ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF ENGINEERING (CRICOS course code 114029F) is a Associate Degree (AQF Level 6) delivered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) over 2 years. This page provides everything you need to know about this CRICOS-registered course, including indicative fees, entry requirements, delivery location at Casuarina Campus, and student visa information. Whether you're planning to study engineering in Australia or comparing pathways, HeadStart Academy helps you navigate the official CRICOS register with confidence. All data is sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Remember, CRICOS registration is your primary trust signal — only registered providers can enrol international students. Use this page as a starting point to research your options, but always confirm details directly with CDU and the Department of Home Affairs.
| Metric | Value |
|---|
The ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF ENGINEERING (CRICOS 114029F) is an AQF Level 6 qualification in the field of Engineering and Related Technologies (broad field 03, narrow field 0399, detailed field 039999). This course equips students with foundational engineering knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for further study or entry-level roles in engineering. Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a government-owned institution (CRICOS 00300K) with a strong reputation for engineering and vocational education. The course is delivered over 2 years (104 weeks) and includes a work component of 12 weeks (224 total hours). As with all CRICOS-registered courses, international students are protected under the ESOS Act, ensuring quality educational standards and consumer rights.
This Associate Degree covers a broad range of engineering and related technologies, focusing on practical application and theoretical foundations. While specific subjects are determined by CDU, typical learning outcomes include problem-solving, engineering design, project management, and technical skills relevant to fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or general engineering. The course is designed to provide a pathway to a Bachelor of Engineering or direct entry into the workforce. Because this is a non-VET course (no VET national code), it sits within the higher education sector, often offering credit transfer opportunities. Students will develop competency in areas like mathematics, physics, computer-aided design, and engineering communication. Always check CDU's official website for the most current curriculum.
According to the CRICOS register, this course runs for 104 weeks (2 years) of full-time study. The language of instruction is English. It is a single qualification (no dual award) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to attend classes at the Casuarina Campus in Darwin, Northern Territory. While the CRICOS record does not specify part-time options, international student visa holders generally must maintain full-time enrolment. If you require flexibility, consult CDU directly. The course workload is typically around 20-25 hours of class time per week, plus independent study.
The indicative tuition fee for the ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF ENGINEERING is A$78,796 for the full course. Non-tuition fees (such as student services or materials) are estimated at A$736, bringing the total to A$79,532. These figures are sourced from the CRICOS register and are subject to change by CDU. Important exclusions: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the visa application charge are NOT included. For current fees, always visit the Charles Darwin University website at www.cdu.edu.au. As a guide, the Department of Home Affairs recommends living costs of approximately A$29,710 per year for a single student (excluding tuition). We recommend budgeting for rent (approx. A$300-500/week in Darwin), groceries, transport, and health cover.
Entry requirements for this Associate Degree vary, but generally you'll need: completion of Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) with satisfactory grades in relevant subjects (e.g., mathematics and science). English language proficiency is required — typical IELTS scores range from 5.5 to 7.0 overall depending on the institution's policy. For CDU, check their specific IELTS requirement (often 6.0 for associate degrees). Other accepted tests include TOEFL, PTE, and Cambridge English. Additionally, you may need to demonstrate prior academic qualifications equivalent to AQF Level 6 entry. Foundation or pathway programs may be available if you don't meet direct entry — refer to CDU's website or contact their admissions office. HeadStart Academy does not provide migration advice; consult a registered agent or the Department of Home Affairs for visa-specific questions.
This course includes a mandatory work component of 12 weeks, with an average of 18.7 hours per week, totalling approximately 224 hours. This work-integrated learning (WIL) experience is typically an industry placement or engineering-related internship, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Such placements are invaluable for building professional networks and improving employability. Students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) can undertake these placements as part of their course, but must ensure they do not exceed visa work limits. During term, student visa holders can work up to 48 hours per fortnight; during scheduled breaks, unlimited hours are permitted (subject to visa conditions).
This course is delivered at Charles Darwin University's Casuarina Campus, located in the suburb of Casuarina, Darwin, Northern Territory. Darwin is a compact, multicultural city with a tropical climate and a strong international student community. The campus is well-served by public transport, including buses connecting to Darwin city centre. Living costs in Darwin are moderate to high; rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages A$350-500 per week. The Northern Territory has fewer CRICOS-registered providers than larger states (around 20 institutions), but CDU is the main university. Studying in Darwin offers unique opportunities to experience Australia's Top End, including national parks and a relaxed lifestyle. For more on studying in NT, visit our /states/nt page.
To study this course, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). Once enrolled, you must maintain valid OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for the duration of your visa. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement applies — you must demonstrate intent to stay temporarily for study. Financial capacity must be shown to cover tuition, living costs, and travel. As a CRICOS-registered course, you are protected under the ESOS Act, which ensures quality assurance, refund policies, and student support. Australia offers generous work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Always check the latest visa conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Applying for the ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF ENGINEERING at Charles Darwin University (CDU) involves three straightforward steps:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy's free resources to compare courses. Filter by AQF level, field (Engineering), and location (NT). Ensure the provider (CDU) is CRICOS-registered (00300K) and the course has a valid CRICOS code (114029F).
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit CDU's website at www.cdu.edu.au, check entry requirements (including English tests like IELTS), gather your academic transcripts, and submit an application before the deadline. You may need to provide a Statement of Purpose or other documents.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa: Once CDU accepts you, they will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for a Subclass 500 visa online. You will need to provide evidence of OSHC, financial capacity, GTE statement, and health insurance. Refer to the Department of Home Affairs or a MARA-registered agent for assistance.
Darwin is a vibrant, tropical city with a small but diverse student population. The city has approximately 10,000 international students across all institutions. Living costs are higher than the national average for rent and groceries, but transport is affordable. The Casuarina Campus is a 15-minute bus ride from the city centre. Darwin offers unique cultural experiences, including the Mindil Beach Sunset Market and Litchfield National Park. While the Northern Territory has fewer education providers than major states, CDU is a well-established university with strong industry connections. Consider your preferences for climate, lifestyle, and career opportunities when choosing Darwin. For a deeper comparison, visit our /states/nt guide.
Ready to start your engineering journey in Australia? Use HeadStart Academy's free tools to compare CRICOS-registered courses and providers. Start your research today.
ASSOCIATE DEGREE OF ENGINEERING 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.