• Some fees for Charles Sturt postgraduate courses in 2027 are reduced by more than 80 per cent
• Courses aligned with regional Australia’s critical workforce needs, including teaching, business, IT, midwifery, clinical psychology and social work

People looking to grow their careers can do so at a hugely reduced cost, with Charles Sturt University expanding its range of Commonwealth-supported postgraduate courses for 2027.

Charles Sturt’s expanded Commonwealth-Supported Place (CSP) course offerings will make postgraduate education more affordable across 46 courses, reducing fees by more than 80 per cent in some cases.

A CSP is a university place where the Australian Government pays part of the tuition fees. It is a subsidy and not a loan that needs to be repaid.

Charles Sturt’s reduced-fee courses include teaching, business, IT, midwifery, clinical psychology and social work.

Charles Sturt Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Brown, said the expanded course profile reflects the University’s commitment to providing accessible and affordable higher education, particularly for regional Australians.

“Cost is one of the biggest factors people consider when deciding whether to undertake study,” Professor Brown said.

“These reduced fees will open the door to career-changing study for people who may have previously thought these qualifications were beyond their reach.

“By expanding access to Commonwealth-supported postgraduate places, we’re helping regional students gain valuable qualifications while remaining connected to their families, workplaces and communities.”

Many of the courses with reduced fees are aligned with fields where Australia, especially regional Australia, is suffering from a shortage of skilled workers.

Australia’s midwifery workforce is in crisis, according to the Nursing and Midwifery Board, with not enough midwives or midwifery students to meet future needs. One in three midwives are considering leaving the profession amid high rates of burnout, anxiety, stress and low rates of satisfaction.

The situation is comparable for the other fields:

• teaching - 83 per cent of Australian schools report staffing shortages
• business - 28 per cent of businesses reporting current vacancies
• social work - remains a persistent skills shortage occupation

Professor Brown said postgraduate education delivers benefits for workers, businesses and communities alike.

“We know lifelong learning is increasingly important in a world where industries are constantly changing,” he said.

“Our graduates bring advanced knowledge and skills back into their workplaces, helping address the workforce challenges that are being felt across Australia, especially in regional communities.”

Eligible First Nations students are able to receive a Commonwealth-supported place in any postgraduate coursework course offered by the University.

Please see a full list of eligible courses for more information.