The Northern Territory, situated at the northern tip of Australia, shares its borders with Western Australia to the west, South Australia to the south, and Queensland to the east. It is often referred to as “The Territory,” “The T,” and “The Top End.” Known for its rich cultural diversity, the Northern Territory has over a hundred nationalities and approximately 140 social, cultural, and religious organizations. For adventure enthusiasts, it is a paradise—offering vast expanses of red outback, pristine waterholes, ancient Aboriginal heritage, and delightful tropical towns.
The Top End, like many parts of Asia, has a tropical monsoonal climate. The dry season from May to October features sunny days and cool evenings. The wet season or green season is from November to April. It brings spectacular thunderstorms, high humidity, and warm temperatures. Summer temperatures range between 20°C and 35°C, while winter temperatures average from 3 to 20°C with occasional overnight drops to 0°C.
The Northern Territory welcomes international students, offering high-quality Australian education and genuine employment prospects. Studying here is a unique experience— it is closer to Asia than in Sydney. With fewer people and vast spaces, opportunities abound for professional growth, networking events, and skill development. Many employers offer casual work, internships, and post-study employment aligned with their respective fields to international students.
Australia's first dual-sector university, uniquely offering both TAFE and higher education within the same institution. In the Good Universities Guide 2024, CDU proudly ranks as the #2 university in Australia for postgraduate full-time employment.
A leading nationally accredited higher education institution. Its courses and learning environment are designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and attributes needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
Additionally, there are numerous private Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) that offer vocational education and training (VET) qualifications. These programs emphasize practical skills and outcomes.
The Northern Territory is the least populous state in Australia, with only 252,500 residents as of September 2023. In 2021, the population of Greater Darwin grew by 1,600 people (1.1%), while the rest of the territory saw an increase of 720 people (0.7%). The rise in population for Greater Darwin was driven by positive net overseas migration (2,600 people) and natural increase (1,400). The top 10 countries of birth included England, India, China, New Zealand, Philippines, Vietnam, South Africa, Malaysia, Nepal, and Italy.
In Darwin, the median age was 34.5 years, which is higher than the rest of the Northern Territory where the median age was 32.1 years. The areas with the youngest median ages had a significant proportion of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Additionally, in Darwin, there were more males than females (with a sex ratio of 105.8 males per 100 females), while in the rest of the Northern Territory, females outnumbered males (with a sex ratio of 99.5).
In 2021, based on the responses of employed people aged 15 years and overs:
The top 5 occupations in NSW are professionals, managers, clerical and administrative workers, technicians and trades workers, and community and personal services workers.
The top 5 industry of employment are banking, computer system design and related services, other auxiliary finance and investment services, legal services, and hospitals (except psychiatric hospitals).
The median weekly income is $813 for personal, $2,185 for family, and $1,829 for household.
Darwin & Surrounds. Darwin is Northern Territory’s capital. Located on the northern coast, Darwin embodies both relaxation and excitement, bustling with all the essential services and infrastructure of a capital city. The city also celebrates its rich Aboriginal heritage, evident in the vibrant Aboriginal art adorning galleries, museums, and streets.
Litchfield National Park, located just a 90-minute drive from Darwin, was proclaimed a national park in 1986. Shaped by water, this ancient landscape features numerous breathtaking waterfalls that cascade from the sandstone plateau of the Tabletop Range.
Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage site and protected area in the Northern Territory, is Australia’s second-largest national park. Within its boundaries exist rugged escarpments, lush rainforests, and ancient rock art galleries dating back up to 20,000 years.
Alice Springs & Surrounds. Located almost precisely at the geographical center of Australia, Alice Springs is the country’s physical heart. This inland town is a spirited outback center, with stunning landscapes, remote communities and a rich pioneering heritage. The surrounding region, often referred to as Central Australia or the Red Centre, features an arid environment with several deserts.
Kings Canyon, located within Watarrka National Park, lies just a 3-hour drive from Uluru. This destination boasts 300-meter-high sandstone walls, lush palm-filled crevices, and expansive views that stretch across the desert.
MacDonnel Ranges. In 1984, the West MacDonnell National Park was established to safeguard the range’s various parks and reserves, including those within its boundaries. Additionally, the park played a crucial role in creating the Larapinta Trail — a world-class, long-distance bushwalking trail spanning 223 kilometers along the range’s backbone.
Rainbow Valley. The sandstone layers in the main formation exhibit vibrant colors, reminiscent of a rainbow’s stripes. The reserve was established to protect the distinctive sandstone formations, Aboriginal art, artifacts, and sacred natural objects.
Uluru & Surrounds. Regarded as the spiritual heart of Australia, this site predominantly consists of Aboriginal freehold land.
Uluru/Ayers Rock is a massive sandstone monolith that undergoes color transformations throughout the day and year. Its most striking feature is the vibrant red glow it emits during dawn and sunset.
Kata Tjuta, literally translated as “many heads”, is also known as The Olgas. It comprises 36 large, domed rock formations, with Mount Olga standing as its highest peak.