Schooling is compulsory in the Territory between the ages of six and 15. In some areas, Aboriginal pupils are taught in both English and their tribal language. The larger towns also have residential colleges for Aboriginal students.

The Northern Territory has several primary and secondary schooling choices, either private or public, and their class sizes are generally smaller, allowing for more supportive and comprehensive teaching. Only one university in the State, the Charles Darwin University, was formed when the Northern Territory University merged with the Menzies School of Health Research and the Centralian College of Alice Springs.