Charles Sturt University is progressing plans to open a campus in Sri Lanka which will offer world-class education opportunities to students while bringing additional revenue to support the University’s core regional mission.

The transnational education (TNE) venture will be delivered in partnership with Prospects Education and will initially offer courses in business and early childhood education. 

Disciplines such as information technology, psychology, engineering and health are earmarked for future expansion.  

The first intake of students is expected in the second half of 2026.  

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon said the plans reflected the University’s commitment to making education more accessible globally.  

“We are excited to bring Charles Sturt’s world-class courses to students in Sri Lanka,” she said.  

“This campus will provide students with the chance to gain internationally recognised qualifications and open doors to career opportunities while studying in their own country.”  

“It will also facilitate new and valuable academic and research connections and build greater awareness of Charles Sturt University and our regional communities internationally.”  

Professor Leon emphasised that the University remained committed to reinvesting the benefits of any international growth into its regional education mission. 

“The benefits of this venture are not limited to the students in Sri Lanka and the skills and knowledge they will bring to their nation’s workforce,” Professor Leon said. 

“The revenue generated from this and Charles Sturt’s other international education ventures directly supports our regional students and research. 

“This vital and underfunded regional mission remains at the heart of Charles Sturt. It is why we are here and why we are important.” 

Somesh Perera, Founder/Chairman of Prospects Education said “we are proud to welcome Charles Sturt University to Sri Lanka, a partnership that reflects our shared commitment to fostering educational excellence and global opportunities for Sri Lankan students”.  

“Together we are shaping a future where local talent can compete on a global scale.”  

The Australian Government supports universities taking Australian education and training to the world, emphasising that high-quality TNE builds important linkages and institutional partnerships, contributes to Australia’s research goals and foreign policy priorities, and complements Australia’s onshore education.