Connected Pathways Program

Charles Sturt University and TAFE NSW: Strengthening regional skills and building future workforces.

A new level of collaboration to meet regional workforce needs

Charles Sturt University and TAFE NSW have partnered to deliver the Connected Pathways Program, a statewide initiative designed to create seamless, tailored and supported transitions from VET qualifications into university degrees in areas of crucial skill shortages.

This collaborative model aligns Fee-Free TAFE NSW qualifications with Commonwealth supported bachelor programs at Charles Sturt, supported by the University's three-year investment of $2.1 million through the Commonwealth Government’s Needs‑Based Funding scheme. Together, both institutions are building clear, efficient education pathways that directly respond to the needs of regional employers and communities.

A practical solution to critical workforce shortages

Regional NSW continues to experience significant demand for skilled workers in health, education, early childhood, community services, mental health and associated human services roles. Skills shortages, smaller population centres and geographical barriers intensify these challenges.

The Connected Pathways Program will:

strengthen training pipelines into essential workforce areas
reduce study duplication and time‑to‑qualification
enable students to earn a degree faster and at lower cost
widen participation from under‑represented groups
ensure regional communities can access the professionals they urgently need.

Expanding access to higher education

The program prioritises students who are traditionally under‑represented in higher education, including:

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students
regional and remote students
students from low socio‑economic backgrounds
mature‑aged learners
women returning to the workforce.

Connected Pathways in Action

Students enrolling in identified Fee-Free Certificate III, Certificate IV or Diploma qualifications at TAFE NSW receive an early conditional offer into a related Charles Sturt bachelor degree. Diploma graduates may also receive substantial credit, reducing both the time and cost of university study.

Build confidence

Students take part in a structured transition experience that connects them early with supportive staff from both institutions, familiarises them with digital learning platforms and the expectations of university study, and helps them build relationships with peers on the same pathway. This early immersion fosters confidence, a sense of belonging, and strong academic readiness.

Integrated support

A joint support system offers students coordinated admissions guidance, transition scholarships, assessment literacy coaching, targeted academic and wellbeing support, access to both TAFE NSW and Charles Sturt facilities, and regional work placements through Charles Sturt’s industry partnerships. This comprehensive support helps students succeed from the beginning.

Tailored First Nations support

First Nations students will benefit from jointly designed, culturally appropriate entry pathways, personalised one‑to‑one tutoring, dedicated scholarships, and opportunities to build stronger connections with First Nations peers and alumni. This tailored support helps create a more inclusive and empowering study experience.

Areas of study

The Connected Pathways Program initially covers Health, Education and Human Services, with more to follow.

Education

Early Childhood and School‑Based Education Support qualifications articulate into a suite of Bachelor of Education programs

Human Services

Diplomas in Community Services, Youth Work, Mental Health, Counselling and others provide guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Human Services and Bachelor of Social Work.

Nursing

The Diploma of Nursing and several Aboriginal and Allied Health qualifications create pathways into the Bachelor of Nursing

“This partnership is about putting real investment behind the promise of pathways. By collaborating with TAFE NSW, we will meet students where they are and walk with them through university and into rewarding careers. This initiative strengthens regional communities and expands access to higher education where it’s needed most.”

Professor Renée Leon PSM Vice-Chancellor and President

Building stronger regional futures—together

The Connected Pathways Program demonstrates how coordinated, place‑based partnerships can address regional workforce shortages and improve outcomes for underserved communities. By uniting the strengths of Charles Sturt University and TAFE NSW, the program delivers a practical model for a more connected tertiary system, one that supports learners, strengthens local industries and contributes to the long‑term prosperity of regional NSW.