Charles Sturt University (CSU) continues to be a popular choice for new students, attracting strong demand for its on campus and distance education courses for 2012.

 

Statistics released from the University Admissions Centre (UAC) as at Wednesday 30 November show a 6.7 percent increase in first preferences from 2011. This continues an upward trend over the past three years, with the percentage increase in this latest year being well above the increase in the total pool of applicants.

 

CSU Executive Director for Student Administration, Mr Geoff Honey said the early figures are pleasing in an increasingly competitive higher education environment and illustrates that Charles Sturt University’s courses continue to be relevant and popular with prospective students.

 

“Preferences continue to be strong for high profile courses such as dental science and veterinary science, while there has been strong growth in clinical practice (paramedic), medical radiation science, policing and nursing courses,” said Mr Honey. “There has also been good growth across business courses generally.

 

“There is still time to apply for both on campus and distance education courses commencing in March in 2012. Prospective students can go to the CSU website, or call 1800 334 733 to find out more about courses available and how to apply.”

 

Highlights from the University’s main campuses include:

Albury-Wodonga

 

CSU in Albury-Wodonga has seen an impressive increase in first preferences of more than 15 percent for 2012. Allied health and education courses are the most popular, with a pleasing increase in popularity for business courses. Among the most popular courses are physiotherapy, early childhood and primary and middle school teaching, nursing, speech pathology and occupational therapy.

 

 

There has been strong growth at CSU in Bathurst with first preferences increasing by 13 percent. Clinical practice (paramedic), nursing and policing have experienced a strong surge in demand, while early childhood and primary education, exercise science and communication courses remain popular. There has also been good growth in demand across business courses, particularly accounting.

 

 

CSU in Orange has recorded its third successive jump in first preference demand. The eight percent increase in first preferences follows-on from double digit increases in the previous two years. The popularity for the dental science course continues to grow, while physiotherapy and pharmacy retain strong demand.

 

Early childhood and primary education and nursing are the courses with strongest demand while accounting is still available. CSU is committed to the Dubbo region and encourages anyone contemplating studying in 2012 to make contact with the University to discuss options.  

 

 

CSU in Wagga Wagga has seen a small drop in first preferences and a small increase in overall preferences. Veterinary science continues to rank highly among applicants and medical radiation science has experienced a significant jump in demand. Other courses to attract strong interest include animal science, primary education, agricultural science, nursing and acting for screen and stage.