• Charles Sturt has developed the free, five-day intensive - ‘Science, Technology and Health Direct Entry Program’ to assist with entry into a corresponding degree
• The intensives will run face-to-face across multiple campuses commencing from December 2023

As part of the NSW Government’s Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Skills (TIES) grant, awarded in October 2022, Charles Sturt University has developed a five-day intensive program that will help those keen to pursue a career in science, technology or health gain entry to university.

The intensives offer participants an alternative pathway to university, recognising that many students capable of completing university study face barriers to entry through traditional pathways.

During the intensive, participants will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their aptitude for tertiary study, while also participating in skills workshops that will help prepare them for the transition to university study.

Participants will spend five consecutive days on the Charles Sturt campus of choice which will also give them a taste of university life.

The first intensive will be offered in Bathurst in December 2023, with further intensive programs being offered during 2024.  All offerings of this course are free to attend for the first 25 participants.

The cost of travel, meals and accommodation are also covered for those who are successful in their application.

Charles Sturt University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) Professor Janelle Wheat said the development of the University’s Science, Technology and Health Direct Entry Program was in response to our commitment to widening participation in tertiary education and providing increased opportunities for our communities.

“If you live in NSW and have wanted to attend university but think you can't because of your rural, regional, or remote location, because you may be the first in your family to attend, or because of your lived experience with a disability, then this is an opportunity to see how university will work for you,” Professor Wheat said.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive direct entry into a range of undergraduate courses at Charles Sturt.

Charles Sturt University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Success) Ms Heather McGregor said the five-day intensives were another important way the University was supporting students from all backgrounds to receive a university education.

“This admission pathway supports skills development of NSW workers and promotes broader participation by underrepresented groups,” Ms McGregor said.

“In addition to the tuition being covered, all travel, accommodation and meals are taken care of for the students who participate.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for participants to demonstrate their study capabilities while working with our team of academic and career advisers, with direct entry for successful participants into a bachelor’s degree afterwards,” she said.

The program is open to New South Wales regional residents over the age of 18 years.

For more information or to register, please visit the Charles Sturt website here.

ENDS