Study in Northern Territory

Darwin is the capital city of the Northern Territory of Australia. The Northern Territory is a diverse and interesting area quite different from other parts of Australia. Two and a half times the size of Texas, the Territory stretches from the green tropics of the north to the arid lands of the red center. It is a vast land, yet crammed with life. It has literally thousands of species of plants, birds, fish, reptiles and insects, many unique and some yet to be identified.

If you've never visited Darwin, you could be in for a surprise - an enjoyable one. Virtually rebuilt in 1975 after cyclone Tracy, Darwin is young, modern, cosmopolitan and tropical.

Wide streets and shady parks, a pedestrian mall, a huge range of restaurants, trendy pubs and clubs, the nightlife strip of Mitchell Street, the tourist venues of the Wharf Precinct and the upmarket housing of Cullen Bay, Tipperary Waters and Bayview Haven complete the picture.

Moving away from central Darwin, the city's surrounds are equally attractive. The northern suburbs feature cool elevated houses and lush gardens filled with palm trees, frangipani, crotons and other tropical species. Likewise, the city of Palmerston, 15 minutes drive south east of Darwin, is one of the fastest-growing parts of Australia, and its new suburbs feature the latest in tropical housing design and facilities. Further south is the shire of Litchfield, where residents enjoy the freedom of large blocks of land and the simplicity of a rural lifestyle.Darwin reflects and celebrates dozens of cultures reflected in its many festivals, markets and restaurants. In fact, the city is a shining example of how people from diverse backgrounds can live happily alongside one another. You'll particularly notice the influence of Indigenous and Asian cultures, especially when it comes to art, food and festivals.
The Northern Territory Government offers a well-established and high quality education system.

Government schools are CRICOS registered and can offer places to international students. The Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCE) is awarded at the end of year 12 and is recognised for entry purposes by all tertiary institutions in Australia.

All government secondary schools and colleges meet a high standard of teacher qualification, curriculum content class size and school facilities. Requirements are set by the Northern Territory Government and the Northern Territory Board of Studies. Our teachers are provided with opportunities to develop specialist skills in their chosen subject areas. As well, schools and colleges are able to develop their own character and individual approach to education. All schools and colleges offer a wide variety of subjects to meet individual needs.

Study in Northern Territory

Area Overview

Considered the "true Outback," Australia's Northern Territory piques the imagination and appreciation for the rich history and culture of the territory.

Unlike other regions the sparse population of just over 227,000 people didn't settle primarily along the coast to the north but along the Stuart Highway. Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, and Tennant Creek are the primary populated areas. Northern Territory claims another historical distinction: It didn't become federalized in 1901 but was separated from South Australia and was awarded federalism in 1911.

Port Darwin was founded in 1869 and grew from the first successful settlement into the Territory's capital, spearheaded inroads into the region. Mining became the economic foundation of the area, and in later years, tourism was actively encouraged.

Study Options

Study in Northern Territory brings numerous career opportunities and degree programs. From vocational certificates and diplomas to Associates, Bachelor, Masters, and PhD degrees, high quality education is attainable in virtually every employment area, including:

1. Applied and Pure Sciences: Chemistry, Life Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Human Sciences.

2. Business and Administrative Studies: Accounting and Finance, Business Management and Administration, Marketing, and Human Resources.

3. Computer Sciences: Information Systems and Technology, Programming, Multimedia, and Network and Security.

4. Creative Arts and Design: Arts, Fine Arts, Music, Computer Graphics, and Graphic Design.

5. Engineering and Technology: Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Health and Safety Engineering.

6. Health and Medicine: Pharmacology, Nursing, Medicine, and Health Administration and Management.

7. Humanities: History, Languages, and Cultural Studies.

8. Law: Legal Studies and Criminology, for example.

9. Communications and Social Studies: Sociology, Economics, and Social Work.

10. Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality: Hotel Management, Marketing, and others.

11. Education: Teaching, including all ages and institution type, Education Administration.

12. Many other areas, including Law Enforcement, Literature, and Diplomatic Relations.

Study Highlights

For international students choosing to study in Northern Territory, Outback adventures, festivals, markets, museums, and galleries in the Darwin area bridge the past, present, and future into a fiesta of fun and entertainment.

Horse racing has thrilled fans since 1873. The Darwin Turf Club was formed in 1955, and the complex underwent several redesign and update construction projects. Currently, the Darwin Turf Club is located at Fannie Bay Racecourse whose circumference of 1780 metres and has the sole southern hemisphere distinction of having an oil-mixed sand track in place of the traditional turf track.

A short distance from Darwin's business centre, SKYCITY Darwin is a large, 24-hour entertainment complex that provides cuisine from four restaurants, a casino, five bars and nightclubs, concerts, and other events.

Tours and cruises provide half-day, full-day, or extended and tailored adventures and sight-seeing excursions that fit into almost any budget for both seafarers and landlubbers. Walking tours present close exposure to Aboriginal cultural history and contemporary impact. During the dry season bring the stars to fingertips with celestial vistas unique to the southern hemisphere with Night Sky Adventures. Sea Darwin offers expertise in the marine and salt water habitats and ecosystems of the Darwin Harbour and surrounding waterways.

For the nature lovers who prefer to study in Northern Territory, Berry Springs Nature Park grants sanctuary to flora and fauna indigenous to the area and provides relaxing springs, ponds, and waterfalls that allow visitors to swim, walk, and regroup.

For the shopper or enthusiast, the Aboriginal Fine Arts Gallery presents traditional arts and crafts that have historical roots reaching centuries into the past.

Bicentennial Park sits on the cliff above Darwin Harbour. Walking trails, picnic areas, and wide grassy areas allow for more active recreation.

Within the school environment, clubs, groups, and interest-based organisations highlight campus life. Intramural and school-level sports bring athletes and weekend, casual players together in common spirit.

Modern labs, comfortable and dynamic student centres, and extensive libraries supplement studies and research study in Northern Territory.

Accommodations

Both on-campus and off-campus housing is available for students in Northern Territory.

Ranging from back-packers accommodations to short- and long-term hotels, studio apartments, or standard flats and apartments supplement on-campus quads and dormitories. While on-campus housing may incur additional cost to the education program expenses, generally the on-campus accommodations are far less expensive than off-campus housing.

Regional Highlights

Northern Territory offers numerous opportunities to explore the Outback, rivers, and mountains. History presents itself along the Stuart River and in remote Aboriginal villages.

Northern Territory experiences two distinct climate zones. The northern area enjoys a tropical climate with high humidity and two basic seasonal changes: a wet season from November to April and the dry season from May to October when the lowest daytime temperatures average near 14 degrees C or 57 degrees C. The wet season-Australia's summer-often brings monsoons and tropical cyclones.

The central region is the hot, semi-arid area of Northern Territory and often sees less than 250 mm or 9.8 inches of rainfall per year, and the record high and low temperatures were 48.3 degrees C (118.9 degrees F) on 1 and 2 January 1960 and -7.5 degrees C (18 degrees F) on 12 July 1976.

Over twenty national parks, both public and restricted, ensure nature thrives in Northern Territory, and natural habitats and vistas are preserved for future generations.

Whether exploring urban areas and enjoying a myriad of contemporary entertainment options or go on a "walk about" in the Outback, everyone enjoys Northern Territory sunshine.

More Good-To-Know Information

Preparing to study in Northern Territory includes keeping in touch with friends and family. Internet access is usually available both on and off campus, and most education institutions provide students with email addresses or can direct the student to available free or low-cost access sites.

Telephone plans differ according to availability and receiving country, so shop around for a plan that fits the budget.

When living on or off campus and especially when entering the local area, always leave the original passport and visa in a secure, protected area on campus. Carry a copy of each and leave another copy, along with a copy of personal identification in the lodgings.