There are 3 Associate Degree courses offered by 1 CRICOS-registered provider across Northern Territory. If you're looking for a flexible pathway into a bachelor's degree or direct entry into skilled employment, an Associate Degree (AQF Level 6) can be the ideal choice. Northern Territory's sole provider, Charles Darwin University (CDU), delivers courses in fields like Society and Culture, Management and Commerce, and Engineering and Related Technologies. With tuition ranging from A$62,428 to A$78,796 and a standard 2-year duration, this level offers an affordable, shorter alternative to a bachelor's degree while still providing strong career outcomes. All courses are CRICOS-registered, ensuring ESOS Act protections apply. Read on for detailed fee breakdowns, entry requirements, and step-by-step application guidance.
Counted from the official register for NT: 3 non-expired CRICOS courses across 1 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.
Ranked by active CRICOS course coverage for Associate Degree in Northern Territory on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-05). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
Commercial disclosure: Payment does not affect this ranking or inclusion. Ordering is coverage-based from the CRICOS register — not an endorsement or quality score. How we rank · Is this legit?
Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a government CRICOS provider with 169 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Northern Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$5,700 to A$205,910. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Non AQF Award, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00300K, Government, 169 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian City International College Pty Ltd
Australian City International College Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 28 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Northern Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$1,000 to A$32,250. Common levels include Certificate IV, Diploma, Certificate III.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03888H, Private, 28 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
International College of Advanced Education Pty Ltd
International College of Advanced Education Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 16 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Northern Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$2,900 to A$15,750. Common levels include Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02864B, Private, 16 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Alana Kaye Group Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 16 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Northern Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$1,050 to A$16,000. Common levels include Certificate IV, Diploma, Certificate II.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03675K, Private, 16 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Sydney City College of Management Pty Ltd
Sydney City College of Management Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 15 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Northern Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$15,750 to A$32,250. Common levels include Advanced Diploma, Graduate Diploma, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03620C, Private, 15 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Alice Springs College of Australia Pty Ltd
Alice Springs College of Australia Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 13 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Northern Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$13,500 to A$27,800. Common levels include Graduate Diploma, Certificate IV, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 04021G, Private, 13 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian Careers College Pty Ltd
Australian Careers College Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 12 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Northern Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$12,000 to A$24,000. Common levels include Diploma, Non AQF Award, Advanced Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03029G, Private, 12 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY PTY. LTD.
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY PTY. LTD. is a private CRICOS provider with 7 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Northern Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$12,000 to A$25,300. Common levels include Certificate III, Diploma, Advanced Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03714G, Private, 7 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Australian Institute of Electro Technology Pty Ltd
Australian Institute of Electro Technology Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 7 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Northern Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$10,500 to A$30,500. Common levels include Certificate III, Diploma, Certificate II.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03775F, Private, 7 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic College
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic College is a private CRICOS provider with 5 active courses matched to Associate Degree in Northern Territory. Indicative course totals on register from A$31,300 to A$70,800. Common levels include Primary School Studies, Junior Secondary Studies, Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02598D, Private, 5 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
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Maintained by HeadStart Academy editorial · Snapshot recalculated this build (2026-10-05).
An Associate Degree is an AQF Level 6 qualification, sitting between a Diploma (AQF Level 5) and a Bachelor's degree (AQF Level 7). It typically takes 2 years of full-time study and is designed to provide foundational knowledge and practical skills in a specific field. The qualification qualifies you for para-professional roles or direct entry into the second year of a related bachelor's degree. Entry requirements usually include completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with satisfactory grades, or a relevant Diploma. Some providers may also consider work experience. For international students, English language proficiency (usually IELTS 5.5–7.0) is required. A key advantage of an Associate Degree is its flexibility: you can exit after two years with a recognised qualification or continue to a bachelor's degree, often with credit transfer. In the Australian education system, AQF Level 6 courses are designed to develop systematic understanding and analytical skills, preparing graduates for both employment and further study. All courses listed on HeadStart Academy are CRICOS-registered, guaranteeing quality standards under the ESOS Act.
Tuition fees for Associate Degrees in Northern Territory range from A$62,428 to A$78,796. This is indicative total tuition for the full 2-year program, set by individual providers. Duration is fixed at 2 years full-time for all courses. Below is a breakdown by field of education. Note: non-tuition costs (accommodation, living expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and textbooks) are separate. For a detailed cost-of-living guide, see our state pages.
Charles Darwin University (CDU, CRICOS 00300K) is the only CRICOS-registered provider of Associate Degrees in the Northern Territory. CDU's main campus is in Darwin's Casuarina suburb, with additional locations in Alice Springs and Palmerston. CDU is known for its strong industry connections, particularly in health, engineering, and business, and for offering flexible study modes including online and part-time options. With 3 Associate Degree courses, CDU is the sole gateway for international students seeking this level of study in NT. The university also offers extensive student support services, including English language assistance and career guidance. As a government-owned institution, CDU adheres to the highest quality standards under the ESOS Act.
Associate Degree courses in Northern Territory span three broad fields: Society and Culture, Management and Commerce, and Engineering and Related Technologies. In Society and Culture, you can expect programs focused on community services, social science, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies. Management and Commerce offerings include business, accounting, and management pathways. Engineering and Related Technologies cover civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering foundations. Each field is designed to provide practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing you for either immediate employment or further study. CDU's curriculum often incorporates real-world projects and industry placements, giving you hands-on experience. To explore all available courses, use our course search tool — all programs are CRICOS-registered and covered by ESOS protections.
English language requirements for Associate Degrees vary by provider. At Charles Darwin University, international students typically need an IELTS (Academic) overall score of 6.0 with no band below 6.0, or equivalent. However, some fields like Engineering may require a higher score — up to IELTS 7.0 overall. Scores can range from 5.5 to 7.0 depending on the course and provider. Always check the specific entry requirements on the provider's website or the CRICOS course listing. English language proficiency can also be demonstrated through TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English exams. CDU offers English language pathways if you do not meet the direct entry score. Remember, meeting the minimum English requirement does not guarantee visa approval — the Department of Home Affairs will assess your English ability as part of the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion.
To study an Associate Degree in Australia, you will need a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa requires you to be enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course, have sufficient financial capacity (tuition + living costs + OSHC), and meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. The GTE statement is a key part of your visa application — it must demonstrate your genuine intention to study and return home. You will also need to arrange Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. As of 2026, the cost of living for one student is approximately A$21,041 per year (excluding tuition). Darwin's living costs are generally lower than Sydney or Melbourne, but still budget accordingly. For full details, see our Student Visa guide. Note: HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice — always consult a registered MARA agent or the Department of Home Affairs.
Follow these three steps to start your study journey in Northern Territory:
Browse all Associate Degree courses in Northern Territory on HeadStart Academy — free, no-obligation, and updated from the CRICOS register.
Showing 3 associate degree courses from 1 CRICOS provider in Northern Territory.