Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours (CRICOS course code 0101376) is a Bachelor Honours Degree delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) over 4 years 1 month (~211 weeks). This AQF Level 8 program focuses on Computer Engineering, equipping graduates with advanced skills in software design, development, and systems engineering. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00300K), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. HeadStart Academy sources all course data directly from the official CRICOS register (April 2026), ensuring accuracy. International students can study at CDU's Casuarina Campus or Danala Education and Community Precinct in Darwin, Northern Territory. The indicative tuition fee is A$157,592, with additional non-tuition fees of A$1,472. Note: OSHC, living costs, and visa application fees are not included. Entry requires IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall. Graduates typically pursue careers in software engineering, systems architecture, or IT project management. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, and CDU is a government-owned university with a strong reputation. International students benefit from ESOS Act protections, ensuring quality education. Use this page to explore course details, fees, entry requirements, and visa information.
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This program falls under the field of Computer Engineering (CRICOS Field of Education 031305). At Bachelor Honours level, students engage in advanced coursework and a significant research project. Typical subjects include software development methodologies, algorithms and data structures, operating systems, network programming, database design, and software project management. The honours component involves a supervised dissertation or capstone project, allowing students to explore a specialised area in depth. Graduates develop strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing them for roles in software engineering, IT consulting, or further research. Note that this is a general description of the field; specific syllabus details should be confirmed with Charles Darwin University.
The course is delivered full-time over 4 years and 1 month (211 weeks). Instruction is in English, and it is a single qualification (not a dual award). Study mode is on-campus at CDU's Darwin locations. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with their Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The extended duration beyond a standard bachelor degree reflects the honours research component. There is no part-time or online option for international students enrolling in this course. CDU may offer some flexibility in course sequencing, but the overall duration is fixed as per the CRICOS register.
Indicative tuition fees for the Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours are A$157,592, with non-tuition fees of A$1,472, totalling A$159,064. These fees are sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026 and are subject to change by Charles Darwin University. Additional costs not included in this estimate are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (approximately A$21,041 per year for a single student as per Department of Home Affairs), and the visa application charge (currently A$1,600). Students should also budget for textbooks, equipment, and personal expenses. We recommend confirming the latest fees directly with CDU's international office before applying.
Minimum English language proficiency: IELTS 6.0-6.5 overall with no band below 5.5-6.0 (equivalent tests may be accepted). Academic entry requires a completed bachelor degree in a related field such as computing, software engineering, or electrical engineering, with a strong academic record (typically a GPA equivalent to 5.0 or higher on a 7.0 scale). Some applicants may need to complete a pathway or foundation program if they do not meet the direct entry criteria. CDU may also consider work experience or professional certifications. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission; the university assesses each application holistically. For specific requirements, consult CDU's course page.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, international students studying on a Student visa (Subclass 500) have permission to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled study breaks. This allows students to gain practical experience while studying. While the program itself does not require work, students may choose to undertake internships or part-time jobs in the tech sector subject to visa conditions. It is important to note that work must not interfere with academic progress. Students should refer to the Department of Home Affairs for current work rights and conditions.
Charles Darwin University offers this course at two campuses in Darwin, Northern Territory: Casuarina Campus (in the suburb of Casuarina) and Danala Education and Community Precinct (in Darwin City). Darwin is a small but vibrant capital city with a population of around 150,000. The local student community includes several thousand international students enrolled across multiple CRICOS-registered providers. Cost of living in Darwin is higher than in some Australian cities; indicative weekly expenses include rent for a one-bedroom apartment (A$350–A$450), groceries (A$80–A$120), and public transport (A$40). Both campuses are accessible by Darwin's public bus network. Darwin's tropical climate and multicultural atmosphere offer a unique study experience.
To study this course, international students must apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key requirements include: Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire stay, and sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. Student work rights allow 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Visa holders must maintain full-time enrolment, satisfactory academic progress, and valid OSHC. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting a registered migration agent (MARA) or the Department of Home Affairs for personalised advice. All CRICOS-registered courses, including this one, are covered under the ESOS Act, providing consumer protections.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours at Charles Darwin University:
1) Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Bachelor Honours Degree), field (Computer Engineering), and location (Northern Territory). CDU is a government-owned university registered under CRICOS code 00300K.
2) Apply directly to Charles Darwin University: Submit your application through CDU's international admissions portal. Provide academic transcripts, English test scores (e.g., IELTS), a statement of purpose, and any other required documents. Deadlines vary by intake (typically February and July).
3) Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for a Student visa: Once CDU issues your CoE, lodge a Student visa (Subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have valid OSHC and evidence of financial capacity. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent.
Ready to begin your study in Australia? Research Charles Darwin University's Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours on HeadStart Academy and follow our step-by-step application guide.
Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours is a CRICOS-registered programme at Charles Darwin University (CDU). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.