Charles Sturt University will establish itself in the Canadian province of Ontario, after becoming one of the first external providers to receive approval to operate as a university. 

Capitalising on changes to Ontario law, which had previously placed restrictions on ‘out of province’ providers, Charles Sturt University’s Bachelor of Primary Education Studies has received accreditation from both the Ontario College of Teachers and final consent by the Ontario Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. 

This will see 100 new student places offered in teacher education when the program commences this September in the city of Burlington, approximately 40 minutes south of the Canadian city of Toronto. 

CSU’s application has received the strong support of the Burlington Mayor’s Taskforce on Post-Secondary Education, and the provincial body the Halton District School Board, responsible for the education of more than 47 000 students in the area. 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Goulter, said CSU in Ontario shows the University’s depth of expertise and rich heritage in teacher education as well as extending CSU’s existing links in Canada.

“We’ve been delivering distance education programs into Canada for the past ten years, and have an outstanding partnership with the Michener Institute in Canada to deliver allied health programs. 

“In teacher education, some 200 students from Canada have completed their degree study at CSU campuses in Australia. So, taking the next step, and delivering the on-site CSU experience in Ontario makes good sense.

“This will be a CSU program, delivered by CSU staff, in premises leased by CSU. While we have a close partnership with the Halton District School Board this is the first time we are establishing a stand-alone presence overseas.”

Currently, many teacher education students from the Burlington area need to travel outside the area, or across the US border to complete their teacher education. The one year CSU program will be offered in Burlington, on a full-fee basis.

Professor Goulter, and CSU Dean of Education, Professor Bob Meyenn, will announce details of the program in Ontario on Wednesday 16 February (Canadian time), at a function with Burlington local government, Halton District School Board and education officials. 

Further information about the program, including application forms and contact details can be found on the CSU website here: www.csu.edu.au/campus/ontario.