• 95.3 per cent of Charles Sturt graduates are employed full-time three years after completing their courses
• More than 80 per cent of Charles Sturt students from regional areas live and work in regional communities after graduation

New data shows that graduates from Australia's leading regional university, Charles Sturt, find jobs faster after finishing their courses and have higher salaries.

Results from the 2026 Graduate Outcomes Survey - Longitudinal show Charles Sturt graduates are among the most successful in Australia three years after completing their degrees, with 95.3 per cent of graduates in full-time employment.

This is third among Australian universities and well above the national average of 92 per cent.

Graduate earnings were also strong, with Charles Sturt ranked sixth nationally for undergraduate median salary after three years at $99,100, compared to the national median of $93,900.

The results build on the University's outstanding performance in July’s Graduate Outcomes Survey, which ranked Charles Sturt graduates first in Australia for full-time employment within four to six months of completing their studies, with 90.5 per cent employed full-time.

Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Renée Leon, said the results highlight the University's proven record of preparing graduates for immediate success and strong careers.

“Charles Sturt degrees deliver real and lasting value for our students, helping them secure employment quickly so they can grow successful and rewarding careers,” Professor Leon said.

“We focus on real world impact, providing our students with a range of practical learning opportunities with our many industry-leading partners, as well as support throughout their time with us.

“Charles Sturt graduates are sought after because they have the skills and industry experience that employers are chasing.”

More than 80 per cent of Charles Sturt students from regional areas live and work in regional communities after graduation.

Professor Leon said that outcome was central to the University’s purpose.

“One of Charles Sturt's core missions is to ensure that regional Australia has the skilled workers it desperately needs,” she said.

“Charles Sturt produces the doctors, nurses, teachers, dentists, engineers, physiotherapists, early childhood workers, social workers, agricultural scientists, psychologists and other professionals that are the backbone of regional communities.

“These results demonstrate once again that Charles Sturt is supporting the workforce needs of regional Australia while providing graduates with the opportunity to build successful careers close to home.”