Charles Sturt University
Frequently asked questions
- What courses can I study?
- Where can I find information about a particular course?
- What do undergraduate, Honours and postgraduate mean?
- What is distance education?
- How do I apply to study at CSU?
- Are there other pathways to study at University?
- I have applied to study at CSU. How long till I hear a response?
- How much does it cost to study?
- Can I get credit for previous study and/or work experience?
- What are the benefits of studying on campus?
- Can I transfer my study?
- What scholarships are available?
- How do I find out when a subject is offered?
More frequently asked questions are available from the Student Administration website for future students and currently enrolled students.
1. What courses can I study at Charles Sturt University (CSU)?
Browse all available courses. CSU offers courses on campus and by distance education, for domestic and international students, at undergraduate, Honours, and postgraduate (research or by coursework) levels across a wide range of career areas:
Career areas & courses
- Agriculture and Wine Sciences
- Allied Health
- Animal and Veterinary Science
- Business
- Communication
- Creative & Visual Media
- Education
- Environmental Science
- Exercise Science
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- Information & Communications Technology & Mathematics
- Justice Studies & Policing
- Library & Information Studies
- Medical Science
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Science
- Theology
2. Where can I find information about a particular course?
Prospective (future) students
Visit the online course brochure that contains details about the course content and subjects to be studied, as well as the information you need to enrol including the course code, entry requirements, campus location and lots more.
Current students
Consult the Handbook for information on their course.
For additional course information, complete the course inquiry form or contact CSU on 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia).
3. What do undergraduate, Honours and postgraduate mean?
Undergraduate
If you are studying at a university for a first degree e.g. a bachelor degree, you are an undergraduate student. This first degree is called an undergraduate degree.
Honours
Honours is an additional year of study where you produce a specialist work of research – i.e. a thesis or portfolio of work, depending on the area of study. Honours may be integrated within an undergraduate course, usually in the third year of study, or may be achieved through a separate year of study.
Having an Honours degree can be a big advantage in the competitive job market showing employers that you have higher level critical writing and research skills. It is also the main pathway towards research degrees at the Master or Doctorate levels.
Postgraduate
A more advanced qualification, e.g. a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master or doctoral level degree that is achieved after the completion of an undergraduate university degree.
4. What is distance education?
Distance education allows you to study from your home or workplace, anywhere in the world. You usually receive your study materials in the mail or online and participate in learning activities online. Direct contact with your lecturers and other students is encouraged via the internet and telephone.
Participation in a residential or weekend school on a CSU campus where you will have face-to-face learning is often a requirement of completing a course by distance education.
Students are assessed through a combination of methods including submitting work online, sending written material in the mail or completing an exam at an examination centre 24KB [PDF].
5. How do I apply to study at CSU?
Undergraduate Course
To apply for an undergraduate course on campus, contact the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (or Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) if you are not a NSW resident and wish to apply to study on Albury-Wodonga Campus).
Distance Education or Postgraduate
To apply to study an undergradaute course part-time on campus or by distance education or a postgraduate course Apply online or complete an Application form 260KB [PDF].
More information:
- How to apply
- Changing your preferences
- Early Entry Scheme - Principal’s Report Entry Program (PREP)
- Regional Bonus Scheme
- Access schemes
- More ways to study at CSU
6. Are there other pathways to study at University?
- Single Subject Study – Study one subject at a time, at your own pace. Build your subjects up to a degree, or just focus on one area that appeals to you.
- Koori Admissions Program (KAP) - An alternative Admissions Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people interested in going to university.
- Special Consideration for Admission – CSU Access Schemes take into consideration an educational disadvantage due to factor(s) that may have impacted negatively upon your preparation for university study.
- TAFE pathways to university study - CSU works closely with TAFE NSW to provide credit arrangements for previous study, and offers dual enrolment programs through TAFE and university.
Study Link - If you haven't studied for a while or just want to brush up on your skills in a few areas, a STUDY LINK subject is perfect for you.
7. I have applied to study at CSU. How long till I hear a response?
To receive confirmation that your application has been received by the University, please include a self addressed envelope with your application, or the acknowledgement card which you may have received with the information pack for your course.
Offers are sent out between August and January for the Autumn session; May to July for Spring session. Offers to Trimester courses commence approximately 2 months prior to the start of each Trimester.
If you have any further queries after you have submitted your application, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@csu.edu.au
8. How much does it cost to study?
The cost to study at CSU depends on whether you are eligible for a Commonwealth supported place or are a fee paying student.
A Commonwealth supported place (CSP) is a higher education place for which the Commonwealth government and the student both make a contribution (formerly HECS) towards the cost of education.
Students enrolled in undergraduate degrees at CSU have a CSP. A student may pay their contribution upfront to CSU and receive a 20% discount, or defer payment through the Australian taxation system.
Most postgraduate degrees are fee paying. As a fee paying student, you pay a tuition fee for each subject in the course. Fee paying students may be eligible for a loan to help pay for tuition fees through the Commonwealth Government FEE-HELP program.
Calculate your tuition fees.
9. Can I get credit for previous study and/or work experience?
You may be eligible to receive credit depending on the study and/or work experience you have completed. Although some courses have established credit arrangements, generally credit is assessed on an individual basis, with the Course Coordinator reviewing each application.
Credit and recognition of prior learning information. For more information, call 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia).
10. What are the benefits of studying on campus?
CSU has campuses in five of Australia’s fastest-growing inland cities:
CSU also offers Study Centres in Sydney and Melbourne and CSU Specialist Centres in other locations.
CSU’s campuses offer a unique study experience - hands-on teaching facilities, ranging from state-of-the-art scientific and computer laboratories to television studios and simulated hospital, combined with a variety of sporting and recreational facilities for students to enjoy, and a range of on campus accommodation options.
Book a campus tour at a time and date convenient to you and get an opportunity to talk to lecturers and view the campus facilities.
11. Can I transfer my study…
from another university?
Yes. The method of applying to study is the same. Credit may be awarded for study completed at an acceptable level at another institution.
and complete a particular subject at CSU?
Yes. This is called cross-institutional study and is available for students who are enrolled in an award program under the Commonwealth Grants Scheme at another tertiary institution. Students can undertake units of study at CSU for credit towards their program. To qualify, you must also be able to provide a letter from your home institution to confirm that your choice of subject will count towards your home institution award.
overseas and gain credit towards my degree at CSU?
Yes. CSU has an international exchange program that gives you an opportunity to study overseas and gain credit towards your degree.
For all other transfer inquiries, contact CSU on 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia) or make an online inquiry.
12. What scholarships are available?
There is a huge range of scholarship options to provide financial assistance for people who wish to study through CSU. Visit CSU Scholarships or phone CSU on 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia).
13. How do I find out when a subject is offered?
Prospective (future) students should contact CSU on 1800 334 733 (free call within Australia) or make an online inquiry.
Current students can access a full subject availability list.