Admissions profile

Charles Sturt University is Australia’s largest regional university. It is also Australia’s most experienced provider of online education.

Our history dates back more than 125 years, to the establishment in 1895 of a vocational farm at Bathurst designed to give rural people access to skills and education. Over subsequent decades, agricultural and teaching centres were set up in Wagga Wagga and Bathurst, disseminating knowledge so individuals could improve their prospects and better serve their communities.

Charles Sturt University officially became a university in 1989, and today we have campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Goulburn, Orange, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga and Canberra. We also have specialist centres in Parramatta and Wangaratta. We have innovative, state-of-the-art facilities in which students gain practical experience, including the National Life Sciences Hub, dedicated university research centres, public medical, dental, wellness and community engagement centres, a farm, equine centre, television studios, art galleries, radio station and winery.

We have unique partnerships with a wide variety of organisations, including TAFE providers, the NSW Police Force, the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Commercial Radio Australia, the Islamic Sciences & Research Academy of Australia, and universities in China and Sri Lanka.

We also have numerous partners around the world to enable our students to undertake international study experiences, further expanding their horizons.

We believe studying at Charles Sturt changes people’s lives for the better. For our students this means not only the rewards of study and collaboration, but also access to a whole world of employment opportunities.

• Charles Sturt University has the highest graduate employment rate among all Australian universities (Good Universities Guide 2022/23)
• More than 60 per cent of Charles Sturt University's undergraduate courses provide students with access to work-based experience and placements, ensuring they are job-ready.
• 70 per cent of Charles Sturt University's courses target skills shortage areas, delivering on the Australian government's national skills priority.

Our research is also changing lives. We are committed to building knowledge and innovation to meet the needs of people across our regions, the nation and the world. In the latest Australian Research Council's Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative Charles Sturt University was classified well above or above world standard in these fields of research.

• Agricultural and veterinary science
• Applied ethics
• Astronomical and space sciences
• Curriculum and pedagogy
• Environmental science and management
• Horticultural production
• Library and information studies

Our rural and regional focuses, as well as strength in online education, mean Charles Sturt University is a leading institution in providing higher education opportunities to first-in-family applicants, mature-age students, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and indeed to anyone regardless of location.

Increasing participation of First Nations Australians in higher education is also a key focus area of the university. Charles Sturt University collaborates with First Nations communities to ensure access into the university. We are proud to be one of the top Australian universities for First Nations participation and graduation.

To meet the minimum entry requirements at Charles Sturt University, you'll need to:

• have successfully completed  a minimum of two subjects at university
• be able to demonstrate a reasonable prospect of success through the Grade Point Average (GPA) achieved in these studies.

Some courses require increased and/or additional entry requirements and these will be identified in the online page for the course you wish to study.

Recognition of prior learning

When you apply to study at Charles Sturt University, you may be eligible to receive credit based on your previous study and/or work experience. This includes:

• Recognition of prior learning
• Advanced standing and credit for overseas qualifications

Credit may be awarded for specific subjects, a number of electives or a level of subjects, meaning you could be exempt from completing one or more subjects listed in the course structure of your degree. Depending on the credit that is awarded, this could mean that you are able to complete your chosen course in less time, and at a lower cost. Credit is generally assessed on an individual basis, although some courses have established credit arrangements.

Completed bridging or enabling course

Diploma of General Studies and Charles Sturt Pathway

You can study a bridging course at other institutions, like TAFE, before you enrol to study with us.

Alternatively, we offer two courses that can get you prepared for university study and provide guaranteed entry to most of our bachelor's degrees. The Diploma of General Studies will give you entry to most undergraduate courses and you’ll graduate with a diploma qualification. For entry into bachelor’s degrees only, we have the Charles Sturt University Pathway.

If you have completed a bridging or enabling course at an institution other than TAFE, we'll assess entry into Charles Sturt on a case-by-case basis. You'll be eligible for admission to Charles Sturt if we determine your results are equivalent to the rank required for the course.

To meet the minimum entry requirements at Charles Sturt, you must have either:

• previously completed a Certificate III or higher qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) from a registered training provider such as TAFE

or

• completed more than 50 per cent of a diploma level qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework from a registered training provider such as TAFE.

You must also be able to demonstrate a reasonable prospect of success through these studies.

Some courses have higher entry requirements and these will be identified in the online page for the course you wish to study.

Recognition of prior learning

Credit may be awarded for study or relevant work experience completed prior to applying for a course. Previous study may be from Charles Sturt University or another institution.

If you are a TAFE student, read more information about credit for TAFE qualifications.

Credit may be awarded for specific subjects, a number of electives or a level of subjects, meaning you could be exempt from completing one or more subjects listed in the course structure of your degree. Depending on the credit that is awarded, this could mean that you are able to complete your chosen course in less time, and at a lower cost. Credit is generally assessed on an individual basis, although some courses have established credit arrangements

Recent Australian Year 12 students (within the past two years)

For most applicants, your academic ranking will be the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). This is the mark of overall achievement given to Year 12 students in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. You obtain an ATAR by completing your Higher School Certificate (HSC).

When considering applications, the University moves down the ranking list for each course and makes offers until no more places are left. This process establishes our ATAR cutoffs for that year.

When all the places have been filled and enrolments finalised, we publish a list of the ATAR and equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) cutoffs. You can review this list to get an idea of the results you'll need to gain entry to your preferred course in the next intake.

Entry to Charles Sturt's courses is assessed on your academic results, and your performance in additional selection criteria as set out for each course. This might also include an assessment based on an interview, audition or portfolio.

Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR)

The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is the mark of overall achievement given to a Year 12 student in Australia. You obtain your ATAR by satisfactorily completing at least 10 units of ATAR courses during your Higher School Certificate (HSC) or interstate equivalent.

When we determine eligibility for highly competitive courses, we move down the ranking list for each of the competitive programs and make offers until no more places are left. When determining eligibility to less competitive courses, we'll assess on the basis of rank to the minimum ATAR for the course.

ATAR-related adjustments

Regional location adjustment scheme

We know that sometimes regional schools don't have the same advantages as city schools, so if you're completing high school in a regional area, we'll adjust your selection rank by five points as part of the regional location adjustment scheme. Best of all, you don't have to do a thing – the adjustment will automatically be made when you apply.

Access schemes

At Charles Sturt, we recognise that sometimes you haven't been able to compete equally during your education. We're talking about reasons outside your control, like finances, family trauma, moving school, personal illness or disability.

Our access schemes take these disadvantages into consideration, which can increase your ranking selection up to seven (7) points.

You can find important dates and deadlines for submitting your application on our access schemes information page.

Requirements that may apply in addition to ATAR

Some courses require you to attend an interview, give an audition, or supply a portfolio in addition to submitting your main application. Your performance in these areas will be assessed along with your academic grades. Specific details are given on the course pages.

Supplementary application forms

For some courses, you will need to fill out a supplementary application form. Download the relevant form from the relevant course page.

Elite Athlete Program

Charles Sturt is an Elite Athlete and Performer Friendly University. If your competition or training requirements have impacted your study preparation, you may be eligible for special consideration entry.

If you want to study an undergraduate degree on campus, you can apply through:

• UAC's Educational Access Scheme
• VTAC's Special Entry Access Scheme

If you're applying direct to Charles Sturt University, use our Elite Athlete/Performer Program Special Consideration for Admission Form.

Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS)

The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) gives you a chance to secure your place at Charles Sturt before exam results are released. The scheme recognises passion and potential in students, with entry open to all Charles Sturt undergraduate courses EXCEPT for:

• Bachelor of Dental Science
• Bachelor of Paramedicine
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy
• Bachelor of Technology / Master of Engineering (Civil Systems)
• Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science
• Diploma of General Studies .
• Doctor of Medicine

If you're an early offer applicant, we'll assess your:

• academic achievement from Year 11
• your school's recommendation
• other supporting documents through the UAC Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS).

To apply for the Schools Recommendation Scheme, you'll need to first enrol for undergraduate admission before you submit your application. You'll also need to meet any other eligibility criteria. You can find information about these requirements on the UAC website.

Previous Australian Year 12 studies

If you completed your Year 12 qualification more than two years ago, you can still use your results to apply for entry into Charles Sturt. If you completed high school before 2009, your rank may have a different name. In Australia, you may have acquired a Universities Admission Index (UAI). If you completed your HSC at TAFE, this is considered a secondary qualification and you'll be eligible for an ATAR.

Some Charles Sturt University courses are open to you if you have demonstrated work or life experience in a relevant area. Our Course Directors will make this assessment for you. Take a look at your course online to see if work and life experience are listed as criteria for successful application.

While academic achievement is not the main criteria for a successful application, you may be asked to complete the special tertiary admissions test (STAT).

You'll need a minimum score of 144, or provide additional academic supporting information, to be able to demonstrate a reasonable prospect of success in the academic components of the course.

Charles Sturt, First Nations Student Services and Wiradjuri people are working together in education. We proudly acknowledge this in Charles Sturt's philosophy of 'Sharing learning in Wiradjuri country'.

Connections - First Nations Direct Entry Program

Connections is a five-day entry program that helps you prepare for study with Charles Sturt University. Successful completion of this program will provide you with guaranteed entry into a broad range of our bachelor's degrees.

Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health)

Charles Sturt’s Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) is only open to students of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. This course aims to prepare graduates who have appropriate knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes to work as mental health workers within their own communities and mainstream mental health services.

To be admitted to the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) you must demonstrate their aptitude through previous relevant experiences in the field of mental health and First Nations issues, and, if required, have completed a bridging program.

If you completed your secondary school studies in another country, check to see if your qualification is on our list of recognised secondary qualifications. If not, you can still apply and we will assess your application.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) offers a table that shows – for each IB diploma subject – the comparable subject in the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC). To view this table, go to the UAC website.

New Zealand NCEA Level 3

If you’ve completed the NCEA Level 3, an Interstate Transfer Index (ITI) will be calculated by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and provided to UAC and VTAC. This will be used in the selection process, provided you have fulfilled university entrance requirements as set out by NZQA.

You will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if you were either:

1. born in one of the countries in the table below and have completed at least one assessable qualification – undertaken in English – from one of these countries
2. not born in one of the countries in the table below and do not have an assessable qualification – undertaken in English – from one of these countries but are able to provide proof of English proficiency.

Assessable qualifications from the countries listed above that may be accepted as satisfying English proficiency include:

1. senior secondary studies, comparable with the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC)
2. one full year of Australian or comparable tertiary studies, including RATE associate diploma and diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree and postgraduate studies
3. completed AQF diploma and advanced diploma
4. Australian or comparable non-award studies and tertiary preparation courses, including NSW TAFE Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC), with a full-time equivalence of one year.

The following qualifications may also be accepted as satisfying English proficiency if you were born in and undertook the qualification in one of the countries listed in the table above.

1. Other post-secondary studies, including certificate and advanced certificate.
2. Special Tertiary Admissions Tests (STAT).

Acceptable tests for English proficiency

The list of acceptable tests for English proficiency (and the required results) that must be attained within two years of starting your course are detailed on the English language proficiency requirements page. (An applicant who does not otherwise meet the university's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Executive Dean of the appropriate faculty.)

Recognition of English language programs at other Australian universities

Charles Sturt University will recognise results in English language programs offered by other Australian universities where the level of achievement attained in the program is deemed to be equivalent to the proficiency standards detailed on the English language proficiency requirements page.

Additional English language proficiency requirements

A faculty may require a higher standard of proficiency for programs that are linguistically demanding. Courses requiring a higher standard of proficiency are detailed on the English language proficiency requirements page.

Some Charles Sturt University courses are open to you if you have demonstrated work or life experience in a relevant area. Our Course Director will make this assessment for you. Take a look at your course online to see if work and life experience are listed as criteria for successful application.

While academic achievement is not the main criteria for a successful application, you may be asked to complete the special tertiary admissions test (STAT).

You'll need a minimum score of 144, or provide additional academic supporting information, to be able to demonstrate a reasonable prospect of success in the academic components of the course.

It's just our way of making sure you'll be okay once you get started.

Recent Australian Year 12 students (within the past two years)

Entry to Charles Sturt's courses is assessed on your academic results, and your performance in additional selection criteria as set out for each course. This might also include an assessment based on an interview, audition or portfolio.

Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR)

The Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) is the mark of overall achievement given to a Year 12 student in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. You obtain your ATAR by satisfactorily completing at least 10 units of ATAR courses during your Higher School Certificate (HSC).

When we determine eligibility for highly competitive courses, we move down the ranking list for each of the competitive programs and make offers until no more places are left. When determining eligibility to less competitive courses, we'll assess on the basis of rank to the minimum ATAR for the course.

ATAR-related adjustments

Regional location adjustment scheme

Sometimes regional schools don't have the same advantages as city schools. If you're completing high school in a regional area, we'll automatically raise your rank by five points when you apply with us through our regional location adjustment scheme. And you don't have to do a thing!

Additional requirements that may apply

For some of our courses, you'll need to attend an interview, give an audition, or supply a portfolio in addition to submitting your main application. We'll assess your performance in these areas along with your academic grades. Check out your  course online for specific requirements.

Supplementary application forms

If your selected course requires any supplementary application forms, we'll highlight the details for specific courses online.

Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) – Early Offer Program

The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) – Early Offer Program gives you a chance to secure your place at Charles Sturt before exam results are released. The scheme recognises passion and potential in students, with entry open to all Charles Sturt undergraduate courses EXCEPT for:

• Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science
• Bachelor of Dental Science
• Bachelor of Technology / Master of Engineering (Civil Systems)
• Diploma of General Studies
• Doctor of Medicine.

If you're an early offer applicant, we'll assess your:

• academic achievement from Year 11
• your school's recommendation
• other supporting documents through the UAC Schools Recommendation Schemes (SRS).

To apply for the Schools Recommendation Scheme, you'll need to first enrol for undergraduate admission before you submit your application. You'll also need to meet any other eligibility criteria. You can find information about these requirements on the UAC website.

Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program

The Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program looks at your Year 11 results and your soft skills – and could give you an offer to study with Charles Sturt before you sit your Year 12 exams.

Soft skills are those personal attributes that will help you succeed at study – and life. Things like communication, resilience and empathy.

You can apply for a wide range of undergraduate courses through the Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program, and if you're successful, in addition to an early offer, you will also become part of a dedicated support program that will help you step into uni life, full of confidence

Access schemes

At Charles Sturt, we recognise that sometimes you haven't been able to compete equally during your education. We're talking about reasons outside your control, like finances, family trauma, moving school, personal illness or disability.

Our access schemes take these disadvantages into consideration, which can increase your ranking selection up to seven (7) points.

You can find important dates and deadlines for submitting your application on our access schemes information page.

Elite Athlete and Performers Special Consideration Scheme

Charles Sturt is an Elite Athlete and Performer Friendly University. If your competition or training requirements have impacted your study preparation, you may be eligible for special consideration entry.

If you want to study an undergraduate degree on campus, you can apply through:

• UAC's Educational Access Scheme or
• VTAC's Special Entry Access Scheme

If you're applying direct to Charles Sturt University, use our Elite Athlete/Performer Program Special Consideration for Admission Form.

If you are an Australian resident or international student currently studying your Higher School Certificate (HSC) or equivalent in Australia and are applying for an undergraduate on-campus degree, you should apply to Charles Sturt University though UAC (NSW and ACT) or VTAC (VIC).

Apply through UAC

Apply through VTAC

Note: Bachelor of Educational Studies applications are sent direct to the university. Diploma of General Studies applications can be made via UAC or direct to Charles Sturt University and TAFE.

You can apply direct for courses at Charles Sturt listed in the VTAC Guide if you are not currently studying a standard Australian Year 12 curriculum and intend to submit an application to Charles Sturt University only (although not all courses accept direct applications; see course information for specific course details).

Applying directly to Charles Sturt University

Most applications for study at Charles Sturt University should be made using the online application system, including:

• Studying online at an undergraduate or postgraduate level
• A non-school leaver studying on campus*^ (If you are currently at high school in Australia, please see below.)
• International students looking to study at a regional campus.

Before you apply

Applying online takes around 15 minutes and your application will be assessed within ten working days. You will set up a login, and if you don't have everything you need to finalise your application straight away you can save it to come back to later. You may need to scan and upload official documents such as transcripts and awards from previous study, or proof of citizenship or residency if you weren't born in Australia.

Visit course information and application dates for detailed information on your chosen course, including admission requirements.

Begin your online application

You will be notified of the outcome of your application via email. If you provide a valid Australian mobile phone number you will receive a SMS to let you know when the email has been sent.

Accepting your offer of admission

Your offer of admission will outline the process for accepting your offer and will direct you to follow the steps provided online. Accept your offer online

Once you have accepted your offer you will receive an email outlining what you need to do to finalise your enrolment with Charles Sturt. This email will also include information on selecting your enrolment subject, obtaining your identification card, and information on your fee arrangements and orientation.

Advanced standing/academic credit/recognition of prior learning (RPL)

After you have accepted an offer of admission, you can still apply for credit in recognition of your previous or current studies and/or relevant work experience. Your studies may be from Charles Sturt University or another institution.

If you are a TAFE student, read more information about credit for TAFE qualifications.

Credit may be awarded for specific subjects, a number of electives or a level of subjects, meaning you could be exempt from completing one or more subjects listed in the course structure of your degree. Depending on the credit that is awarded, this could mean that you are able to complete your chosen course in less time, and at a lower cost.

Credit is generally assessed on an individual basis with each application, although some courses have established credit arrangements. For more information, see recognition of prior learning.

You can defer your offer for most Charles Sturt courses by up to one year.

How to defer your offer

1. Check the list of courses that cannot be deferred.
2. If your course can be deferred, complete the deferment of offer form.
3. Consider how to use your deferment time.
4. Stay in touch with Charles Sturt University..

Deferment is subject to the course being offered in the requested intake. If you want to defer an offer you have already accepted, you need to complete the deferment of offer form prior to the census date of your first session of study.

Charles Sturt student and campus services play an important part in making the most of your university experience. Visit uni life for information about our campuses, accommodation, social life and support services.

See the fees and costs page or contact us for current information.

Eligible domestic students can defer fees through the HECS-HELP government student loan system.

If your course is directly related to your line of work, you may be able to claim some of your study expenses as tax deductions. Please seek independent qualified taxation advice.

Additional course-related expenses you may need to consider include:

• Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)

• textbooks (you may be able to purchase these second-hand)
• travel and accommodation expenses for any workplace learning, field trips or intensive schools
• uniforms (e.g. shirts, polo tops, scrubs or overalls).

TEQSA National Register of Higher Education Providers

Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)

Universities Australia

UAC

VTAC

Charles Sturt Alumni

We strive to achieve the best outcome for the applicant by acting within the guidelines outlined in the admissions regulations. If you are not satisfied with the processing of your application, you can appeal the decision made about your admission. You must lodge your appeal within 14 days of the date of notification of the decision.

First you should write to the Manager of Admissions outlining your reasons for appealing.

If you disagree with the conclusion of the Manager of Admissions, you can appeal to the Review Officer.

For both these processes you can submit your appeal to admissions@csu.edu.au marked either Attention: Manager of Admissions or Attention: Review Officer. Alternatively, you can post your appeal to:

Charles Sturt University Admissions Office
Locked Bag 676
Wagga Wagga NSW 2678
Australia

If at any time you are not satisfied with the service provided to you or the decisions that have been made by the Charles Sturt Manager of Admissions and the Review Officer, you may submit a complaint to the University Ombudsman.