Charles Sturt University
A multi-campus New South Wales university with six regional campuses, Sydney and Melbourne locations and a large online cohort.
- Students
- 36,677
- 26,119 undergraduates
- International
- 24%
- of students
- Tuition
- A$25,520
- From · 2027
- Founded
- 1989
About Charles Sturt
Charles Sturt University was formally incorporated on 19 July 1989, when the Mitchell College of Advanced Education merged with the Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education. Its roots go back further: the university dates its history of professional education to the Wagga Experiment Farm, established in 1892. It is named after the explorer Charles Napier Sturt and describes itself as Australia's largest regional university and largest online university.
In 2025 it had 36,677 students, of whom 24,435 studied online and 12,242 on campus. Its own at-a-glance figures show 26,119 undergraduates and 9,199 postgraduates, and the biggest fields of education are Health (9,479 students), Society and Culture (9,329) and Education (8,458). On-campus study is spread across regional campuses at Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga, plus Sydney and Melbourne locations.
The university is known for professional degrees in agriculture, veterinary science, dentistry, nursing, allied health and teaching. It suits students who want small campuses in regional towns, hands-on placements and, for many courses, the option to study online. Its own rankings page reports 90% of undergraduates in full-time work within four months of graduating (citing the Good Universities Guide 2025/26; not checked on the Guide's site), while global rankings place it in the lower bands: QS 2027 951-1000 and THE 2026 601-800.
For the Public Good
University motto
Why students choose Charles Sturt
Six regional campuses (Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga) with short walks between lectures, library and cafes, plus Sydney and Melbourne locations.
The university's rankings page reports that 90% of its undergraduates get full-time employment within 4 months of graduating (university-reported, citing the Good Universities Guide 2025/26).
Professional courses including Veterinary Science (Wagga Wagga), Dental Science (Orange) and Physiotherapy, Pharmacy and Nursing at several regional campuses.
International scholarships include a 50% tuition reduction (Vice-Chancellor International Excellence Scholarship) and 15% or 30% reductions from the second session (International Student Success scholarships).
Admissions
Session 1 2027 (classes begin 1 March 2027)
Selectivity
Charles Sturt does not publish an overall acceptance or offer rate. Entry is course by course: Australian Year 12 applicants are assessed on their ATAR (plus any adjustment factors), and many other applicants are assessed on prior study, with case-by-case assessment.
Typical entry requirements
| Australian Year 12 (ATAR) | Selection rank is the ATAR plus any adjustment factors; the minimum is set per course |
|---|---|
| International qualifications | Recognised for direct entry; requirements vary by country and course (see the International admissions matrix on the university site) |
| English language | IELTS 6 Undergraduate: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5 (within the last 2 years) or an accepted equivalent or prior English-medium study. Postgraduate coursework: 6.0 with no band below 6.0; research degrees: 6.5 with no band below 6.0. Higher levels apply to courses such as Dental Science, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Paramedicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Social Work and Veterinary Science. IELTS Online and PTE Academic Online are not accepted. |
Deadlines
- Domestic Session 1 2027: on-time closing date Non-binding Next deadline · In 24 days30 October 2026
Later closing dates: 4 December 2026 (late), 15 January 2027 (extended), 26 February 2027 (final); late applications are considered only if places remain.
- International on-campus Session 1 2027 (applying from outside Australia) Non-binding In ~3 months15 January 2027
Genuine Student documents due 22 January 2027; offer acceptance and Confirmation of Enrolment by 29 January 2027. Applications from within Australia close 10 March 2027 (22 February 2027 for Nursing).
- International online Session 1 2027 Non-binding In ~4 months12 February 2027
For non-domestic students applying for online courses starting in Session 1 2027.
Dates are the 2027 entry dates on the university's important-dates and international how-to-apply pages. The university says international dates are a guide, so allow time for visa processing. Session 2 2027 begins 12 July 2027.
How to apply
Year 12 school leavers and on-campus applicants can apply through Charles Sturt Advantage, UAC or VTAC; online applicants and non-school leavers use the university's apply-now page. International students apply online (agents can help) and need a Confirmation of Enrolment for the student visa.
What admissions looks for
- Meeting the minimum academic requirement for your chosen course (ATAR or the recognised international equivalent).
- Meeting the English language requirement, which is higher for courses such as Nursing, Pharmacy and Veterinary Science.
- For international students, satisfying the Genuine Student requirement of the Australian student visa.
Tips for applying to Charles Sturt
- 1 Check the international admissions matrix for your country before choosing a course, since entry requirements vary by country.
- 2 Apply well before the closing date: the university says its dates are a guide to leave enough time for visa processing.
- 3 Ask about the Vice-Chancellor International Excellence Scholarship (50% off tuition) and the International Student Success scholarships when you apply.
- 4 If your English test score is short, look at the listed English preparation and prior-study routes; IELTS Online and PTE Academic Online are not accepted.
Costs & financial aid
2027 · figures in AUD
International students can apply for university scholarships: the Vice-Chancellor International Excellence Scholarship (50% tuition reduction for the course), the International Student Success Merit Scholarship (30% from the second session) and the International Student Success Scholarship (15% from the second session), plus a $1,000 Regional Accommodation Bursary. Government scholarships such as Australian Awards are also listed. Domestic students in Commonwealth supported places can defer their contribution through HECS-HELP.
- 50% tuition fee reduction for the duration of the course
- Vice-Chancellor International Excellence Scholarship
- 30% tuition reduction from the second session until graduation
- International Student Success Merit Scholarship
- $1,000 AUD
- Regional Accommodation Bursary for International Students
Academics
Academic calendar: Sessions: Session 1 starts 1 March 2027 and Session 2 on 12 July 2027
Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science
Taught at Wagga Wagga; Veterinary Biology / Veterinary Science is the second-highest fee on the 2027 international list ($74,800 a year).
Bachelor of Dental Science
Based at Orange; the highest-fee course on the 2027 international list at $74,960 a year.
Bachelor of Agriculture and Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Taught at Wagga Wagga; the university traces its agricultural roots to the Wagga Experiment Farm, established in 1892.
Bachelor of Nursing
Offered at Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga and Bathurst; higher English requirements apply.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Offered at Albury-Wodonga, Orange and Port Macquarie; higher English requirements apply.
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Taught at Bathurst; listed at $39,440 a year for 2027 on the international fee list.
Research
- Its agricultural research heritage goes back to the Wagga Experiment Farm, established in 1892.
- The university offers PhD study in science (lab and non-lab), business, justice and behavioural sciences, and arts and education.
Schools & faculties
- Agriculture and environment
- Animal and veterinary sciences
- Arts and communication
- Business
- Education and teaching
- Information and library studies
- IT and computing
- Medicine and health
- Policing, law and security
- Psychology, social work and human services
- Science and engineering
- Theology and Islamic studies
The university's rankings page states that 90% of undergraduates get full-time employment within 4 months of graduating, citing the Good Universities Guide 2025/26 (university-reported; the Guide itself was not checked).
Student life
Most on-campus study happens in regional towns rather than a big city. The university says its campuses are safe, close-knit communities where lectures, tutorials, cafes, the gym and the library are a short walk apart, with small classes and one-to-one contact with lecturers. In 2025 the largest campus cohorts were Wagga Wagga (2,150 internal students), Port Macquarie (1,564) and Bathurst (1,165). Because 67% of students study online, many peers are part-time or working adults, and regional students often stay to work in the regions after graduating.
- Six regional campuses plus Sydney and Melbourne locations.
- Small class sizes and close contact with lecturers, according to the university.
- Students from 113 countries; 24% of students are international.
- Regional study can qualify international students for extended post-study work rights, subject to Department of Home Affairs rules.
Housing. The university offers on-campus and off-campus accommodation options that students can browse and book online.
Location
Wagga Wagga is a regional city in New South Wales and home to one of the university's largest campuses; the university also teaches in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Port Macquarie, all regional centres. The university says regional living costs are lower than most metropolitan locations in Australia, and it recommends budgeting AUD 29,710 for 12 months' living costs for a single student. Coordinates given are for the city of Wagga Wagga.
Nearest airport: Wagga Wagga Airport (WGA)
Notable alumni
- AD Andrew DentonTelevision producer and interviewer; Bachelor of Arts in communications (1982) from Mitchell College of Advanced Education, now Charles Sturt University
- AK Amanda KellerTelevision and radio presenter; Bachelor of Arts in communications (1982) from Mitchell College of Advanced Education, now Charles Sturt University
- HM Hamish MacdonaldBroadcast journalist; journalism degree from Charles Sturt University (2002)
- LB Latika BourkeJournalist and author; studied journalism at Charles Sturt University (2002 to 2005)
- CW Charlotte WoodNovelist; BA from Charles Sturt University
- AM Anika MolesworthAgroecologist and farmer; Bachelor of Science (Agribusiness) and Master of Sustainable Agriculture at Charles Sturt University
- KM Ken MoroneyCommissioner of the New South Wales Police Force 2002 to 2007; holds a Diploma in Justice Administration from Charles Sturt University
Frequently asked questions
Where is Charles Sturt University?
It is a multi-campus university in regional New South Wales: Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga, plus Sydney and Melbourne locations. Most students study online.
What are the English requirements for Charles Sturt University?
For most undergraduate courses, Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or an accepted equivalent or prior English-medium study. Some courses, such as Nursing, Pharmacy and Veterinary Science, need higher scores.
How much are international tuition fees at Charles Sturt University?
For 2027 on-campus bachelor's courses the annual fee (8 subjects) runs from about AUD 25,520 (Theology) and AUD 28,960 (Communication) to AUD 74,960 (Dental Science), for example AUD 35,280 for Information Technology and AUD 39,040 for Agriculture.
What is the application deadline for Session 1 2027?
For domestic applicants, the on-time closing date is 30 October 2026 with later dates to 26 February 2027 if places remain. International on-campus applicants outside Australia should apply by 15 January 2027.
Does Charles Sturt offer scholarships to international students?
Yes. Options include the Vice-Chancellor International Excellence Scholarship (50% off tuition), the International Student Success Merit Scholarship (30% from the second session), the International Student Success Scholarship (15%) and a AUD 1,000 Regional Accommodation Bursary.
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
- Charles Sturt University: Charles Sturt at a Glance 2025
- Charles Sturt University: Our history timeline
- Charles Sturt University: Emblems and colours (motto)
- Charles Sturt University: Our rankings, ratings and stats
- Charles Sturt University: International how to apply (closing dates)
- Charles Sturt University: International course entry requirements
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