• Charles Sturt University signs MoU with the Country Education Foundation of Australia
• The MoU includes a co-funding allocation of $400,000 over three years ($133,000 per year) to support rural, regional and remote students to achieve a higher education through Charles Sturt University
• Approximately 80 students will benefit from the funding in 2025
• The funding will be put towards grants for study or living costs

More country students will achieve their career aspirations now that Charles Sturt University has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF).

The MoU commenced in 2025 and will see a co-allocation of funding of $400,000 over three years ($133,000 per year) awarded to CEF students from rural, regional and remote backgrounds pursuing a university course through Charles Sturt University.

Preference is given to first-year students and then continuing students to strengthen the belief that anyone can achieve a university education with the right attitude and support.

Charles Sturt Executive Director of Engagement and Enterprise Mr Thomas Burton said Charles Sturt is proud to back young people in the regions, working alongside the Country Education Foundation.  

“This partnership means more country students can take that next step into uni, knowing they have support behind them,” Mr Burton said.

“We know that cost and distance can be big barriers, so this funding helps ease that pressure, and gives students the chance to focus on their studies and future.

“Charles Sturt is proud to stand alongside the Country Education Foundation to back young people in our regional communities.”

Chief Executive Officer of CEF, Ms Wendy Mason, welcomed the new partnership with the university.

“The Country Education Foundation is thrilled to work alongside Charles Sturt University, a university deeply rooted in regional Australia, to create more opportunities for young Australians,” Ms Mason said.

“CEF has always been at the forefront of advocating for rural and regional students and this partnership will empower our CEF-supported students at Charles Sturt to pursue their passions.

“The partnership provides additional funding for these students’ educational expenses, creating greater impact for them and with a successful transition to study at Charles Sturt University." 

First-year CEF student from Coolah studying the Charles Sturt Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the university’s Wagga Wagga campus Mr Lachlan Cook, said:

“CEF as an organisation has been extremely life-changing to get through university. The friendly support allowed me to remain focused on studying and not feel overwhelmed with how I will afford to go to university. The grant provided by Charles Sturt will help with my educational expenses as I study an academically intense degree and work towards pursuing a career in the bovine industry and one day starting my own veterinary practice.”  

Fourth-year CEF student from Coleambally-Darlington Point studying the Charles Sturt Bachelor of Education (K-12) also through Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga, Ms Laura Mannes, reflects on support provided to her by CEF and what this funding will mean for first and second-year students.

“Support through CEF allowed me to focus on moving away from home for study, without as much financial pressure. I was able to move on to campus, meet friends, join clubs and find a job that worked with my schedule and interests. CEF is more than just financial assistance – they have offered so much support to me throughout my university journey and always share my joy in achieving milestones at university.

Financial assistance through CEF allows regional students to find their feet, especially when moving to study. Living in a small country town with a great community made it hard to move to uni, but CEF helped relieve financial stress and provided support as I work towards my goal of becoming a maths teacher in a regional area.”

Charles Sturt is the largest education provider for CEF students, who are supported by one of 49 local CEF foundations around Australia.

In 2025, $133,000 will be awarded to all first and second-year CEF students studying at Charles Sturt. 50 first-year students will be allocated $2,000 each and almost 30 second-year students will receive $1,137 each. The grants are dedicated to assisting students with a smooth transition to university to improve their likelihood of completing their studies.

Grant funding can be put towards study or living expenses such as accommodation, rent, food, textbooks, technology or work placement expenses.

ENDS