• 1,610 graduates will celebrate the completion of their studies at Charles Sturt University graduation ceremonies during April and May
• Almost 5,500 friends and family will also attend to support them
• A total of sixteen graduation ceremonies will be held across the six main Charles Sturt regional communities welcoming almost 7,100 attendees.

Almost 7,100 people, including graduates, their friends and family will celebrate the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by Charles Sturt University students during graduation ceremonies in April and May.

Graduates number 1,610 and almost 5,500 guests will attend graduation ceremonies at one of the University’s six major campus communities in Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Albury-Wodonga, Dubbo, Orange and Port Macquarie.  

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Renée Leon PSM congratulated graduates on achieving this milestone and for completing their own, unique educational journeys on campus and online.

“Many of our students are already in the workforce and were able to juggle employment while studying to obtain a higher education,” Professor Leon said.

“Some are also raising young families and were able to manage their commitments through our flexible modes of study, as Australia’s most experienced online university.

“Well done to our graduates! We are proud to call you our own and we look forward to seeing the wonderful contributions you will continue to make in the world after your time at Australia’s leading regional university.”

Bachelor of Nursing graduate Ms Jessica Phyland from Cohuna, Victoria, commenced her degree as a non-school leaver. She said graduation gives her a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Ms Phyland studied online while raising a young family and working. She said being able to study online, and the supportive team of Charles Sturt nursing academics, library support and administration, made her goals achievable.

Upon completion of her degree, Ms Phyland was offered a position at her local hospital in Cohuna.

“This allows me to care for the people in my community and surrounding area, while further developing my newly learned skill set and knowledge,” she said.

“With nursing being an ever-evolving industry, I plan to commence further study in the future to hopefully specialise in an area of healthcare.”

An array of high-profile guests will be a highlight at various ceremonies, including Mr Justin Clancy MP, Member for Albury; Councillor Kevin Mack, Mayor of Albury City; Councillor Dallas Tout, Mayor of Wagga Wagga City Council; Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Renée Leon and a range of other senior University officials.

A total of 16 graduation ceremonies will be held within the six main campus communities at Charles Sturt University in the following regional cities:

• Albury-Wodonga on Monday 7 April 2025 until Tuesday 8 April
• Wagga Wagga from Friday 11 April until Monday 14 April
• Bathurst from Wednesday 30 April until Thursday 1 May
• Orange on Monday 5 May
• Dubbo on Wednesday 7 May
• Port Macquarie from Wednesday 14 May until Thursday 15 May

Students are graduating from all three of the University’s faculties, including from the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Science and Health, and the Faculty of Arts and Education.

The most popular courses university-wide among the graduates are Bachelor of Nursing, the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy and the Bachelor of Physiotherapy.

Popular courses for First Nations graduates university-wide include the Bachelor of Nursing; the Graduate Certificate in Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage; and the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health).

Graduates are from a range of rural, regional, remote and metropolitan areas. Some of these include graduates from the Charles Sturt footprint communities, along with others from locations such as Kiama, Broken Hill, Griffith, the Central Coast, Cooma, Armidale, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Wollongong, Canberra, Melbourne and Tasmania.

ENDS