• 304 scholarships and academic prizes worth over $1.4 million to be presented in coming weeks
• Scholarships highlight CSU assistance for students from low socio-economic and Indigenous backgrounds
• Five ceremonies to be held, starting in Dubbo on Monday 29 April

Ceremonies across Charles Sturt University (CSU) will recognise and celebrate academic achievements and life in regional Australia over the next two weeks.

The CSU Foundation will present 304 scholarships and academic prizes worth over $1.4 million at five ceremonies, starting on Monday 29 April in Dubbo.

Director of the CSU Advancement Office, Ms Sarah Ansell, said all the awards were well deserved and highlighted the quality of students at the University.

“Scholarships really have the ability to change lives. It isn’t just additional financial support - it’s just knowing that somebody out there, they may not have even met, believes in them,” Ms Ansell said.

“The sense of support and belief in them is empowering, and can really help students when things get tough.”

Ms Ansell said students report that receiving CSU scholarships make a substantial difference to their lives while studying, and for many study would not be possible without this financial support.

“One of the biggest issues facing students is being able to afford work placements while still meeting their everyday living expenses. These scholarships make a difference.”

CSU Foundation scholarships are acquired from local, state and federal governments as well as large and small businesses across NSW and Australia, and through donations from CSU staff and alumni, and the wider community.

“We are blessed to have such generous donors, who are passionate about the University and committed to supporting students in regional Australia.

“The Foundation receives support from all corners of our community, including our staff, who since 2015 have donated over $175,000 to fund a variety of scholarships.”

Among the awards in coming weeks are 27 prizes totaling over $93,000 for Indigenous students enrolled with CSU to help address their study and living costs, as well as 82 prizes worth over $350,000 for students from low socio-economic areas, or 27 per cent of the total value of this year’s awards from the CSU Foundation.

“These scholarships and prizes particularly highlight the role Charles Sturt University and the Foundation play in fostering excellence and supporting students in higher education, so they may go on to contribute to their communities,” Ms Ansell said.

Details for CSU Foundation presentation ceremonies: