• Applications are now open for  a workshop to help students start the Connected Pathways Program which makes university qualifications accessible for more students
• The Program will reduce the time for a TAFE student to earn a degree as well as the cost
• Minister for Education, The Hon. Jason Clare, visited Charles Sturt’s Wagga Wagga campus to launch the program’s EOI process

TAFE NSW students now have access to university via a unique program which will help more people access higher education and strengthen regional Australia’s workforce in critical professions.

The Connected Pathways Program offers wraparound and tailored support to help students move from TAFE NSW and Vocational Education and Training (VET) into Charles Sturt degrees in nursing, teaching, early childhood education and community services.

The program, jointly run by Charles Sturt and TAFE NSW, supports students from application to graduation, with credit for their previous TAFE or VET study allowing them to complete their Charles Sturt courses. The program means more students have the opportunity to earn a degree than ever before.

Expressions of Interest have now opened  have now opened for an immersive three-day workshop to help prospective students prepare to transition to university study with Charles Sturt in 2027.

Minister for Education, The Hon. Jason Clare, visited Charles Sturt’s Wagga Wagga campus on Thursday 6 August to launch the EOI process and meet prospective students.

“The Connected Pathways Program is a fantastic initiative from Charles Sturt University and TAFE NSW. It's what breaking down the artificial barrier between TAFE and university looks like,” Minister Clare said.

"It will save students time and money. This will take one year off their degree and save them up to $10,000.

"It will make it quicker, cheaper and easier to get the skills and qualifications people need. And that is what Australia needs, particularly in the regions.”

Through the Connected Pathways Program, a student who completes a TAFE NSW Diploma of Nursing will receive credit towards Charles Sturt’s Bachelor of Nursing, enabling them to complete the degree in two years rather than three and save up to $10,000 in course costs.

Students will receive assistance with their university applications, tailored academic transition support, access to practical placements with industry leaders, and other supports.

For First Nations students, the Connected Pathways Program will provide culturally appropriate transition programs, handover from TAFE’s Aboriginal Student Support services into the University’s services for First Nations students, as well as  dedicated scholarships, and networking with other First Nations students and alumni.

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, The Hon. Steve Whan, said “TAFE and university shouldn't be two separate tracks. This program creates a clear pathway between them”.

“Students can get credit for the skills and qualifications they've already earned, cutting study time and saving thousands of dollars,” Minister Whan said.

“That's good for students, good for regional communities and good for the workforce sectors that need skilled workers most.”

On Friday 7 August, Charles Sturt will facilitate a discussion among more than 20 TAFE and university students to better understand how the Connected Pathways Program can support students to transition from TAFE to university and succeed in their courses.

Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Renée Leon, said the Connected Pathways Program will open the door to higher education for a cohort of students who may have thought a university qualification was out of reach.

“Charles Sturt University has always been proud to offer opportunity and support to students who, historically, have been shut out of university education,” Professor Leon said.

“Two of Charles Sturt’s core missions are growing access to higher education and providing a skilled workforce for regional Australia. The Connected Pathways Program achieves both of these.

“By supporting students to use their existing qualifications to get into university, we are helping to ensure regional Australia’s future workforce of nurses, teachers, early childhood educators and community services professionals.”

Charles Sturt leads the country in offering VET pathways into higher education. In 2025, more than 4,500 Charles Sturt students received credit based on their previous VET study, including:

• 867 students entering from the Diploma of Nursing
• 817 from the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care
• 100 from the Diploma of Community Services

TAFE NSW Managing Director, Chloe Read, said the partnership would make it easier for regional students to progress from vocational training into higher education while building the workforce their communities need.

“This collaboration with Charles Sturt University is an important step forward for regional Australia, creating more opportunities for students to continue their education close to home and move into careers that are in high demand,” she said.

“In areas such as healthcare, early childhood education and community services, regional communities often feel the impact of worker shortages most acutely.

“By creating a more seamless transition between vocational education and university study, we're giving students greater flexibility and support to achieve their goals, whatever stage of their learning journey they're on.”

The Connected Pathways Program combines Commonwealth and State Government-supported Fee Free TAFE qualifications at TAFE NSW and a $2.1 million investment by Charles Sturt, which includes new funding via the Australian Government’s Needs-Based-Funding scheme.