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Charles Darwin University - Global News - February 2026
CDU Semester 1 2026: A Strong Start
Dear partners,
As Semester 1 commences, we are pleased to share key highlights that demonstrate Charles Darwin University’s commitment to quality education, student experience, and community impact.
Orientation Week 2026—A Warm Welcome to CDU
Charles Darwin University welcomed new students across its campuses with a structured Orientation Week program carefully designed to support a confident and seamless transition into academic life.
Students engaged in faculty-led academic briefings, guided campus tours, social activities, and targeted information sessions, ensuring they began their university journey informed, connected, and well-prepared for success.
Proven Peer Support: Buddy Program
The CDU Global Buddy Program remains a cornerstone of peer-led student transition support. Now in its eighth year, the program has been further strengthened through a structured series of engagement activities designed to enhance connection, belonging and early transition outcomes.
We recently hosted two Buddy Meet-Up events, first recognising the contributions of our 2025 participants, followed by a session focused on strengthening connections between Senior and Junior Buddies for Semester 1 2026.
As a student-centred initiative, the program enables Senior Buddies to develop mentoring and leadership capability, while supporting Junior Buddies to build confidence, meaningful connections and a smooth transition into university life.
National Recognition: CDU Free Tax Clinic
We are also proud to share that the Charles Darwin University Free Tax Clinic has been named the winner of the Shaping Australia Award 2025 – Community Champion People’s Choice Award.
This national recognition reflects CDU’s commitment to delivering meaningful work-integrated learning opportunities while serving the wider community. Through strong industry collaboration and real-world application, our students develop employability skills alongside academic knowledge.
Thank you once again for your continued commitment and support of CDU Global.
With so much progress already underway in Semester 1 2026, we look forward to achieving even more together in the months ahead.