Charles Darwin University

Charles Darwin University stands out as a unique institution in the Australian educational landscape. Covering a vast area of the continent and located in a remote region with a small population, it serves a critical role in higher education. Despite the Northern Territory comprising about 16 percent of Australia's landmass, it is home to just over 1 percent of the population, with Indigenous people constituting a significant portion. As the sole university in the Northern Territory, CDU operates as a dual-sector institution, offering both vocational and higher education. Situated at the northern tip of Australia, the university is geographically closer to the populous regions of Asia than to the southern Australian states. CDU takes pride in its deep engagement with Australia's Indigenous communities, acknowledging and respecting their knowledge, culture, and contributions. These unique characteristics present both challenges and opportunities for CDU as it continues to build on its 25-year history of remarkable achievements. Despite its relatively short existence, CDU has earned a reputation for innovation in teaching, learning, and research, ranking among the top 2 percent of world universities in 2015. It plays a crucial role in providing the human capital necessary for the future prosperity of Northern Australia and the neighboring Asian region, while also offering innovative online learning options to cater to a broader national student market.