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Studying in Darwin as an Indian Student: Charles Darwin University, Free Buses and Category 3 Benefits

Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory, a tropical city of 159,284 people. It is the only capital in Category 3, the regional group with the largest benefits: a second 485 of two years and priority in regional migration programmes. Its buses are free.

Leonid Kurza, co-founder of EdumappleBy Leonid Kurza · co-founder of Edumapple · checked

Darwin waterfront and harbour
Darwin waterfront and harbour. Photo: Balou46, CC BY-SA 4.0
  • 159,284people, June 2025
  • Category 3the largest regional benefits
  • freepublic buses
  • 3.7%of Greater Darwin is Hindu

University

Charles Darwin University has the lowest entry marks and some of the lowest fees on this site: a Master of Information Technology at ₹24 lakh (A$36,440) a year, and an automatic 30% scholarship.

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  • Courses your marks and degree qualify for
  • Tuition and the visa living funds, counted in rupees
  • GS answers, visa timing and your 485 plan
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Living in Darwin

Darwin has a wet and a dry season, closer ties to Southeast Asia than to Sydney, and an economy built on defence, government, health and resources. Free buses remove one regular cost; rent, at a 2021 median of A$385 a week for a whole dwelling, is below the big cities.

Regional status

Category 3: five regional points and, after two years living in a regional area, a second 485 of two years. For an Indian master's graduate, three years plus two.

Around the city

Parliament House of the Northern Territory, Darwin
Parliament House of the Northern Territory, Darwin. Photo: Balou46, CC BY-SA 4.0
Darwin city centre by the sea
Darwin city centre by the sea. Photo: Balou46, CC BY-SA 4.0

Questions from Indian students: Australia

Which university is in Darwin?
Charles Darwin University, with Class 12 entry from 60% in CBSE or CISCE.
Why is Darwin Category 3?
Home Affairs names Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as Category 1 and lists the Category 2 centres; every other location is Category 3. Darwin is not among the Category 1 or 2 names.
Is public transport free in Darwin?
Yes. All public buses in Greater Darwin, including Palmerston and Casuarina, have been free since 1 July 2025.
How much is rent in Darwin?
The 2021 Census median rent for Greater Darwin was A$385 a week for a whole dwelling.
Is there an Indian community in Darwin?
Yes: 3,804 India-born residents in 2021 and 5,198 Hindus, 3.7% of the city, a higher share than in most capitals. Darwin falls under the Consulate General of India in Perth.

Sources we checked