• Charles Sturt provides $120,000 in fuel vouchers to 1,200 students travelling to attend intensive schools at one of the University’s six regional campuses
• The vouchers alleviate financial pressure due to rising cost of fuel for students required to travel
• Timely student support made possible through Commonwealth Government Needs-Based Funding

Charles Sturt University is providing timely relief to students facing rising travel costs with its Intensive School Fuel Voucher initiative, helping eligible students attend compulsory on-campus intensive schools at the University’s regional campuses.

The initiative offered a $100 fuel voucher for undergraduate and postgraduate students ensures that cost pressures do not become a barrier to participation in essential, hands-on learning.

A total of $120,000 worth of vouchers has been given to 1,200 students.

The initiative supports students attending compulsory intensives at Charles Sturt’s regional campuses at Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga.

Charles Sturt Vice Chancellor Professor Renée Leon said the initiative reflects Charles Sturt’s practical, student-centred approach and its understanding of regional realities.

“At Charles Sturt University, our commitment to students is not theoretical, it is practical, responsive and grounded in understanding the realities of regional life,” Professor Leon said.

“Recent fuel price pressures have placed a real burden on students who must travel to our regional campuses to attend intensive schools which are compulsory for their professional fields.

“This support is making a tangible difference for undergraduate and postgraduate students, easing some of the cost pressure allows students to prioritise their learning.”

Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology) student Ms Aislin Denne (pictured, left bottom) is attending an intensive school in Wagga Wagga.

Originally from British Columbia, Canada, Ms Denne currently lives in Albury and is studying her degree online.

She is a recipient of a fuel voucher and applied to alleviate some of the costs of the 130-kilometre commute from Albury to Wagga Wagga.

“The voucher helped take the stress out of the additional expenditure of intensive school for my partner and I this month,” she said.

“It’s beneficial for Charles Sturt to offer these vouchers and services for students because the cost of living remains quite high and university is a huge expense, so every little bit helps. 

“Less time having to work and earn additional money allows for more time to commit to studying.”

Ms Chellan Robinson (pictured, left top) is studying a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management online while living in Newcastle.

Her intensive school was located at Charles Sturt’s Albury-Wodonga campus and the voucher she received helped cover the cost of travel amid rising fuel prices.

“Intensive schools are valuable for learning and play an important role in our learning pathway,” she said.

“However, they require travel, time off work and other additional expenses.

“I am a mature student who owns my own home, therefore I am not eligible for other intensive school grants. This small stipend helped me with the cost of attending the intensive school.”

Professor Leon said the funding was made possible through Commonwealth Government Needs-Based Funding.

“This initiative is a strong example of how Needs-Based Funding enables universities to respond quickly and ensure students are not left behind by circumstances beyond their control.”