• Charles Sturt University will host on-campus Open Days at five regional campuses in August, including in Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, and Orange
• New opportunities await school leavers and career changers, such as on-the-spot offers based on existing qualifications
• The University is expanding Open Day offerings with additional activities, tours and sessions such as the ‘TAFE to university’ session
• Prospective students have the opportunity of connecting with potential future employers from a range of industries

New opportunities await school leavers and career changers as Charles Sturt University opens its doors at five regional campuses during its Open Day series in August.   

Well-known for producing highly employable graduates, the University offers an immersive experience at this year’s events, with campus-wide tours, one-on-one time with course staff, free food, live music, and prizes.

The Open Day events will take place on Sundays at Charles Sturt in Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst and Orange. Registered Open Day attendees will gain exclusive entry to some of the University’s simulation labs and teaching clinics and specific course information sessions.

Charles Sturt University’s Associate Director for Future Student Engagement and Events Ms Lorraine Ryan said this year’s series would showcase stand-out offerings university-wide, including the impressive campuses dispersed across regional NSW.

“As Australia’s leading regional university, we have an incredible opportunity to show potential students how vibrant our beautiful campuses are and what studying in our regions is really like,” Ms Ryan said.

“We are showcasing not just our facilities, courses and student clubs but we also bring together industry partners, businesses and local community groups to participate in the day, so students can get a sense of the region as well.”

Ms Ryan said students will have the opportunity to talk one-on-one with exhibitors including UAC, Teach NSW, Aspect Australia, RSM Australia and the Country University Centres.

“Anyone can register for Open Day on any campus. The day is also for parents and carers, international students and anyone considering online or postgraduate study,” she said.

Charles Sturt has a diverse range of online study options, including short courses, bachelor’s and master’s degrees to suit the differing needs of students.

“Future Students will also have access to admissions and scholarship specialists, and First Nations pathways advisers, alongside expert academics and current students at the dedicated expo hub.”

Additional support will also be on-hand for prospective students interested in the early admission program.

“We will have representatives from the Charles Sturt Advantage Program (CSA) at the expo hub ready to answer student questions,” Ms Ryan said.

The CSA early offer program gives Year 12 students the opportunity to receive an offer before they complete the HSC exams. The program’s selection criteria are based on Year 11 school results and soft skills that are vital in the workforce, such as motivation, empathy, and resilience.

Charles Sturt Associate Director of Admissions and Conversions Mr Peter Greening said last year the University made over 3,000 early offers, and they had already received more than 2,000 applications this year.

“Applications close on August 31 so any students hoping to apply should do so now, or they can register for Open Day and come along to speak with us,” Mr Greening said.

This year, the Admissions team will also assist future students with the assessment of any prior qualifications and experience, potentially leading to fast-tracking an offer for a place at the University.

“They will assess a student’s prior qualifications, experience and career goals and advise on possible pathways that are right for them,” Ms Ryan said.  

Charles Sturt is also bridging the gap for those with existing certificates or diplomas by offering a dedicated ‘TAFE to university’ session. The session highlights common pathways between TAFE and Charles Sturt degrees, such as pathways into teaching, nursing and social work, with many courses awarding credit for previous study.

“Students who bring copies of their existing qualifications may even get on-the-spot offers this year at our Admissions hub, shaving time off their university studies,” Ms Ryan said.

Open Days will be held at Charles Sturt campuses on the following dates and times:

• Port Macquarie, Sunday 3 August, 9.30am - 2.30pm
• Wagga Wagga, Sunday 10 August, 9.30am - 2.30pm
• Albury-Wodonga, Sunday 17 August, 9.30am - 1.30pm
• Bathurst, Sunday 24 August, 9.30am - 2.30pm
• Orange, Sunday 31 August, 9.30am - 1.15pm

Representatives from the scholarships and financial support team and Charles Sturt Global will also be present to assist attendees in understanding the potential scholarship and study abroad opportunities available.

To participate in Open Day, attendees are encouraged to register online in advance of the sessions and tours they are interested in, through the Charles Sturt website here.

“Whether students are starting or switching direction, we want everyone who comes to Open Day to feel like they belong here — because they do. It’s their future, and we’re here to help them shape it,” Ms Ryan said.