Located right at the top of Australia in the Northern Territory, Darwin is Australia’s hottest capital city. It’s home to some amazing landscapes, 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 sits in the top 2% of universities worldwide. It is also one of six members of Australia’s Innovative Research Universities network and is ranked 31st in world universities under 50 years old. Charles Darwin is a globally connected and respected university, with campuses sweeping over the Northern Territory. The university offers more than 75 nationally recognised and accredited programs for international students.
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. 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 the Karlu Karlu Devil’s Marbles. Don’t forget to catch the Field of Light installation in the Uluru heartland, which is in place until 2020.
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. The city is modern, but 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 and a wet/dry season – so it’s the perfect for those who enjoy warmer climates and being close to nature.
4. When it comes to scholarships, Darwin offers many opportunities
In the bigger cities, applying for opportunities – scholarships, mentorships, work placements, and so on – can sometimes be overwhelming. And with so many fellow students all vying for the same placements, it can be difficult to secure a spot. 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.
5. The classes are usually smaller
Class sizes at Charles Darwin University are smaller than those in the bigger universities, which means you’ll likely receive way more attention, mentoring and engagement from your lecturers, tutors and mentors. 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.
6. Darwin is home to a wealth of indigenous culture
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 CBD, 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 Dreamtime 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”.
7. Darwin’s local communities are incredibly friendly, inclusive and culturally diverse
The Northern Territory is home to many multicultural community groups and services. All of these groups usually 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.
As a side note, Charles Darwin University is one of the most culturally diverse in Australia. There are more than 680 international students from 55 countries studying there.
8. Darwin’s markets are absolutely iconic
If you’re in Darwin, don’t forget to wander through the city’s most iconic community markets. The Saturday Parap Village Markets, the Sunday Nightcliff Markets and the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets on Thursday evenings are all popular. Each one colours the streets with brilliant live music, performances, stalls, and Asian and Indigenous arts, crafts and foods.
9. Darwin is wild!
Darwin is a very modern city, but its surrounds are 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.
Charles Darwin University also works 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 opportunity. From breathtaking natural surrounds, to friendly community and learning opportunities, there’s very little reason not to live in the NT.
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