• 57 Port Macquarie-Hastings students will receive financial support through the Charles Sturt Foundation Trust in 2025
• The total value of scholarships awarded to Port Macquarie-Hastings students is $335,926
• Just under $3,000,000 will be offered to Charles Sturt University students university-wide in 2025 via 417 scholarships through the Charles Sturt Foundation Trust
• Overall, 1,007 scholarships totalling a combined $9,502,530 will be offered to Charles Sturt students this year through the Charles Sturt Foundation Trust and government funding

More than $300,000 will be divided among 57 Charles Sturt University students in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Region, thanks to scholarships provided through the Charles Sturt Foundation Trust.

The Charles Sturt Foundation will award just under $3 million to students across Charles Sturt’s six main campuses in 2025, through 417 scholarships administered through the Trust.

Students in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region were presented with their scholarships at the official Charles Sturt Foundation Trust ceremony at Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie on Tuesday 13 May. The ceremony was the first of six scholarship ceremonies to be held across the University’s campuses in May.

Acting Director of Advancement at Charles Sturt University Ms Carly Evans said Charles Sturt was humbled by the generosity of local communities, businesses, and alumni.

“The support of these groups allows us to meet students where they are - with scholarships that reflect the diversity of experiences and aspirations across regional Australia,” Ms Evans said.

“Many of our students juggle study with part-time work, travel from remote areas, or manage family responsibilities. Scholarships can be the difference between continuing their course or stepping away from their career aspirations - these scholarships are not just financial boosts; they are lifelines.”

Ms Evans said it was Charles Sturt’s regional focus which gave it a unique advantage over other educational institutions, and the scholarship ceremonies were a great way to celebrate the students.   

“These scholarship ceremonies are not just formalities; they are powerful reminders that regional communities and passionate supporters believe in the potential of their young people and are keen to invest in their future.

“This year, we’ve seen support reach students from all walks of life - First Nations students, carers, mature-age learners, those facing financial hardship, and those pursuing research that will directly benefit rural communities. The range of scholarships reflects the diversity of our student body.”

Ms Evans noted that Charles Sturt scholarships went beyond financial support.  

“Scholarships don’t just support study; they change lives. We’ve seen recipients go on to become healthcare workers in remote towns, teachers in their local communities, and changemakers in their fields. That’s the power of regional giving - its ripple effects are real and lasting.”

The University’s scholarships are tailored to the individual needs of each Charles Sturt community.

“Port Macquarie has become a thriving hub of aspiration and opportunity,” Ms Evans said.

“The support from local businesses and families reflects a belief in what education can do, not just for individual students, but for the future of this region.

“In Port Macquarie, our students benefit from partnerships that recognise the unique needs of our coastal and regional communities.”

In 2025, the inaugural Kempsey Shire Council Scholarship will expand opportunities for students committed to contributing to the local community.

“This scholarship is a fantastic example of an innovative local government identifying a challenge and backing students to be the solution. This is regional collaboration at its best,” Ms Evans said.

Overall, 1,007 scholarships will be offered to Charles Sturt students in 2025, totalling more than $9.5 million. This is made up of both Charles Sturt Foundation Trust scholarships and government-funded scholarships.

Scholarships are open to domestic and international students studying any course at the University.

More information on the range of scholarships offered at Charles Sturt, including opening and closing dates and evaluation criteria, can be found on the website.

If you or someone you know would like to support a Charles Sturt student, contact the Charles Sturt Advancement office.

ENDS