A Darwin university student is in a critical condition after he was allegedly assaulted by a home invader in the early hours of this morning.
NT Police was called to a residence on Trower Road in the suburb of Millner about 4.30am, after receiving reports that an unknown man had broken in.
The alleged burglar assaulted the 23-year-old resident, an international student from Bangladesh, leaving him with "significant injuries" before fleeing the scene.
The alleged victim was taken to the Royal Darwin Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
A 29-year-old man was arrested in the area a short time later and remains in custody.
The 23-year-old was studying a masters in information sciences at Charles Darwin University.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said he was shocked by the news, and the health and safety of staff and students was a "top priority" for the university.
"This is just a terrible, sickening attack which has left us all speechless, devastated and angry," Professor Bowman said.
"I've been at the hospital today. He's very, very sick."
Professor Bowman said the university was trying to arrange for family to travel from Bangladesh to be with the student.
He said the Bangladeshi Student Association at the university had rallied around the student and were currently with him in the Royal Darwin Hospital's intensive care unit.
Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time of the alleged attack, or who may have CCTV footage, is urged to contact police.
Police Minister Kate Worden said police were investigating the circumstances around the alleged attack and urged the public to respect their work.
"Absolutely my heart breaks for this student and also their family, and for the CDU family," she said.
Ms Worden said the government was taking action to reduce crime in the short and long term, saying poverty was a main driver of offending.
