Charles Darwin University was acknowledged as the number one university for equity in Australia, a statement that rings true for CDU TAFE as the final enrolments for 2025 close.
During 2025 First Nations students represented 30 percent of total students at CDU TAFE, a jump of 550 students from 2,747 in 2024 to more than 3,300 in 2025. A first for the TAFE and well surpassing the national average.
When CDU TAFE was created it always had a goal to better meet the needs of the regional and remote communities, these numbers reflect the work that has been done to establish genuine partnerships in the regions and across the Northern Territory.
CDU Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of CDU TAFE Michael Hamilton said this was an exceptional achievement for a public provider and one that deserves recognition and celebration.
"The strong enrolment rate highlights CDU TAFE's growing role in providing accessible, culturally responsive training opportunities for First Nations students," Mr Hamilton said.
"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 uptick in First Nations enrollments come from a range of the TAFE's 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 uptick of First Nations TAFE student enrolments is 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.
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.
