Course Overview

About This Course

The Diploma of Business Studies is designed to reflect general business degree course objectives and build towards the graduate attributes of Charles Darwin University. These attributes describe creative, flexible and socially responsible graduates who are able to acquire, understand and apply concepts and knowledge with a high level of skills in communication, leadership and team work. The Diploma of Business Studies has been developed to parallel the existing first year course in business with the added dimensions of Academic English development, increased contact time with staff and focus on linguistic and cultural gaps that will exist for many students in first year units. The Diploma of Business Studies is delivered by UP Education through an existing partnership that governs all programs in the CDU International College.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Danala - Education and Community Precinct, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia

54-58 Cavenagh Street, DARWIN CITY, NT 0800

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 50 (after any applicable adjustment factors have been applied)
English Language Requirements (Domestic): Must satisfy CDU's English Language Proficiency Requirements, met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language
- Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5 FTE (40 credit points)
- Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at Certificate III level or higher from Australia
- Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse
- Approved English test within two years of commencement: IELTS Academic overall minimum 6.0 (no band below 6.0); Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) overall minimum 169 (no skill below 169); PTE Academic overall minimum 50 (no score below 50); TOEFL iBT overall minimum 60 (minimum writing score 21)
English Language Requirements (International): Must satisfy CDU's English Language Proficiency Requirements, met by one of the following:
- Previous education in an English-speaking country
- IELTS Academic: minimum overall score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0
- Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): minimum overall score of 162, with no skill below 154
- Common European Framework Certificate: minimum overall grade of B1
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: minimum overall score of 42 with no score lower than 36
- TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT): minimum overall score of 46 with minimum scores of 14 for reading, speaking and listening and minimum 21 for writing

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this course allows you to enter the second year of the following courses at CDU: Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Accounting or Bachelor of Digital Enterprise.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units9 units

IDC104

Language, Literacy and Sustainability

Replaces IDC101 from 2025. Core unit.

IDC103

Business and Professional Communications

Core unit.

IDC202

Cultural Capabilities

Replaces IDC102 from 2025. Core unit.

IDB101

Quantitative Analysis for Business

Core unit.

IDB102

Introduction to Business Law

Core unit.

IDB103

Introduction to Management

Core unit.

IDB104

Business Economics

Core unit.

IDA101

Introduction to Accounting

Specialist Elective (Accounting stream). Not offered 2026.

IDM101

Fundamentals of Marketing

Specialist Elective (Business stream).

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I study after completing the Diploma of Business Studies at CDU?

Successful completion of the Diploma of Business Studies allows you to enter the second year of the following courses at CDU: Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Accounting, or Bachelor of Digital Enterprise.

How many units do I need to complete and what is the study load?

A candidate must successfully complete 8 units totalling 80 credit points over two semesters (4 units each semester). Each unit is scheduled for five contact hours per week, resulting in a total of 20 hours per week for 4 units over a 12-week teaching semester.

Who delivers the Diploma of Business Studies at CDU?

The Diploma of Business Studies is delivered by UP Education through an existing partnership that governs all programs in the CDU International College. The UP Education approach focuses on students, high quality teaching, strict academic standards and helping students to be well-rounded.

What are the annual tuition fees for international students in 2026?

The annual tuition fee for full-time study in 2026 is AUD $31,208.00, which equates to $3,901.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL). These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year. CDU also offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

When can I start the Diploma of Business Studies and where is it offered?

The Diploma of Business Studies is available for on-campus study at the Danala - Education and Community Precinct, with intakes in Semester 1, Semester 2, and Summer Semester. It is not available online and is not available to domestic students at this location (CRICOS code: 0100739).

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $58,000 to $76,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $76,000 to $100,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $100,000 to $140,000 per year

Career Paths

Graduate AccountantFinancial AnalystManagement ConsultantBusiness AnalystMarketing Coordinator

Key Skills

Financial analysis and reportingAccounting principles and practiceStrategic business planning and decision-makingData analysis and business analyticsMarketing strategy and consumer behaviour

Full Course Overview

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Diploma of Business Studies

About This Course

Available Locations

Entry Requirements

Where this takes you

Accreditation & Migration

Units of Competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Apply

Hear From the Students