Doctor of Pharmacy (CRICOS course code 111117H) is a Masters Degree (Extended) delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) over 2 years. This CRICOS-registered program prepares international students for a rewarding career in pharmacy, combining rigorous academic study with practical work-integrated learning in the Northern Territory. As a student at CDU, you will gain the knowledge and skills required to practice as a pharmacist in Australia, underpinned by the ESOS Act's consumer protections. All data on this page is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring you receive accurate and up-to-date information. HeadStart Academy is a free resource — no commissions or referral fees — helping you navigate over 26,000 courses across Australia.
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Doctor of Pharmacy (CRICOS course code 111117H) is a Masters Degree (Extended) delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) over 2 years. This program is designed for international students seeking to become registered pharmacists in Australia. The course is classified under field of education 060501 (Pharmacy) and is offered at CDU's Casuarina Campus in Darwin, NT. As a CRICOS-registered course (provider code 00300K), it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment. International students benefit from ESOS Act protections, including tuition fee safeguards and access to the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) framework. CDU is a public government university, ensuring high-quality education and research opportunities.
This Masters Degree (Extended) in Pharmacy focuses on the science and practice of pharmacy, including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacy practice, and clinical pharmacy. Graduates are prepared for roles in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, and research. The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills, including patient counselling, medication management, and health promotion. While specific unit syllabi are determined by CDU, typical learning outcomes include understanding drug action, dispensing medications, and applying pharmaceutical care principles. This level of study is equivalent to AQF Level 9 (Masters Degree) with an extended duration to accommodate additional clinical training.
The Doctor of Pharmacy is a 2-year full-time program (104 weeks according to the CRICOS register). The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (not a dual award) and does not include foundation studies. International students must maintain full-time enrolment to comply with Student visa (Subclass 500) conditions. The program is delivered on-campus at CDU's Casuarina Campus, with face-to-face teaching supplemented by online resources.
Tuition fees for the Doctor of Pharmacy are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. The total tuition fee is A$104,228, with non-tuition fees of A$736, bringing the estimated total to A$104,964. These fees are set by Charles Darwin University and subject to change — always confirm the latest fees on the CDU website. The following costs are NOT included: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses (rent, groceries, transport), and the Student visa application charge. Indicative living costs in Darwin are approximately A$450–600 per week for rent (shared accommodation), plus A$100–150 for groceries and A$40–60 for public transport.
Entry requirements for the Doctor of Pharmacy are set by Charles Darwin University. Typically, applicants need a completed bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., science or health) with a strong academic record. English language proficiency is required — usually IELTS 7.0 overall (no band below 6.5) or equivalent. Some providers may require prior study in pharmacology or chemistry. Foundation or pathway options may be available; refer to CDU's website for specific entry criteria. HeadStart Academy does not guarantee admission; all applicants must meet the university's requirements and submit a valid application.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 40 weeks, totaling approximately 412 hours (hours per week not specified in CRICOS data). This typically involves supervised clinical placements in community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, or other healthcare settings. Work-integrated learning allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, develop professional competencies, and satisfy accreditation requirements for pharmacist registration. Placement arrangements are coordinated by CDU, and students may need to meet additional requirements such as immunisations and background checks.
The Doctor of Pharmacy is delivered at Casuarina Campus, CASUARINA, NT. Casuarina is a suburb of Darwin, the capital city of the Northern Territory. Darwin has a population of approximately 150,000 and is home to several CRICOS-registered providers, including CDU. The city offers a tropical climate, multicultural community, and proximity to national parks. The Casuarina Campus is well-served by public transport, with regular bus services connecting to Darwin city centre. Living costs in Darwin are higher than in some other Australian cities, but the unique lifestyle and job opportunities in the health sector make it an attractive destination for international students.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course can apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). To obtain a visa, you must provide a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from CDU, meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs, and dependants. You are required to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. Standard visa conditions allow work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Note that visa conditions are subject to change — always consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered MARA agent. HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Doctor of Pharmacy at Charles Darwin University:
1. **Research CRICOS-registered providers**: Use the HeadStart Academy website to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that CDU (CRICOS 00300K) offers the Doctor of Pharmacy (111117H) and review entry requirements.
2. **Apply directly to your chosen institution**: Submit your application through CDU's online portal. You'll need to provide academic transcripts, English language test scores (e.g., IELTS), a personal statement, and any other documents specified by the university. Adhere to application deadlines — typically several months before the intake.
3. **Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa**: Once CDU issues your CoE, you can lodge a Student visa (Subclass 500) application with the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and a genuine intention to study. Allow several weeks for visa processing.
Choosing the Northern Territory for your pharmacy studies offers a unique experience. Darwin has a close-knit international student community, with CDU being the main provider. The city's tropical climate means warm weather year-round, but also features a wet season from November to April. Living costs are moderate compared to Sydney or Melbourne, with average weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$350–500. Public transport is accessible, but many students choose to cycle or drive. The pharmacy sector in NT has growing demand, particularly in rural and remote areas. However, the smaller population means fewer social opportunities than in larger cities. Weigh these factors when deciding if the NT aligns with your lifestyle and career goals.
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Doctor of Pharmacy 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.