• A Charles Sturt University education student found applying for an early offer before sitting his Year 12 exams changed his life and provided new opportunities
• The Charles Sturt Advantage program accepts high school students into their university course of choice before they sit their Year 12 exams

A Charles Sturt University teacher education student is living proof of the benefits of the University’s early admissions program, Charles Sturt Advantage (CSA).

The CSA program accepts high school students into their university course of choice before they sit their Year 12 exams.

It places value on prospective students’ personal attributes, such as communication, empathy, resilience and motivation, and takes into consideration a student’s academic aptitude, including Year 11 results, to determine their success as a student and in the workforce.

Mr Sebastian Carlesso (pictured) from Wangaratta is studying a Bachelor of Education (K- 12) (with a Major in Mathematics) in the Charles Sturt School of Education in Albury-Wodonga.

After enduring a lot of hardships in high school, Sebastian was stressed about whether his ATAR would be good enough to get him into university.

So he applied to study via the CSA program and was delighted to be accepted.

“I found the application process quite easy and received my offer early in September during a school class, and was left speechless,” he said.

“I felt so relieved getting the early offer because it meant I had a guaranteed place and needn’t wonder whether I would get in or not.”

There were more than 4,000 CSA applications in 2025 and more than 23,000 CSA applications over the last five years.

The most popular courses students enrolled in were physiotherapy, paramedicine, nursing, occupational therapy, psychology and education.

Sebastian said CSA had helped him to meet and establish friendships with others who also received early offers.

“My career aspirations are to become a high school physics and maths teacher and to help prepare students for the big world ahead of them,” he said.

“Studying education is excellent, with people from all over Australia and abroad.”

Sebastian said the University’s support and flexibility have helped him with his studies as he has been able to seek assistance when needed, as well as ensure his mental health is in check.

“The flexibility is great, and when I need some time away from Uni to debrief and relax, I can always go back to catch up because everything is recorded online,” he said.

Apply for the Charles Sturt Advantage Round Two by Friday 31 August.