• Program designed for all students who share the ambition to create a world worth living in
• Program focusses on emotional intelligence, collaboration, empathy, communication skills, resilience
• Looks beyond test scores and searches for school leavers and non-school leavers ready to unlock their potential – applications open now

Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) is changing the game on how students apply to university by launching an early entry program that focusses on recognising students’ soft skills.

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

Charles Sturt is looking beyond test scores and searching for school leavers and non-school leavers ready to unlock their potential.

Students who are admitted to the Charles Sturt Advantage program will become part of an exclusive nurture program that will support them to develop their soft skills, prepare them for university, and connect them with a community of like-minded people.

Charles Sturt’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Ms Jenny Roberts said, “The Charles Sturt Advantage allows us to recognise the whole student when assessing an application.

“Students must demonstrate these attributes, for consideration along with a referee.

“Students can secure their place in September ahead of their ATAR score, and be a part of the Charles Sturt community now.

“Students can be on the front foot by fully leveraging their social skills.

“When students apply through the Charles Sturt Advantage their commitment, empathy, resilience and commitment to making this world a world worth living in will all be taken into consideration,” Ms Roberts said.

“This initiative will help further position Charles Sturt as a relevant, practical university, well-connected to industry and consistently producing highly sought after well rounded graduates.

“Charles Sturt University graduates already have the highest employment rate in the nation because of the practical education we deliver.”

Year 12 students are readily preparing for when applications open.

“We have 20 students who will be applying for entry into Charles Sturt Advantage,” said Ms Sandie McKoy, Careers Advisor at the Catholic College Wodonga.

“This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their ability to problem solve and overcome obstacles as well to demonstrate how resilient they are.

“The Charles Sturt Advantage is designed to realise that the single ATAR doesn’t take into account everything a student can do.

“We have a lot of service and volunteering built into our curriculum so our students are readily equipped with these skills.

“Sometimes however, they don’t realise they possess these skills until they have the opportunity to reflect and develop them further.”

DVC (Students) Ms Roberts said, “Charles Sturt University is committed to these types of students, those who are committed to creating a world worth living in.

“The Charles Sturt Advantage is for everyone – if you’re coming to university in later life, we’ll also look at your work experience.

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