• The Charles Sturt University Advantage early offer program will now provide Year 12 school leavers with an early firm offer to study at the University
• The program focusses on empathy, resilience, and what it takes to create a world worth living in
• It looks at Year 11 results and searches for school leavers ready to unlock their potential – applications opened on Monday 3 May

Charles Sturt University is changing the game on how students apply to the University with its early offer program that will now provide Year 12 school leavers with a firm offer to study at the University.

After a successful year with the program in 2020, the University will once again be accepting applications for its Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program.

The program focuses on students’ Year 11 results as well as recognising their soft skills.

These special qualities include emotional intelligence, collaboration, empathy and communication skills, resilience, and a commitment to creating a world worth living in.

Students who are admitted to the Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program will become part of the Charles Sturt community from day one. Charles Sturt will support them to develop their soft skills, prepare them for university, and connect them with a community of like-minded people.

Charles Sturt Executive Director of Students Mr Shawn Walker said, “The Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program has had a successful first two years.

“The changes we have made to the program this year will allow us to give firm offers to students well before they sit their Year 12 exams.”

In 2021 there will be two rounds of applications and offers. Students can secure their place in late June or late September, before they sit their exams, and be a part of the Charles Sturt community now.

“Employers have told us that soft skills are often just as important as the technical skills students learn as part of their university qualification,” Mr Walker said.

“The program recognises students’ ability to show resilience, empathy, teamwork, and their commitment to making this world a world worth living in.

“We made conditional offers to more than 1,800 students last year. This year we will be giving firm offers to students and we’re expecting the program to be more popular than ever.”

Charles Sturt graduates are in the top five for the highest employment rate in the nation because of the practical education the University delivers.

Mr Walker said, “Charles Sturt University is committed to these types of students, those who are committed to creating a world worth living in.

“Charles Sturt Advantage enables us to receive a group of emotionally intelligent and driven students who will embody the values of the University and will be great assets to our campus communities in the years to come.”

A 2020 Charles Sturt Advantage applicant Ms Kate Nelson is now a student studying a Bachelor of Education (K-12) at the University.

“The Charles Sturt Advantage program gave me a place into my chosen degree a lot sooner than exams, which meant I could concentrate on the important things like study and enjoying the last high school moments,” Ms Nelson said.

“Charles Sturt Advantage gave me an opportunity to meet like-minded people, which made it easier to make friends before starting classes.

“My advice to any Year 12 student considering applying via the Charles Sturt Advantage program is to make sure you apply.

“Having the reassurance that you have a place in the degree of your choosing is useful and you always can keep the offer as another option. Believe me, it’s worth it.”

The key 2021 Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program dates are:

Round One applications open Monday 3 May and close midnight Monday 31 May, with offers made in late June.

Round Two applications open on Monday 26 July and close midnight Tuesday 31 August, with offers made in late September.

Find more information at the Charles Sturt Advantage web page.