First Nations student support

There are seven First Nations Student Centres at Charles Sturt University located at our campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Goulburn, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga.

• How to apply for a course
• Help with costs
• Accommodation enquiries
• Access to computers and printers
• Rooms for meeting and studying
• Improving your study skills
• Understanding your career options
• Counselling and other support services
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events, such as NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day
• Information on social clubs and events
• Your participation in activities that promote higher education
• Help to find a job
• Opportunities to study overseas.

If you’re studying online you can give us a call on 1800 275 278 or send us an email firstnations@csu.edu.au

Are you a school leaver or mature aged First Nations (Indigenous Australian) person but not sure if you meet the entry requirements to get into uni? If you answered yes, Connections is for you.

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.

How can Connections help me?

During the course, you'll be able to:

• undertake a range of assessments to determine your suitability for your chosen course
• access course advice from staff
• gain career guidance and support
• meet other students
• build confidence in preparing for university.

How much will it cost?

Travel and accommodation will be provided and there are no associated costs for eligible participants.

Can I apply for Connections?

Yes, if you're a First Nations person wanting to gain entry into Charles Sturt University you can apply. Please note that school leavers must be completing Year 12 before they intend to start university.

You can either apply to attend the end-of-year program or submit an EOI to be added to the list for the 2023 programs. After successful completion of the end-of-year program, offers are given to commence study in Session 1 2023.

For the 2023 Connections programs, after successful completion, offers will be given to commence study in Session 1 2024.

End-of-Year Connections Program, 28 November–2nd December 2022 – Port Macquarie Campus

Applications are now open have now closed for 2022.

Expressions of interest for 2023 Connections Programs

Two programs will be held next year – a mid-year program in June/July 2023 and an end-of-year program in November/December 2023.

Register your interest

Want more information about Connections?

Email: firstnations@csu.edu.au
Phone: (02) 6933 4441 or 0428760345

If you are successful in completing Connections, you'll be guaranteed a place in one of the following courses:

• Diploma of General Studies
• Charles Sturt University Pathway

Faculty of Science and Health

• Associate Degree in Farm Production
• Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management
• Bachelor of Agricultural Science
• Bachelor of Agriculture
• Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Aquatic Ecosystems)
• Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Climate and Sustainability)
• Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Ecology and Conservation)
• Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Parks, Recreation and Heritage)
• Bachelor of Equine Science (with specialisation)
• Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science
• Bachelor of Food Science and Nutrition
• Bachelor of Health and Medical Science
• Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health)
• Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology)
• Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
• Bachelor of Paramedicine
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy
• Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Sports Media
• Bachelor of Veterinary Technology
• Bachelor of Viticulture
• Bachelor of Wine Business
• Bachelor of Wine Science

Faculty of Arts and Education

• Bachelor of Educational Studies as a pathway into:
  • *Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)
  • *Bachelor of Education (K-12)
  • *Bachelor of Education (Technology and Applied Studies)
• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Communication
• Bachelor of Communication (Advertising and Public Relations)
• Bachelor of Communication (Digital Media Production)
• Bachelor of Communication (Journalism)
• Bachelor of Communication (Theatre Media)
• Bachelor of Human Services
• Bachelor of Information Studies
• Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Arts)
• Bachelor of Social Work

Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Science

• Bachelor of Accounting
• Bachelor of Business (with specialisations)
• Bachelor of Business Studies
• Bachelor of Computer Science (with specialisations)
• Bachelor of Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)(Honours)
• Bachelor of Information Technology (with specialisations)
• Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Public Safety & Security
• Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)
• Bachelor of Technology (Civil)/Master of Engineering (Civil)

Once you’ve started at Charles Sturt, our First Nations Student Connect gives you access to tutors and First Nations Student Advisors to provide extra support in your studies. You’ll be automatically invited by email to participate in our tutoring program, giving you an initial allocation of ten hours of content-specific tutoring for each subject, each session. Our support services are free, easy to access and you can choose the type of service that suits you best.

One-on-one advice and support

Tutors

You'll be eligible for one-on-one tutoring to help you understand your course content. Tutors can also help with your exam preparation towards the end of the session. You'll automatically be allocated tutors, and they will contact you at the start of session to confirm whether you'd like to take part in the tutoring program.

First Nations Student Advisors

Our First Nations Student Advisors are also available to assist with general study skills that will be useful in all your subjects, like time management, breaking down assessment tasks and structuring your assignments. We also run study sessions online and on some of our campuses. First Nations Student Advisors are on hand to help identify the services that will help with your studies, including study nights.

For more information, you can find us on Facebook or email firstnations@csu.edu.au.

Other support service available to all students

• Academic Skills: The First Nations Academic Skills team are your first point of call for general assignment feedback or workshops on a variety of topics including academic writing, numeracy, study skills, assignment structure, and referencing. Workshops are held at our study centres and assignments can be uploaded directly to the team for review.

The Away From Base Grant (AFB) can provide you with financial assistance for meals, travel and accommodation while attending compulsory intensive schools and/or professional placements.

Eligibility requirements

You can apply for an AFB grant if the below eligibility requirements are met:

• you’re an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
• approved for one or more ABSTUDY benefits payable by Centrelink during the funding year, and
• not currently in receipt of any other residential grants
• undertaking an approved AFB course, including at least one of the following:
  • 1121MH Diploma of Health Science (Mental Health)
  • 1221MH Associate Degree in Health Science (Mental Health)
  • 1502SW Bachelor of Social Work
  • 1708PQ Master of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)
  • 3314WJ Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture
  • 4409MH Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health)
  • 4415NS Bachelor of Nursing
  • 4418PM Bachelor of Paramedicine
  • 4421MH Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health)
  • 4421NS Bachelor of Nursing

Please note: the incidentals allowance is available for all Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students and is non-means tested.

ABSTUDY assistance and support are available for all other courses of study at Charles Sturt University through the Department of Human Services. If you need more information, please call 1800 136 380 or contact your local First Nations Student Centre.

Eligible First Nations (Indigenous) Australian students are encouraged to apply for scholarships and grants to help with the costs of study. There are a number of general scholarships available for First Nations students, but also many that are only available for particular courses and campuses. Our team can help you find the scholarship that’s right for you. For more information about getting a scholarship, visit one of our centres to have a chat, email firstnations@csu.edu.au or free call 1800 275 278.