CDU TAFE First Nations students reach 3,300 for the first time
First Nations students have represented 30 per cent of total students at Charles Darwin University TAFE in 2025, a jump of 550 students from 2,747 last year to more than 3,300 this year.
A first for the TAFE and well surpassing the national average, an exceptional achievement for a public provider and one that deserves recognition and celebration, CDU Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of CDU TAFE Michael Hamilton said.
“The strong enrolment rate highlights CDU TAFE’s growing role in providing accessible, culturally responsive training opportunities for First Nations students,” Mr Hamilton said.
Big achievement
“CDU TAFE exists to serve the Territory, its industries, its communities, and its people. This achievement is a direct result of the dedication of our educators, trainers and support staff who deliver high-quality, inclusive training across some of the most remote and diverse regions in the country”.
The increase in First Nations enrollments came from a range of TAFE programs and initiatives, including On Country training, Corrections contract, CDU’s regional campuses and their partnerships with First Nations ranger groups.
“Surpassing previous years reflects the success of targeted engagement initiatives and the connections we have made across the NT,” Mr Hamilton said.
CDU Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman said the increase of First Nations TAFE student enrolments was a remarkable achievement. “one built on the hard work of our staff, the ever-growing strength of CDU TAFE and CDU’s vision to be recognised for First Nations training, education and research”.
“CDU had a vision to improve First Nations student access, participation and success in training and education programs. Looking at these numbers, we can confidently say we are achieving this goal and hope this trend continues,” Professor Bowman said.
Quality vocational education
Looking ahead to 2026 CDU TAFE will continue to engage in these meaningful partnerships and look for additional opportunities to ensure our First Nations students are supported and continue to choose CDU.
“CDU TAFE is committed to delivering quality vocational education across diverse student cohorts, working in genuine partnership with First Nations communities and celebrating cultural differences to drive collective impact and future success for the NT and beyond,” Mr Hamilton said.
