What’s it like to live in Darwin?
Are you curious about Darwin as a possible destination for your international study experience? This small, but ultra-social city is Australia’s most northerly capital and boasts a multicultural population and plenty of open spaces.
It’s definitely off the beaten track but has more than enough natural wonders to compensate for its remote location. If you’re keen for a unique cultural experience, get ready to learn about living and studying in Darwin, Australia.
Highlights of Darwin
Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and is situated on the shores of Beagle Gulf and the coastline of the Timor Sea. It has a hot, tropical climate, quite unlike the rest of Australia, and is famous for its laidback friendly people (you can’t get too fancy in the heat) as well as the geographic and cultural wonders of Australia’s Top End.
Living in Darwin you’re at the gateway to wildlife-filled billabongs, waterfalls, rock formations, Aboriginal heritage sites, and rugged terrain which is unspoiled and spectacular. And when you’re not out adventuring, you can enjoy swimming, cycling, sports, festivals, and fun nights out with friends around the city. It has a lot to offer.
DID YOU KNOW? Darwin has a population of just 140,000 residents, which is probably why the people are so friendly and sociable.
Education Providers
The city of Darwin is home to the Charles Darwin University and TAFE college — an acclaimed academic institution that has one of the highest rates of graduate salaries and employment outcomes in the country.
It’s a great place to study primary industries, environmental science, indigenous culture, community services and social work as well as heath, creative arts, and tourism.
If you prefer vocational education and training (VET) qualifications that deliver technical skills and real-life training in workplace, Darwin has a good selection of Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), TAFEs, language schools, and technical colleges. We recommend visiting the government’s StudyNT website and checking out the full list of VET providers.
QUICK TIP: you can read inspiring international student stories using #StudyNT on Instagram.
Grants and Scholarships
The Northern Territory government is very pro-active about attracting international students to Darwin, Alice Springs, and other parts of the territory. Each year they provide grants and scholarships to reduce the cost of your studies.
You can receive:
- Accommodation Grants — approved students receive 6 weeks free rent at some of Darwin’s on-campus accommodation houses.
- Academic Scholarships — approved students can receive up to $6,000 off their tuition fees in the first year.
For more information about grants and scholarships for international students in the Northern Territory, check the StudyNT website. Alternately, jointheir student mailing list to be notified when the next round of applications is open.
Employment
You won’t have too many problems getting a job in Darwin. This is a city with loads of job opportunities and a territory government that is eager to support your efforts to find work.
Darwin has a full list of recruitment agencies who can help you find employment, you can also search the following job sites:
Getting Around
The city of Darwin has a well-established bus system for students needing public transport between the university and essential services, as well as the waterfront area and feature attractions. There are also good walking paths and bikeways around the city plus eBikes and eScooters which you can ride for free.
Darwin buses accept cash payments, but you can save money by getting yourself a Tap and Ride Card. Make sure you have your Student ID card to save up to 60% off your fare.
Cost of Living
Living in Darwin is very affordable, and you will find it much cheaper than all the other capital cities across Australia. Check out the average prices for yourself using the Australian government’s Cost of Living Calculator — then do a comparison with other destinations. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Accommodation
Living on-campus in Darwin is lots of fun and there are residential opportunities at all the Charles Darwin University (CDU) campuses. But if you prefer to live independently, you can always rent your own place or join an existing share house. There may also be home stay opportunities, where you live with a local NT family in their private home.
To find accommodation in Darwin, we recommend visiting the CDU website and checking out their StudySTAYS tool. Alternately, read the accommodation section of our Living in Australia Guide for International Students, it explains the Australian rental process in detail and has a full list of links to help you search for rental properties.
Lasting Connections
Darwin is a very welcoming community, accepting and embracing new comers and multiculturalism generally. Testimonials from current international students and past graduates indicate the friendliness of people in the city and the lasting connections they have made.
The city is small, and the university and TAFE colleges have excellent teacher to student ratios -- so you’ll get to know your fellow students, lecturers, and teachers on a much deeper level.It’s an incredible opportunity to create wonderful memories and make friends that last a lifetime.
Wild Places and Cultural Wonders
Now for the really good stuff! Darwin and the Northern Territory are home to Australia’s incredible outback and some of the most isolated, rugged, and unspoilt scenery in the world. Even better, you’ll be up close and personal with Australian Aboriginal history and culture.
Imagine seeing crocodiles and ancient rock art in Kakadu, Australia’s largest national park? Or canoeing the Katherine Gorge? Or taking a dot painting class with an Aboriginal artist and learn about First Nations art and culture? Or walking a leg of the Larapinta Trail? Or taking in the breathtaking sight of Uluru as dusk settles onto this ancient and spiritually significant monolith? It’s all here in the Northern Territory, and studying Darwin is your ticket.