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying too late—early submissions are preferred.
• Using a generic application form—tailor to the scholarship you’re seeking.
• Forgetting to meet study and annual enrolment requirements (e.g. full-time enrolment, minimum GPA 5.3) Reddit+2Scholarship Roar+2024jobs.com+2.
• Applying for RTP without a supervisor confirmation—applications may be rejected without it.
• Assuming all scholarships include living costs—only RTP includes stipends; other awards focus on tuition or partial funding.

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🧑‍🎓 Real Student Insight & Community Notes

From Reddit and forums:

“Most recipients are not interviewed… I got a full scholarship based on academic record and volunteer work.”
Scholarship decisions often take 4–6 weeks after submission Reddit+5Reddit+5Reddit+5.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if I’m already studying in Australia?
Yes—if you’re not a domestic or New Zealand citizen and meet specific eligibility criteria.

Are living allowances included?
Only in research (RTP) scholarships. Coursework awards usually cover tuition only.

Is a separate application needed for each scholarship?
No—for most awards, you apply once and are considered across multiple scholarships.

Do I need an IELTS or TOEFL score?
Yes. You must meet CDU’s English language requirements.

Can I hold multiple scholarships?
Generally, you may only hold one CDU scholarship at a time Scholarships Future+1cdu.edu.au+1Scholarship Roar+4024jobs.com+4kabulscholarship.com+4Reddit+1024jobs.com+1.

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✔️ Final Checklist Before You Apply

• [ ] You are international (not Australian/New Zealander)
• [ ] You have a valid acceptance or offer from CDU
• [ ] Your academic record meets funding thresholds
• [ ] Have references or proof of community/service involvement if needed
• [ ] For research scholarships: confirmed supervisor and full documentation
• [ ] Apply early—before the deadlines listed
• [ ] Prepare for potential interviews or follow-ups

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🎯 Why You Should Apply Now

Charles Darwin University offers great value for international students, with generous partial scholarships and fully funded research opportunities that include living stipends and relocation support. Plus, you’ll study in a diverse, inclusive research environment in Australia’s Northern Territory.

If you’re ready to invest in your future—start your application at CDU’s official scholarship portal today.