Charles Sturt University (CSU) has established a new Study Centre in Melbourne, in collaboration with the Islamic Sciences and Research Academy of Australia (ISRA).

The centre was opened on Sunday 19 April by Acting Executive Dean of the CSU Faculty of Arts Associate Professor Tracey Green and General Manager of ISRA Melbourne Omer A. Ergi.

The new Centre is located in Somerton and will become the second site for the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC) which was formed in 2011 by CSU and ISRA.

"The new Study Centre in Melbourne will house four permanent staff and be a base for many of our students who participate in coursework and research work via distance," CISAC Director Associate Professor Mehmet Ozalp said.

"To have another physical site will generate greater local interest in the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation, and in Charles Sturt University courses. Also, by having a local presence we're hoping to provide greater support for our students, particularly academic support."

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Islamic Studies have proven to be popular, experiencing exponential growth since their introduction in 2011. Course Coordinator at CISAC Zuleyha Keskin believes the courses are meeting a prevalent need in Australia.

"There was a need to provide Islamic Studies at the university level within the Australian context," Ms Keskin said.

"These courses are meeting this need and are increasing the understanding of Islam and Islamic culture in Australia. It is important for all students to be able to access formal education in the areas of their interest."

The opening of the new Study Centre was attended by 150 guests representing various organisations and educational institutions in Victoria. For more information about the Centre for Islamic Studies and Civilisation (CISAC) visithttp://www.csu.edu.au/cisac