In response to high demand for Federal government funded HECS places, Charles Sturt University (CSU) has increased its student intake in areas of critical regional need, such as teaching, nursing and its allied health courses. 

The University expects almost 3 000 new on-campus and another 3 000 new distance education students – all Commonwealth funded as well additional industry funded students - to commence study when the academic year begins on Monday 23 February. 

The university has encountered high demand from students wishing to take HECS places in both on-campus and distance education courses particularly for teaching, nursing and other health related programs such as medical imaging, physiotherapy, pharmacy and occupational therapy. 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter said education and health related courses were in high demand across the four CSU campuses – Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga [see campus highlights]. Given the needs of regional Australia and CSU’s lead role in these disciplines, the University has increased its student intake in these areas significantly above its initial quotas.

“Charles Sturt University is pleased to provide more opportunities for students to study at university, particularly in professions where there is not only a state and national shortage but also an international demand,” Professor Goulter said.

“CSU has a duty to serve its regions, and we believe increasing opportunities for people to enter professions such as teaching and nursing forms part of this. CSU hopes to continue to provide these opportunities in 2005 through the allocation of additional fully funded Commonwealth places.”

The University will also introduce in 2005 its Veterinary Science course, the first time such a course is to be offered outside a metropolitan area. Already, the University has fielded numerous student inquiries about the course. 

Orientation Week, CSU’s traditional week-long program of academic and social activities for first year on-campus students, commences next Monday 16 February. 

Enrolment highlights by Campus:

Albury-Wodonga
New Middle schooling program in high demand.
Allied health courses particularly strong. For example, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and podiatry. 

Bathurst
Overall, strong demand for all courses, particularly health and education and justice studies programs. Communication program and niche courses such as games technology continue as high profile courses.

Dubbo
Education strong, particularly primary teaching, nursing also strong.

Wagga Wagga
Education, especially primary teaching and health programs such as pharmacy, nursing, medical imaging and nuclear medicine technology in high demand.