Fundraising is underway at Charles Sturt University (CSU) to raise money in the wake of the devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Nepal.

The 7.9 magnitude quake in the Kathmandu Valley on Saturday 25 April has left more than 7 000 people dead and injured many more.  The disaster has created a huge, urgent demand for humanitarian relief.

Pro Vice Chancellor, International Education and Partnerships Professor Heather Cavanagh said, "Charles Sturt University has more than 500 students who come from Nepal and surrounding countries".

"These students are studying by distance education and internally and are based at our Study Centres in Sydney and Melbourne and on regional campuses," she said.

"We are working with these students to provide as much support as we can in these difficult times.

"All students have been offered counselling. We are monitoring the number of students who are taking up the offer to make sure they are fully supported. 

"We are working with students who need to go home, who can no longer pay fees or need extensions for assignments."

Students at the Study Centres in Sydney and Melbourne are collecting donations and other fundraising events have been organised. Staff at CSU in Orange held a fundraising event on Monday 4 May, and the University's Research Office staff will host a soup lunch on Thursday 7 May from 12.30pm to 1.30pm at CSU in Wagga Wagga.

Professor Cavanagh said, "The children's development organisation, Plan International has an extensive presence in Nepal and has set-up up a website for donations".

"I am sure many staff and students have already made donations to help assist the Nepalese recovery efforts," she said.