In Darwin, the study experience is enriched by social events and cultural opportunities, with many students speaking two or more languages.
The diversity of learning is incomparable.
Education providers in Darwin cater for domestic and international students of all abilities and aspirations.
Shehani Kaushika Rajapaksha
Darwin hosts a variety of public and private early learning and preschool options to suit and support every child and family. Options include short and long day care, outside school hours care, in-home care or occasional care.
Darwin offers structured, supportive and social education options for younger children, with there being no age restriction on when your child can begin attending child care.
For parents seeking smaller, more personalised care options, Darwin has many certified Family Day Care providers that provide child care services for children in a family or home-based setting. A consistent and close relationship is developed between parents, children and carers, as children are taught in settings that cater to the desires of the parents and the needs of the children.
Early childhood education in the form of preschools is a regulated part of the Northern Territory Education Curriculum. In other States and Territories preschool is often called Kindergarten.
Children can attend public and private preschools (often attached as feeders to associated Primary Schools) from the age of four, or if your child turns four between 1 January and 30 June then they may start preschool at the beginning of the school year.
There are primary schools, middle schools, senior secondary and comprehensive schools in the NT. More than one stage of school may take place at one location.
There are 19 public and 10 private primary schools in Darwin. All of them cater for preschool, transition and grades 1 to 6. The exception is Nemarluk School which provides specialised educational needs for children of all ages, and some private schools that do not cater for preschool aged children.
All schools in Darwin offer outside school hours care.
Secondary school in Darwin includes middle and high school. There are four public middle schools that teach Grade’s 7 to 9 and six private schools that offer Grade’s 7 to 12.
Casuarina Senior College and Darwin High School are Darwin’s public high school options.
Schools offer a range of internationally recognised education options including the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training.
With a local university ranked among the top 100 in the Asia-Pacific region and many other quality education and training centres, Darwin has a lot to offer domestic and international students.
Charles Darwin University (CDU) is ranked number two in Australia for undergraduate full-time employment outcomes. CDU supports domestic and international students and offers practical study experiences including work placements.
Explore tertiary education options:
CDU
Menzies - School of Health Research
Flinders University
CIM
Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and Vocational Education and Training (VET) colleges deliver accredited training of industrial and technical skill courses to local and international students.
A wide range of study areas are offered including business, project management, hospitality, English, civil construction, human resources, marketing and aged and early childhood care.
Students from many different countries, cultures and backgrounds choose to study in Darwin. The relaxed tropical lifestyle and cultural diversity is comforting and helps adapt to the Australian way of life leaving time to focus on your future. Find out more with Study NT
The primary and secondary schools will assess the student’s English language proficiency for students where English is not the first language. The students will be placed on an appropriate intensive English course for a year.Intensive English Units
International tertiary students will need to ensure their English-speaking skills are appropriate for the course to study. International Entry Requirements
There are three different types of visa for international students. Visa holders can work up to 40 hours per fortnight during the study period or full-time during the study break. Subclass 500 Student visa
Student Guardian visa (subclass 590)
Training visa (subclass 407)
The cost of study for international students depends greatly on the course and level of study. This means that school fees can range from $5,000 to $25,000 a year or semester. There may be additional costs for student services, amenities and health cover.
School fees for international students
Pathway to Aus - High And Primary Schools Fees For International Students Children
For tertiary education costs, please refer to the institutions website for the most up to date information.
There are 19 CRICOS registered international education and training providers in Darwin ranging from schools like Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic College to University, TAFE and VET providers like CDU and Alana Kaye College.
Institution Search
Find out everything you need to know about moving to Darwin, from housing options to healthcare, facilities and services. Learn how you can get around and get immersed in our tropical lifestyle.