• Charles Sturt University is offering 16 international students the chance to study a Bachelor of Nursing in Dubbo for the first time
• Special guests joined Charles Sturt staff at a formal launch event on Monday 14 August
• Applications opened in July this year for the first intake to commence in 2024

Charles Sturt University in Dubbo launched a new on-campus offering for international students interested in pursuing a career in nursing.

From 2024, 16 international students will have the opportunity to study a Bachelor of Nursing on campus, commencing in the Session One cohort.

Charles Sturt University leaders and special guests attended a formal launch event on Monday 14 August at the campus in Dubbo, where attendees heard from staff and current students about all the degree has to offer.

Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon said the Bachelor of Nursing on-campus offering for international students at the Dubbo campus had already received a strong response from prospective students.

“With applications opening only weeks ago for the 16 positions in the 2024 Dubbo program, we have already received 10 applications, which is a very positive result,” Professor Leon said.

Course Director in the Charles Sturt School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences Ms Louise Wells said the new initiative was an exciting addition to the already well-established Bachelor of Nursing study option at the Dubbo campus.

“We’re thrilled to offer prospective nurses from around the world the opportunity to hit the ground running as they study nursing on-campus in a such a vibrant and supportive regional community,” Ms Wells said.

“With well-established simulation laboratory facilities, a great team of dedicated and experienced nursing academics and support staff, and strong support from the community, Dubbo is the perfect campus to add to our list of offerings for international students.”

With the Bachelor of Nursing currently offered to international students at the University’s Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga campuses, the new international places at Dubbo mean the Charles Sturt Bachelor of Nursing will soon be available for international students at five of the University’s campuses.

Charles Sturt University’s Director of Global Engagement Ms Eleanor Mitchell said the international interest in the Bachelor of Nursing is growing rapidly.

“We currently have more than 275 international students enrolled in the degree across the Charles Sturt University campuses offering the course,” she said.

“Each year it’s getting bigger and is currently recognised as the on-campus course with the most international student enrolments University-wide.”

The new offering is widely supported by Dubbo Regional Council and key community organisations, such as Regional Development Australia, with a number of high-profile government officials to attend the event.

Ms Mitchell said it was no surprise the wider community was equally enthusiastic to welcome the new students.

“Many organisations and stakeholders wrote letters of support for the offering, with most being submitted to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council,” she said.

The 16 international nursing student places build on the 49 domestic students currently studying the Bachelor of Nursing at Charles Sturt in Dubbo. This includes eight First Nations students.

Applications for the new places opened in July this year, via an online application or approved education agent.

ENDS