Search Charles Darwin University

Start of main content
Australian Defence Force staff member standing in front of white board

Australian Defence Force

Use your military knowledge to pursue your passion

Study with a new world university that embraces change and champions innovation. Whether you are an ex-serving or a serving member of the Australian Defence Force, we want you to help us shape the new world.

As a dual-sector university, we offer various TAFE, undergraduate and postgraduate courses and higher degrees by research CDU.

Ready to study? Find your course

  • Conservation student AJ in greenhouse

    CDU TAFE courses

    As the Northern Territory's largest training provider, we can help you develop practical, job-ready skills. Choose from more than 100 hands-on TAFE courses, taught by industry experts in industry-standard facilities.

    Read more
  • Michelle, CDU student in Sydney

    Find a course

    We know our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision - to make a positive change. We help our students achieve their goals and positively impact their lives and those around them.

    Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction. With on-campus, online, part-time and full-time study options, you'll have the flexibility and support to do it your way.

    Find out more

Student support

CDU has a number of support services available to students:

External Defence support services:

staff-helping-students

    Frequently asked questions

    I am a Defence member, what are my entitlements with CDU?

    As an NT resident, currently you are entitled to NT Government supported course subsidy, however it has limited supported places, therefore, you need to get your application in.

    If you are looking to complete higher education, you are entitled to academic entry for over 50 courses if you have completed 1 year of service and at the rank or Private or equivalent.

    I have left the Defence Force and I want to study, what am I entitled too?

    As an ex-Defence member currently receiving veteran affairs benefits, or can provide evidence you are ex-serving Defence, you are entitled to a range of TAFE fee-exempt courses.

    If you wish to complete higher education, CDU currently offers academic entry for over 50 courses ranging from Diplomas to Bachelors.

    I am and ex-Defence member, what do I need to provide as evidence?

    As an ex-Defence member and to be entitled to the TAFE fee-exempt courses you will need to provide the following:

    • Your white card or gold card.

    If you are requesting to complete higher education, you will need to provide one of the following:

    • ADO Service Record.
    • Letter from your supervisor/personnel officer/commanding officer giving rank, length of service, and, if possible, occupation.
    • Certificate of Service which states rank on discharge and dates of service.
    I am a Defence family member, what are my options to study at CDU?

    As a family member, you are currently entitled to the NT Government supported course subsidy, however it has limited support places, therefore you need to get your applications in.

    I am a Defence member who is considering discharge, what are my entitlements, and can I obtain RPL?

    You are entitled to take advantage of the CTAS (Career Transition Assistance Scheme) offered by the ADF which is to the value of up to $5,320 (Speak to your Defence Admin or Transition coach for assistance). Once you become a veteran/ex serving member you are entitled to TAFE Fee exempt courses. We do offer a RPL services, we can begin your RPL process prior to you leaving the defence force to assist with any gaps in qualifications you may wish to pursue to obtain formal qualifications.

    If you have any further enquires or question, please contact the Defence Project Officer Imran.north@aspanazolrugby.com

    Keep up to date with the latest at CDU

    Back to top