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Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University
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Charles Sturt University is an Australian multi-campus public university located in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Victoria. Established in 1989, it was named in honour of Captain Charles Sturt,[14] a British explorer who made expeditions into regional New South Wales and South Australia.

Key Information

It is the largest regional university in Australia,[15] offering a multidisciplinary spectrum of courses in collaboration with various partners across the country.[16]

History

[edit]

The university was established on 1 July 1989 from the merger of several existing separately-administered Colleges of Advanced Education by the Charles Sturt University Act 1989 (Act No. 76, 1989).[17]

The constituent colleges included the Mitchell College of Advanced Education in Bathurst, the Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education in Albury-Wodonga, and in Wagga Wagga.[18]

The Riverina Murray Institute of Education operated between 1984 and 1989 in Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga.[19][20] Its predecessor was the Riverina College of Advanced Education established in 1972 as a result of the reformation of Wagga Teachers' College and later merger with Wagga Agricultural College in 1976.[20] Wagga Teachers' College had been established in 1947 on the site of the former WW2 R.A.A.F. Hospital in the city of Wagga Wagga.[21][22] In September 1949 the Wagga Agricultural College was opened on the site of the Experiment Farm[23] established in October 1892 by the NSW Department of Agriculture with the first students commencing their studies in 1896.[24]

The Bathurst Teachers' College was officially opened in November 1951 with the first students commencing in March of that year. It was established on the site of the Bathurst Experiment Farm established in 1895 with the first students commencing their studies in March 1897.[25] Bathurst Teachers' College closed on 31 December 1967 and the Mitchell College of Advanced Education was established on 1 January 1970.[26]

Goulburn Teachers’ College opened on 1 July 1970 and became a CAE in 1974. It operated until 1982 when it was dissolved and became the Goulburn campus of Riverina College of Advanced Education. In December 1983 it was announced by the NSW State Government that a new Police Academy would be established on the Goulburn campus. In 1984 the Goulburn campus was vacated and the staff and students were transferred to the Albury and Wagga campuses of the Riverina College of Advanced Education together with its Commonwealth funded student places. [27]

Charles Sturt established a Study Centre in Sydney[28] in 1998 and in Melbourne[29] in 2007. These Study Centres were operated by a private education group called Study Group Australia.[30] On 31 December 2022, Charles Sturt let its relationship with Study Group Australia expire. According to Charles Sturt's website, the Brisbane Study Centre is closed, and courses at the Sydney and Melbourne locations are in teach-out mode.[31]

In 1998, the Goulburn campus was established to deliver policing education to New South Wales Police.[16]

In 1999, the Dubbo campus foundation stone was laid. The university also launched its China Joint Cooperation Program with four universities[which?] in China.[citation needed]

On 1 January 2005, Charles Sturt assumed control of its Orange campus. The Orange Agricultural College was established in 1973 as a part of the NSW Department of Agriculture. As a consequence of the reorganisation of higher education in the late 1980s, the college was linked with the University of New England in 1990, then amalgamated with the University of Sydney on 1 January 1994. Although a part of the university, it remained the Orange Agricultural College until it was restructured as the Faculty of Rural Management in 2000. In 2005 the faculty became a part of Charles Sturt University, operating on the old college site in Orange.[32] One of the conditions when the Department of Agriculture handed over the Orange Agricultural College was that the land would be used for the purposes for which it was originally intended.[33]

Between 2005 and 2015, the university had expanded to include an offshore campus in Burlington, Ontario, in Canada.[34][35] In July 2015, Charles Sturt ceased to operate its Ontario campus due to the legislative and regulatory environment in Ontario.[36]

In 2005, Charles Sturt responded to the shortage of veterinarians in rural and regional Australia with the first veterinary science students starting their degrees at the Wagga Wagga campus.[citation needed] In 2008, the university also offered dentistry courses for the first time.[citation needed] This led to the development of five community-based clinics across its regional campuses.

On 14 February 2011, Charles Sturt University changed its logo. The Sturt's desert pea flower (Swainsona formosa) was stylised and made prominent, with the full name of the university as part of its logo.[37][38]

On 1 May 2012, a milestone was reached as the university opened a new campus in Port Macquarie, its first coastal regional campus, making higher education accessible to the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.[39]

In 2013, the university implemented a gas engine cogeneration power plant to help minimise fuel costs and carbon emissions.[40]

On 18 April 2016, staff and students at the Port Macquarie campus moved into the first stage of their purpose-built campus. The second stage was completed in 2020 and included a New South Wales emergency services training room, an innovation hub, and student support facilities. The third stage is scheduled for completion over the coming years, with an expected student intake of 5,000 by 2030.[citation needed]

On 28 July 2016, Charles Sturt was declared Australia's First Official Carbon Neutral University.[41] The Government of Australia's Carbon Neutral Program certified the university as "carbon neutral" against the National Carbon Offset Standard.

On 9 May 2018, Charles Sturt and Western Sydney University announced a partnership with the Australian Government's network to establish the Murray-Darling Medical School, providing joint medical programs across the Murray-Darling Basin region.[42] Charles Sturt's teaching base was established at the university's Orange campus to extend on the existing Western Sydney University program.[43]

In May 2019, for its 30th anniversary, the university announced its new branding and visual identity. This included a new crest that drew on the original coat of arms and the logos of its predecessor institutions. The crest's ochre design includes patterns that drawing on First Nation culture and symbolism echoing the landscapes of regional New South Wales, especially the Murray River of its founding campuses.[44]

On 29 May 2019, Charles Sturt University announced it joined the Regional Universities Network (RUN), becoming the seventh member of the group.[45]

In March 2021, Charles Sturt University's first medical students commenced study at the university's Orange campus as part of the Joint Program in Medicine with Western Sydney University. The Joint Program in Medicine is designed to train doctors in the regions to help address the shortfall in rural and regional medical professionals.[citation needed]

In 2022 the 50th Anniversary of the Riverina College of Advanced Education was celebrated, commencing with a Mayoral reception in the Wagga Art Gallery attended by the former College Principal and Registrar.[46] A preview of Neil Hall's book,Paradigm Shifts Riverina College of Advanced Education 1972–1986, was presented as part of the celebration.[47] It complements Portia Dilena's earlier account, Achieving Higher Education in Albury-Wodonga[48] and 2001 account by Blacklow, Boadle and Goldsworthy.[49]

Campuses and buildings

[edit]

Charles Sturt University has six main campuses in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga.

Albury–Wodonga

[edit]
Albury-Wodonga campus

The Albury-Wodonga campus is situated on the border of New South Wales and Victoria. There is a strong focus on environmental science, education, business, and allied health at this campus.[citation needed]

Campus features:

  • Anatomy and physiology labs
  • Community Engagement and Wellness Centre
  • Herbarium
  • Wetlands

Bathurst

[edit]
Bathurst campus

The Bathurst campus is home to engineering, communication, education, laws, and a broad range of health degrees, including paramedicine and exercise science.[citation needed]

Campus features:

  • Biochemistry, exercise science, nursing, and paramedicine labs
  • Dental and oral health clinic
  • Engineering lab and facilities
  • Media centre and 2MCE broadcasting radio station
  • Television studies and editing suites

Dubbo

[edit]
Dubbo campus

The Dubbo campus offers social work, nursing, and preparation courses with a focus on delivering education to First Nations students.[citation needed]

Campus features:

  • Nursing and clinical lab
  • Dental and oral health clinic
  • Interactive learning centre

Orange

[edit]
Orange campus

The Orange campus offers courses with a strong focus on allied health, medical sciences, dentistry, medicine, and pharmacy.[citation needed]

Campus features:

  • Medical learning facilities: anatomy teaching lab, simulation hospital wards and ultrasound room
  • Chemistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and rehabilitation science labs
  • Dental and oral health clinic

Port Macquarie

[edit]
Port Macquarie campus

The Port Macquarie campus is the university's newest and first coastal regional campus.

Campus features:

  • Paramedicine simulation clinic
  • Medical imaging and nursing labs
  • Anatomy and physiology labs
  • Practical learning rooms: occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and exercise science facilities
  • Sport and Exercise Science

Wagga Wagga

[edit]
Wagga Wagga campus

Situated north of the Murrumbidgee River, the Wagga Wagga campus is the university's agricultural and sciences hub occupying 640 hectares.[50] Students can also study a range of animal and veterinary sciences, education, business, allied health, information technology, and humanities degrees.[citation needed]

Campus features:

  • National Life Sciences Hub
  • Veterinary science clinical centre and labs
  • Farm and equine centre
  • Commercial winery
  • Dental and oral health clinic

Other study locations

[edit]

Governance and structure

[edit]

University Council

[edit]

Charles Sturt University is governed by a 16-member Council, whose members include the chancellor and vice-chancellor. Dr. Michele Allan, a company director, food industry, and agribusiness specialist with an academic background in biomedical science, management, and law, is the current and third chancellor of the university since 3 December 2014; and Professor Renée Leon became the fifth vice-chancellor on 1 September 2021.[51] Dr Saranne Cooke became the seventh Deputy Chancellor on 1 July 2019.[52]

Faculties and departments

[edit]

Charles Sturt University has three main faculties, each offering a range of courses and discipline opportunities. Each faculty comprises a number of schools and centres for specific areas of study and research:[53]

  • Faculty of Arts and Education[54]
  • Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences[55]
  • Faculty of Science and Health[56]

Faculty of Arts and Education

[edit]

As of January 2025 schools and centres within the Faculty of Arts and Education include:[57]

  • Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation
  • School of Education
  • School of Indigenous Australian Studies
  • School of Information and Communication Studies
  • School of Social Work and Arts
  • School of Theology

The School of Social Work and Arts formerly offered bachelor's degrees in creative industries (with various specialisations), stage and screen, and creative arts and design, but these were being phased out from 2021.[58][59][a]

Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences

[edit]

This faculty brings together a range of courses in areas of business, justice, and behavioural sciences disciplines. The justice side of the faculty covers policing, security, law, customs, excise and border management. The behavioural science discipline offers psychology courses. Schools and centres include:

  • Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security
  • Centre for Customs and Excise Studies
  • Centre for Law and Justice
  • School of Business
  • School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering
  • School of Policing Studies
  • School of Psychology

Faculty of Science and Health

[edit]

The science faculty is one of the most broadly based scientific academic concentrations in Australasia. Schools include:

  • School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences
  • School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences
  • School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences
  • School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences
  • School of Rural Medicine

Coat of arms

[edit]
Coat of arms of Charles Sturt University
Adopted
Granted by the Kings of Arms, 1989.
Crest
Out of a coronet of Seven-pointed Stars Or, a demi-Lion rampant Gules, its sinister paw holding three Roses Gules and stems Vert.
Torse
A Wreath of the Colours (Or and Vert)
Helm
A closed helmet
Motto
For The Public Good
Other elements
Mantled Vert doubled Or.
Symbolism
The mantling, wreath and motto scroll colours of green and gold, are taken from the family arms of Captain Charles Sturt, the university's namesake, as granted in 1691. The red demi-lion in the crest is also taken from the arms of Sturt, while the three roses in its paw are also from the Sturt arms and refer to the original establishment of the university in three cities: Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, and Wagga Wagga.[61] The coronet comprises gold Commonwealth Stars for Australia. The appearance of a flower of Swainsona formosa (or Sturt's Desert Pea) in the escutcheon also refers to Sturt, who noted its appearance in central Australia in 1844. The three blue wavy lines commonly refer to waterways, and allude to the position of the three original university campuses on river-based cities (Albury-Wodonga on the Murray River, Bathurst on the Macquarie River, and Wagga Wagga on the Murrumbidgee River). The open book is a reference to enlightenment and learning, and is commonly used in arms granted to educational institutions. The motto refers to the desire for exploration, discovery and learning, and is a quote from Sturt himself: "A wish to contribute to the public good led me to undertake those journeys which cost me so much ... I sought that career, not, I admit, without a feeling of ambition as should ever pervade a soldier's breast, but chiefly with an earnest desire to promote the public good, and certainly without any hope of any other reward than the credit due to the successful enterprise."[62]

Academic profile

[edit]

Libraries and databases

[edit]

Charles Sturt University libraries operate at its main campuses. The libraries offer eBooks, eJournals, encyclopedias, multimedia resources and course readings through Primo Search. The libraries also provide online library workshops, library resource guides, and video tutorials.[63]

Academic reputation

[edit]
University rankings
Global – Overall
ARWU World[64]901–1000 (2024)
CWTS World[65]1306[b] (2024)
QS World[66]951–1000 (2026)
THE World[67]601–800 (2026)
USNWR Global[68]=864 (25/26)
National – Overall
ARWU National[69]31 (2024)
CWTS National[70]35[b] (2024)
ERA National[71]28 (2018)
QS National[72]34 (2026)
THE National[73]36 (2026)
USNWR National[74]32 (25/26)
AFR National[75]39 (2024)
National publications

In the Australian Financial Review Best Universities Ranking 2024, the university was ranked #39 amongst Australian universities.[76]

Global publications

In the 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings (published 2025), the university attained a position of #951–1000 (34th nationally).[77]

In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 (published 2025), the university attained a position of #601–800 (36th nationally).[78]

In the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities, the university attained a position of #901–1000 (31st nationally).[79]

In the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities, the university attained a position of #864 (32nd nationally).[80]

In the CWTS Leiden Ranking 2024,[b] the university attained a position of #1306 (35th nationally).[81]

Student outcomes

[edit]

The Australian Government's QILT[c] conducts national surveys documenting the student life cycle from enrolment through to employment.[82] These surveys place more emphasis on criteria such as student experience, graduate outcomes and employer satisfaction[82] than perceived reputation, research output and citation counts.[83]

In the 2023 Employer Satisfaction Survey, graduates of the university had an overall employer satisfaction rate of 85.8%.[84]

In the 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey, graduates of the university had a full-time employment rate of 91.2% for undergraduates and 93.4% for postgraduates.[85] The initial full-time salary was A$75,700 for undergraduates and A$106,000 for postgraduates.[85]

In the 2023 Student Experience Survey, undergraduates at the university rated the quality of their entire educational experience at 77.1% meanwhile postgraduates rated their overall education experience at 78.6%.[86]

Student life

[edit]

Student Senate

[edit]

Students at Charles Sturt University are represented by Charles Sturt University Student Senate – formerly the CSU Students' Association (CSUSA). Charles Sturt's Student Senate is the overarching university student body and comprises the following affiliates:

  • Orange Student Representative Committee (OSRC) – formerly Orange Students Association (OSA)
  • Albury-Wodonga SRC (AWSRC) representing Albury Campus – formerly Murray Campus Students' Association
  • Bathurst Student Representative Committee (Bathurst SRC) – formerly Mitchell Student Guild, Charles Sturt University Students' Association Bathurst (CSUSAB) and Mitchell Association of Student Councils
  • Dubbo Student Representative Committee (DSRC)
  • Rivcoll Student Representative Committee (Rivcoll SRC) representing Wagga Wagga campus – formerly Rivcoll Union Inc
  • Port Student Representative Committee (Port SRC) representing the Port Macquarie campus
  • Online Study Student Representative Committee (OS SRC) representing Charles Sturt's online students
  • Canberra Student Representative Committee, known as St Mark's Canberra, was previously formed but disbanded in 2016.[citation needed]

Sports and athletics

[edit]

The Charles Sturt University Football Club at Bathurst was formed under the name of Bathurst Teachers College in 1963, making it one of the oldest football clubs in Bathurst. The club changed its name multiple times to match the educational institute, gaining its current name when Mitchell College was rebranded to Charles Sturt University.[citation needed]

Student newspaper

[edit]

Hungappa is a student newspaper published at Charles Sturt University. The magazine was established in 1989 and is managed by the Rivcoll Student Representative Committee. The name means "to spread the word" in the local Wiradjuri language.[citation needed]

Notable people

[edit]

Members of Charles Sturt University alumni include notable TV presenters Andrew Denton, Amanda Keller, Latika Bourke and Hamish Macdonald.[87] Leslie Weston was awarded a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science in 2023.[88] Craig Steven Wright, who has falsely claimed himself to be the inventor of Bitcoin,[89][90] has several degrees from Charles Sturt University.[91][92]

See also

[edit]

Footnotes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Charles Sturt University (CSU) is a multi-campus in , formally established on 19 July 1989 under the Charles Sturt University Act 1989, with institutional roots tracing back to 1892 through predecessor colleges and experiment farms focused on and . It serves as Australia's largest regional university, delivering over 250 courses across undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels, with a strong emphasis on online and to support students in regional and remote areas. As of 2023, enrolling 36,705 students, including 3,434 international, CSU operates 11 main campuses and several study centers primarily in , extending to Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory. The university is distinguished by its commitment to , practical learning, and , having become Australia's first carbon-neutral university in 2016. CSU's formation resulted from the amalgamation of several regional institutions, including the Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education, in Bathurst, and the Wagga Wagga Teachers College, creating a unified entity dedicated to advancing education in rural and regional communities. Over the decades, it has expanded through strategic mergers and new campus developments, such as the addition of the campus in 1999, in 2012, and a campus in 2024, while maintaining a network of partner locations like TAFE institutes and Country Universities Centres for broader accessibility. The university's academic structure is organized into three faculties—Arts and Education, , and Behavioural Sciences, and and —offering programs in fields like , nursing, , and , with a focus on industry partnerships and hands-on research. Notable for its graduate outcomes, CSU has ranked as the number one in for undergraduate full-time for nine consecutive years as of 2025, with 90% of graduates securing full-time jobs within four months. It also holds strong positions in global assessments, including a top 200 ranking in the 2025 Impact Rankings for contributions to the , particularly in partnerships and responsible consumption. The university's ethos, inspired by , emphasizes , equity, and , supporting initiatives like networks for First Nations students and research in areas such as and gender equity in . With over 2,000 staff, CSU continues to prioritize accessible, high-quality education that addresses regional skills gaps and fosters .

History

Establishment

Charles Sturt University was established on 19 July 1989 through the merger of the Mitchell College of Advanced Education (based in Bathurst) and the Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education (spanning Albury-Wodonga and Wagga Wagga), pursuant to the Charles Sturt University Act 1989, which received royal assent on 2 June 1989. The Mitchell College had evolved from institutions like the Bathurst Teachers College (established 1926), while the Riverina-Murray Institute incorporated predecessors such as the Riverina College of Advanced Education (formed 1972 from the Wagga Wagga Teachers College and other entities) and elements of the Wagga Wagga Agricultural College (merged in 1976). The university was named in honor of Captain Charles Napier Sturt (1795–1869), a British explorer and surveyor who led key expeditions into the interior of and in the 1820s and 1830s, mapping river systems and contributing to the exploration of the regions served by the new institution. From its inception, Charles Sturt University operated as a federated, multi-campus entity emphasizing regional higher education access, with foundational programs centered on teacher training (inherited from the teachers colleges), agricultural sciences (from the agricultural college integrations), and vocational disciplines tailored to rural and western New South Wales communities. Professor L. Michael Birt served as the inaugural interim Vice-Chancellor from 19 July 1989 to 13 April 1990, managing the immediate post-merger transition under the sponsorship of the . He was followed by Professor Clifford Douglas Blake as foundation Vice-Chancellor from 3 May 1990 to 3 July 2001, who navigated early leadership challenges including the decentralized integration of disparate institutional cultures, administrative structures, and campus operations to foster a cohesive university identity.

Key developments

In the 1990s, Charles Sturt University expanded its reach beyond regional by establishing additional study centres and campuses, including the campus for policing education in 1998, the campus in 1998, and the campus in 1999. This period also marked the formal establishment of robust programs, building on the university's early commitment to accessible learning for remote and rural communities. The 2000s saw further growth with the transfer of the Orange campus from the University of Sydney in 2006 and the establishment of Study Centres for international students in metropolitan and in 2006, enhancing CSU's presence in major urban areas while maintaining its regional focus. This expansion coincided with an intensified emphasis on online learning, which evolved into a cornerstone of the university's offerings; by 2025, CSU provided over 250 online courses, catering to a diverse student body seeking flexible options. Subsequent years brought additional campus developments, including the opening of the campus in 2012, the Regional Study Centre in 2015, and the Study Centre in 2016. The metropolitan Study Centres in , , and closed in 2022, followed by the opening of a purpose-built campus in 2024. A significant sustainability milestone was achieved in 2016 when Charles Sturt University became Australia's first carbon-neutral higher education institution, certified under the National Carbon Offset Standard through emissions reductions and offsets. This certification highlighted CSU's leadership in environmental responsibility among Australian universities. Advancements in health sciences progressed notably in 2018 with a partnership between Charles Sturt University and to establish a joint in , focusing on rural and regional care needs. This collaboration launched rural programs, including the of Clinical (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine, aimed at addressing doctor shortages in underserved areas. In the early 2020s, the University Strategy 2030 was announced in 2021, outlining a vision to position CSU as Australia's leading regional university through strategic investments in , , and . The strategy emphasizes impactful research, enhanced digital capabilities, and partnerships that drive regional development and student success. By 2025, amid sector-wide financial pressures, Charles Sturt University responded to declining international enrolments and funding challenges by announcing staff reductions in June, targeting a $35 million cut through approximately 200 job losses implemented over subsequent months, including impacts felt by . Concurrently, the university expanded its online orientation programs, with dedicated virtual events from 10 to 14 November 2025 for Session 3, supporting incoming students in academic and skills development to bolster accessibility amid these transitions.

Campuses and facilities

Regional campuses

Charles Sturt University operates six primary regional campuses across , designed to provide accessible higher education in rural and regional areas, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and . These campuses integrate advanced facilities with local contexts to support specialized programs, while sharing university-wide online resources and initiatives, such as solar-powered buildings and eco-friendly designs. The Albury-Wodonga Campus, located on the New South Wales-Victoria border near the , serves a cross-border with a focus on environmental sciences and programs. It features eco-friendly facilities including straw-bale buildings, green roofs, a , wetlands, state-of-the-art STEM laboratories, a 24-hour Learning Commons, and a and Wellness Centre offering , physiotherapy, and services. It supports border programs amid native wildlife habitats like and possums. The Bathurst Campus, situated in Central West and the closest regional site to , emphasizes , , and communication programs. Key facilities include heritage buildings from the , a Media Centre with TV studios, editing suites, and the 2MCE radio station, alongside exercise science labs, and training areas, a Dental and Oral Health Clinic, and sporting facilities that host the Charles Sturt University Club. Its location near the Blue Mountains and the motor race enhances community ties. The , in Western , specializes in community services, Indigenous studies, health sciences, and , with facilities geared toward remote health training. It includes clinical and laboratories, an Interact video studio, an Centre for , and a gymnasium for sports, all within a close-knit environment that supports and local industry partnerships. Proximity to the Western Plains Zoo and Dubbo Observatory adds unique stargazing and wildlife opportunities. The Orange Campus, located in Central West at the foothills of Mount Canobolas, focuses on , , and health programs including , , physiotherapy, and . Facilities encompass experimental farms, a , labs, state-of-the-art health clinics, a modern gymnasium, and a 24-hour Learning Commons, reflecting its historical roots in agricultural business management. The campus's scenic surroundings and small class sizes promote practical, rural-focused learning. The Port Macquarie Campus, on the Mid-North Coast of in a coastal setting, prioritizes , allied , and environmental studies. It offers state-of-the-art laboratories, outdoor learning spaces, a Food Soil Water Testing Centre, a 24-hour Student Learning Commons, and modern accommodation in Hastings Village, supporting growth toward 5,000 students by 2030. The location near beaches, rainforests, and national parks facilitates whale-spotting and ecosystem-based research. The Wagga Wagga Campus, the largest of the regional sites in the region along the , serves as a hub for veterinary science, , and equine studies, hosting New South Wales's only veterinary school outside . Spanning more than 640 hectares, it includes a working , digital farm technologies, equine facilities, veterinary clinics with animal hospitals, sports amenities like a gym, pool, and courts, and extensive playing fields. This setup enables comprehensive hands-on training in animal health and rural industries.

Other study centres

Charles Sturt University operates campuses and study centres beyond its primary regional sites, including urban locations and specialized sites, to extend access to higher education. These complement the regional campuses by providing programs tailored to diverse learners, including professionals and those in metropolitan or interstate areas. The Charles Sturt Campus, situated in the vibrant North Sydney area and opened in 2024, delivers postgraduate courses in business and IT, equipped with modern classrooms, computer laboratories, and student lounges to support urban professionals. Previously operated in the CBD through a with Australia, an earlier centre faced closure announcements in , leading to the establishment of this new campus to continue offerings in these disciplines. The Charles Sturt Melbourne Campus, located in the heart of the CBD near key attractions like and opened in 2025, focuses on health sciences, , and programs, with facilities designed for clinical placements through local . Developed in partnership with Navitas, it emphasises graduate in these areas and represents the university's expansion into Victoria's urban landscape. The Canberra Campus, located in the Australian Capital Territory on Brisbane Avenue, offers professional and specialised courses in , and , financial planning, , and policing and through sites including the School of Theology and the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security Studies. It supports advanced postgraduate and research programs for public sector and community-focused professionals. Online and forms a of University's delivery model, with the institution recognised as Australia's most experienced provider in this area, offering over 250 courses through a robust digital platform. This approach, supported by virtual labs, interactive tutorials, and global access, enables remote study for a significant portion of the student body, including international learners, without geographical constraints. International partnerships enhance study options through exchange programs with more than 50 institutions worldwide, including long-standing collaborations in and joint degree initiatives in Asia via Charles Sturt Global. These arrangements facilitate study abroad opportunities, short-term programs, and offshore delivery of courses at partner sites. Smaller study hubs, such as the former Brisbane centre at 119 , supported short courses and examinations for urban students, though it closed in 2021 alongside other partner-operated sites. International outposts through now provide similar access for exams and brief study modules in regions like .

Organisation and administration

Governance bodies

The University Council serves as the primary of Charles Sturt University, comprising 17 members responsible for providing strategic oversight, approving policies, and managing financial affairs in accordance with the Charles Sturt University Act 1989. Its composition includes community representatives, elected academic and professional staff, students, graduates, and external appointees to reflect diverse stakeholder perspectives and ensure balanced decision-making. The Council delegates day-to-day operations to the Vice-Chancellor while retaining ultimate accountability for the institution's performance and compliance. The , Dr. Michele Allan AO, has held the role since December 2014 and acts as the ceremonial head of the , presiding over meetings and representing the institution in official capacities; her current term extends until December 2026. As , she leads the 's efforts, including the evaluation of the Vice-Chancellor's performance. Professor Renée Leon PSM, appointed Vice-Chancellor in September 2021 with her term running until August 2026, serves as the , managing daily operations, staff welfare, and the implementation of the University Strategy 2030, which outlines long-term goals for academic excellence and regional impact. The operates as the principal academic governance body, overseeing standards in , learning, and ; it approves courses, monitors faculty boards, and advises the Council on academic matters as defined in the (Academic Senate) Rule 2024. Its membership includes elected (15 representatives: 6 from the professoriate and 3 per faculty), professional staff (1), students (3), and ex-officio positions such as the Vice-Chancellor and faculty deans, ensuring broad input from the academic community. Key supporting committees include the Audit and Risk Committee, which provides independent oversight of financial reporting, risk management, and internal controls under the (University Council) Rule 2021, and the Human Research Ethics Committee, which ensures ethical compliance in involving human participants by reviewing proposals against national standards. The 2025 meeting schedules for these bodies, available through the Office of and Corporate Administration, address ongoing priorities amid recent organizational adjustments, including job reductions announced in June 2025 to address a $35 million shortfall.

Academic divisions

Charles Sturt University is organized into three faculties that oversee academic programs and course delivery, spanning its regional campuses to ensure broad accessibility. These faculties—Arts and Education, Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences, and and Health—comprise a number of schools, which are generally campus-based but support cross-campus operations through shared resources and platforms. The structure emphasizes vocational training and flexible delivery modes, with over 250 courses offered, many designed for regional needs and available fully or in blended formats to accommodate diverse student populations. The Faculty of Arts and Education focuses on fostering educational leadership, cultural understanding, and community engagement through programs in teacher training, humanities, and Indigenous studies. It includes the School of Education, which delivers initial teacher education and professional development courses emphasizing practical classroom skills; the School of Social Work and Arts, offering degrees in social work, creative arts, and human services with a regional perspective; the School of Indigenous Australian Studies, dedicated to culturally responsive programs that promote Indigenous knowledge and leadership; the School of Information and Communication Studies, covering library science and digital media; the School of Theology, providing theological education for ministry and ethics; and the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation. These offerings support cross-campus delivery, with a strong emphasis on online and blended learning to reach rural educators and cultural practitioners across New South Wales and beyond. The Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences addresses practical societal challenges through interdisciplinary programs in commerce, , and , with strong ties to regional industries such as and public safety. Its schools encompass the , which provides vocational degrees in , , , and tailored to and rural economies; the Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security, specializing in advanced training for and counter-terrorism; the , focusing on applied and for justice sectors; and the , offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in , , and border security with hands-on simulations. Programs highlight practical training, including partnerships with police forces and courts, and are delivered across campuses with significant online components to serve working professionals in regional areas. The Faculty of Science and Health prioritizes health and environmental sciences relevant to rural and regional communities, featuring specialized centers for clinical and agricultural training. Key schools include the School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, which offers accredited nursing and paramedic degrees with simulation-based learning; the School of Rural Medicine, a dedicated center for training rural generalist doctors through a five-year Bachelor of Clinical Science/ program emphasizing in underserved areas; the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, delivering veterinary and environmental management courses linked to the Murray-Darling Basin; the School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, covering physiotherapy, , and ; the School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, providing oral health and biomedical programs; and the School of Psychology, focusing on clinical and community . These faculties operate collaboratively across campuses, with vocational pathways like apprenticeships in health and online options enhancing accessibility for regional students.

Academic profile

Rankings and reputation

Charles Sturt University is ranked in the 951–1000 band in the 2026. It also placed in the top 200 universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025, reflecting its contributions to the . The university has demonstrated particular strength in , achieving carbon neutrality in 2016 as the first Australian institution to do so under the National Carbon Offset Standard. Nationally, Charles Sturt University earned a five-star rating for full-time graduate in the 2025 Good Universities Guide, with 91 percent of graduates securing full-time roles within four months of completion. It ranked first in for postgraduate in based on 2025 employer surveys. As 's largest regional university, it emphasizes practical, career-oriented delivered through a network of regional campuses and extensive online programs. The 2025 Universities profiles commend its regional impact, noting strong industry partnerships that support economic and social resilience in rural areas, alongside its leadership in online as the nation's most experienced provider. The university's reputation is further bolstered by the 2025 Alumni Awards, which recognized six distinguished graduates for their contributions to community, innovation, and global impact, underscoring 's role in fostering leaders who address regional and national challenges.

Research activities

Charles Sturt University's research activities emphasize applied that addresses regional challenges, with key themes including agriculture, rural health, environmental sustainability, and . These priorities align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to zero hunger (SDG 2), good health and well-being (SDG 3), (SDG 13), and life on land (SDG 15), by integrating Western scientific methods with Indigenous wisdom to foster prosperous regional communities. The university's , outlined in its 2030 plan, prioritizes societal and economic impacts through collaborations that solve real-world problems in rural and . Prominent facilities support these themes, such as the Veterinary Clinical Centre at the campus, which conducts advanced research in equine medicine, , and livestock health to enhance and in regional areas. At the Albury-Wodonga campus, the Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water, and Environment leads initiatives, including studies on carbon-neutral ecosystems and drought-resilient farming practices using technologies like rhizolysimeters for sustainable . In the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, the university placed in the top 1% globally for partnerships, underscoring its contributions to environmental through industry collaborations. Research funding and output reflect strong performance, with total research income reaching A$43.9 million in 2024, a 45.3% increase from A$30.2 million in 2023, driven by grants from the Australian Research Council and other sources. By mid-2025, the university had secured A$21 million in new research funding, including A$7.94 million for drought-resilient projects. In the Center for University Rankings (CWUR) 2025, achieved a top 5.5% global position for research influence (rank 1115 out of approximately 20,000 institutions), highlighting its growing impact in applied fields. The university fosters extensive collaborations with regional industries, government agencies, and international organizations to amplify research outcomes. Partnerships include joint projects with the Department of Primary Industries on AI-driven agricultural innovations, such as digital irrigation systems for the Murray-Darling Basin, as noted in the Winter 2025 Research Communique. Internationally, collaborations with the on rural ageing and the on have advanced global knowledge sharing. These efforts extend to Indigenous-led initiatives, such as ecological surveys in Barmah integrating for conservation. Research impacts include significant policy contributions, particularly in rural medicine through the , which has informed strategies on substance use support and family wellbeing via trials like . In sustainability, the university's work on carbon neutrality has supported regional decarbonization policies in , aligning with national goals for net-zero emissions. Overall, these activities position Charles Sturt as a leader in regionally focused, high-impact that drives policy and .

Libraries and resources

Charles Sturt University maintains a network of six libraries located across its major regional campuses in New South Wales, including Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, Dubbo, Orange, and Port Macquarie, complemented by a comprehensive online portal for remote access. These facilities collectively support academic pursuits through physical spaces, digital interfaces, and integrated services tailored to the university's diverse student population. The library system's key collections emphasize regional heritage and specialized knowledge areas aligned with the university's strengths. The Charles Sturt University Regional Archives, established in 1973, houses over 4,500 linear meters of materials focused on the history of the and Murray regions, including state archives, university records, regional records, and the Page Research Centre Collection, with significant holdings on Indigenous histories and cultures. Additional collections support and related fields, reflecting the institution's historical roots in dating back to the Bathurst Experimental in 1895. These archives are accessible to students, staff, researchers, alumni, and the broader community, promoting preservation and scholarly engagement with local and Indigenous narratives. Digital resources form a of the library offerings, providing extensive access to scholarly content for both on-campus and remote users. The subscribes to over 250 databases, including for multidisciplinary research, for covering more than 22,000 journals, and other platforms offering full-text articles, e-books, and . Emphasis is placed on open-access materials through the CSU Research Output repository, which enables of peer-reviewed publications and datasets to enhance visibility of university research. This digital infrastructure ensures equitable access for online learners, who constitute a significant portion of the student body. Library services prioritize user support and innovation to facilitate academic success. Students and researchers can access 24/7 online resources via the Primo Search platform, with human-assisted support available through live chat, phone (1800 275 278), email, and scheduled consultations for guidance and skill development. In 2025, the introduction of AI-enhanced tools, such as assistants integrated into Primo Search and Ebook Central, streamlines discovery and analysis tasks, aiding literature reviews and content synthesis. These services cater to the university's approximately 36,705 students enrolled in 2023, with stable enrollment patterns extending into 2025 and a strong focus on remote capabilities for participants.

Student body and life

Demographics and outcomes

Charles Sturt University enrolled 36,705 students in 2023, encompassing both on-campus and online modes of study. More than half of these —over 24,000—were pursuing their courses online, reflecting the university's emphasis on flexible learning options. The is notably diverse, with 42% originating from regional or remote areas and 18% from low socio-economic status backgrounds. Indigenous students comprised 3.5% of the total enrollment, equating to 1,306 individuals, while international students made up approximately 9%, totaling 3,434. Additionally, 47% of students hailed from families where their parents' highest education level was or below. Enrollment trends indicate significant growth in online programs following 2020, solidifying Charles Sturt's position as Australia's largest provider of online higher education. In 2023, the university saw a 14% increase in on-campus commencing students compared to the previous year, contributing to overall expansion. For 2025 admissions, the university offers more than 350 courses, with a strategic focus on regional equity through targeted access schemes and support for underrepresented groups. Graduate outcomes demonstrate strong , with 91.2% of domestic undergraduate graduates securing full-time within four months of completion in 2023. This performance positioned Charles Sturt as the top Australian for undergraduate full-time in the 2025 Good Universities Guide, marking eight consecutive years at the forefront. Student satisfaction metrics are also robust, with five-star ratings for learner engagement and skills development in the same guide, underscoring effective preparation for professional success. To advance equity, provides dedicated initiatives for first-in-family and rural students, including the CSU Foundation First in Family Support , which offers up to $10,000 to eligible undergraduates. These efforts, encompassing equity scholarships, , and access programs, align with the university's regional mission to broaden participation among disadvantaged cohorts.

Student organisations

The Student Senate serves as the primary elected body representing all students at University, comprising two representatives from each Student Representative Committee (SRC) to advocate for student interests across academic, welfare, and policy matters. It provides input on policies to the Academic Senate, Vice-Chancellor, and senior executive, ensuring student perspectives influence university governance, including welfare services such as access to support resources. In 2025, the Senate participated in broader university governance discussions amid ongoing sector reforms, focusing on enhancing student representation in decision-making processes. Campus-specific guilds and associations, primarily through the SRCs, provide regional representation tailored to local student needs, with dedicated groups for each major location including Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, , Orange, , , and online cohorts. These bodies manage budgets, organize events, and facilitate communication between students and university decision-makers to address site-specific concerns like and . The Indigenous Student Association, known as CSU Wammarra, supports First Nations students by promoting cultural events, networking, and advocacy within the broader representational framework, aligning with the university's commitment to equity for Aboriginal and Islander communities. Student organizations connect members to essential support services, including equity and diversity officers who address barriers to inclusion and the University , an impartial resource for resolving complaints through guidance and internal reviews. The Student Advocacy team further assists with navigating policies and procedures, emphasizing confidential support. In 2025, following significant staff job reductions totaling around $35 million in budget savings due to declining international enrollments, these services continued to support the student community. Elections for SRC positions occur every two years, with Student Senate executives selected annually from eligible members to maintain dynamic . These processes, including the 2025 cycle for and representatives, enable ongoing influence on key areas such as fee structures through consultations and enhancements to online learning experiences via dedicated cohort advocacy.

Extracurricular activities

Charles Sturt University offers a range of extracurricular activities that promote well-being, , and across its regional campuses. These include competitive and social programs, student media outlets, cultural and volunteer initiatives, and access to recreational facilities, all designed to complement academic life and foster connections in regional settings. The university's sports and athletics programs are centered on the University Blues initiative, which recognizes outstanding student-athlete achievements through annual Sporting Blues Awards. This program supports participation in various clubs, such as rugby and running groups, and enables representation in national events like UniSport Nationals, where teams compete in over 20 against other institutions. Social sports options allow students to join local competitions weekly, emphasizing teamwork and recreation. In 2025, Anu Francis, a paralympic triathlete and exercise , was named Sportsperson of the Year for her win in the PTS2 category, while the Charles Sturt Albury-Wodonga Run Club received the Sports Club of the Year award for its community impact and consistent participation. Student media at Charles Sturt University includes the Hungappa publication, a longstanding newspaper primarily based at the campus but serving the wider community. Launched in as a successor to earlier campus magazines, Hungappa covers campus news, opinions, events, and social issues through both print and digital editions, encouraging submissions and fostering journalistic skills. It has historically engaged with topics like political activism and global concerns, such as the events, and maintains an active online presence via for broader accessibility. Extracurricular events and clubs emphasize orientation, cultural immersion, and to build regional ties. New students participate in orientation programs, such as the Session 3 Online Orientation held from 10 to 14 November 2025, which includes academic sessions, workshops, and support introductions delivered virtually to accommodate diverse locations. Cultural festivals like the Deadly Pathways Festival celebrate First Nations success through high-energy activities, inspiration sessions, and community networking, scheduled for 2025 at campuses including . Volunteer opportunities span on-campus roles, community projects, and online initiatives, focusing on skills like and cultural awareness while addressing regional needs in areas such as environment and . Recreational facilities support these activities with infrastructure tailored to regional campuses, including gyms, ovals, sporting fields, and courts, areas, indoor courts for and , and fitness rooms. Access varies by location, such as the and squash courts at Bathurst or the gymnasium at Orange, with most venues open to s during specified hours to encourage regular use. While primarily on-site, some fitness resources integrate with online portals for virtual wellness guidance, aligning with the university's flexible delivery model.

Notable people

Alumni

Charles Sturt University has produced a diverse array of distinguished alumni who have made significant contributions across various sectors, including , media, , and . The university's graduates number over 250,000 worldwide, forming a global network that supports professional development and lifelong connections. Prominent alumni include , an Australian politician who became the first Indigenous woman appointed to federal Cabinet as , having graduated from what is now Charles Sturt University as one of its earliest Aboriginal students. , a renowned media producer and former , earned his degree from the university's predecessor institution and has shaped Australian through productions like Enough Rope and his role at Bedlam TV. , a prominent and former co-host of Sunrise, completed her Bachelor of Communication at Charles Sturt University's Bathurst campus before advancing to roles at and the Seven Network. In the arts, , an acclaimed actor and writer known for roles in Love My Way and Force of Nature, holds a in Theatre/Media from the university, where he honed his skills in performance and storytelling. , and a former senior police official, obtained his Master's in and Administration from Charles Sturt University, applying his expertise to high-level and . In 2025, the university's Alumni Awards highlighted exceptional graduates, with David Windsor receiving the First Nations Excellence award for his leadership in Indigenous advocacy and community empowerment initiatives in . Tara James was honored in the Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Creativity category for founding Small and Mighty Group, which has supported Australian innovations in scaling to international markets and fostering over two decades. The network is bolstered by resources like Thrive magazine, which profiles graduate achievements and shares stories of impact, alongside events such as reunions, programs, and international associations that promote professional networking and collaboration. These efforts build on the strong outcomes from university programs, enabling alumni to thrive in their fields. Alumni contributions extend to through initiatives in and , while in media and they influence national discourse, and in they enrich cultural narratives, demonstrating the university's in fostering leaders who address both and global challenges.

Staff and faculty

Professor Renée Leon serves as Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University, bringing extensive experience in and regional policy to her since September 2021. She previously held senior positions in the , including as of the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Human Services, where she led responses to complex social issues such as disaster relief and debt recovery. Leon's background includes a , from the Australian National University, and a , complemented by a 2013 Medal for contributions to and . Key research leaders at the university include Professor Hayley Randle, Head of the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, who oversees programs advancing veterinary education and animal health in regional contexts. In , Professor Lee Baumgartner directs the Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, focusing on environmental management and resource , which has supported University's strong performance in the 2025 Impact Rankings, placing it in the global top 1% for (SDG 13). Prominent academics include experts in rural health and Indigenous studies, such as Professor Julian Grant, Executive Director of the Rural Health Research Institute, who leads initiatives addressing health disparities in regional and remote Australia through epidemiology and service delivery research. In Indigenous studies, Professor Jillian Marsh, of Adnyamathanha descent, specializes in Indigenous-centred research on environmental and cultural knowledges within the School of Indigenous Australian Studies. These scholars contribute to partnerships like the Joint Program in Medicine with Western Sydney University, which trains rural generalist doctors to improve healthcare access in underserved areas. In 2025, the higher education sector faced significant job cuts due to funding pressures and enrollment limits, with Charles Sturt University announcing reductions to address a $35 million operating shortfall, leading to staff redundancies across campuses. Unions, including the National Tertiary Education Union, reported widespread demoralization among staff, highlighting risks to expertise retention and long-term institutional capacity amid over 3,500 nationwide losses.

References

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