• Charles Sturt University will host an on-campus Open Day at Port Macquarie on Sunday 3 August
• Career changers could receive on-the-spot offers based on existing qualifications while school-leavers could apply for early entry opportunities
• The University is expanding Open Day offerings with additional activities, tours and sessions such as the ‘TAFE to university’ session and Careers in Health expert panel
• Prospective students can make connections with local businesses, community groups and potential future employers across a range of industries

School leavers, career changers and eager learners are gearing up for their next big opportunity through the 2025 Open Day at Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie.

The Open Day event will take place on Sunday 3 August from 9.30am to 2.30pm at the University’s campus in Port Macquarie. The main expo hub will be located in the courtyard area outside building 802.

The immersive event will include 38 campus tours and information sessions, free food, live music and entertainment, behind the scenes access to Charles Sturt’s health facilities, while offering opportunities to meet and explore the city’s key industry and community organisations.

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 chat one-on-one with exhibitors. Some of these inlcude  RSPCA NSW, the Port Macquarie Volunteer Branch, 41 RNSWR - Army Reserve Unit, TAFE NSW, Teach NSW, Health North Coast Primary Health Network and many more.

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

Charles Sturt’s diverse range of on campus and online study options will be showcased through up to 20 faculty-focused exhibitors at the main expo hub. This will include everything from paramedicine, education and environmental sciences through to medical radiation science, engineering, nursing and allied health.

“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,” Ms Ryan said.

Prospective students interested in the early admission program – Charles Sturt Advantage (CSA) – will also learn more about this unique pathway into university.

“We will have representatives from the CSA Program 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 more than 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.

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.

A special Careers in Health industry speaker panel will also showcase some of the far-reaching healthcare opportunities available through Charles Sturt with real-life insights into the careers themselves.

The panel will hear from nursing, paramedicine, counselling and psychology representatives from key local organisations including Ramsay Health, NSW Ambulance and Mid North Coast Local Health District.

Representatives from Charles Sturt Global will also be present to assist attendees understand the potential study abroad opportunities available.

The University’s local clubs will share a glimpse into campus vibrancy with representatives from the SRC, Physiotherapy Student’s Association, Charles Sturt Health and Rural Medicine Society and the Christian Students Uniting Port Macquarie.

Adding to this vibrancy, local vendors will be serving up tasty bites from Char Bar, Grasshopper Café, Blue Cow Ice Cream, Flamin Pizza and more.

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.

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 – 1.00pm