Charles Darwin University (CDU), located in the Northern Territory of Australia, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among Australian universities. The academic year typically consists of two main semesters: Semester 1, running from late February to early June, and Semester 2, spanning from late July to early November. Additionally, CDU offers a Summer Semester for intensive study, usually held between November and February. This structure allows for flexibility, accommodating both domestic and international students with options for accelerated learning or catch-up courses during the summer period. The university also incorporates mid-semester breaks and study weeks to support student well-being and preparation for assessments.
The academic calendar at Charles Darwin University aligns with the broader Australian higher education system, with semesters timed to complement national holidays such as Easter and the summer break during the Christmas and New Year period. This structure offers significant flexibility for international students, particularly through the Summer Semester, which allows for additional coursework or catch-up opportunities. Unique to CDU is its location in the tropical Northern Territory, where scheduling considers the wet and dry seasons, ensuring optimal learning conditions. Students are encouraged to plan around these dates, especially for admissions, as processing times for international applications may vary due to visa requirements.
