Charles Sturt University
Admission criteria and entry schemes
Entry to our undergraduate courses is based on your previous studies and any relevant qualifications and experience. If you’re a school leaver, entry is based on your ATAR (or equivalent) and any other specific course requirements. Some courses may have additional selection criteria, such as a supplementary application form (SAF), interview, audition or portfolio. Check our courses online for specific entry requirements.
At Charles Sturt, we recognise that everyone's journey to university is different. That's why we offer a range of admission pathways for entry to a broad range of our undergraduate courses. Explore these pathways to discover guaranteed entry schemes, undergraduate certificates that lead into other degrees, the Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program for school leavers, or how to get into university without an ATAR.
Undergraduate applicants
Australian Year 12 students
If you’ve graduated as an Australian Year 12 student within the last two years, entry to our undergraduate courses is normally based on your ATAR (or equivalent). We’ll also consider Queensland OP equivalents of the NSW HSC and the International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Our courses don’t have prerequisite subjects. Some courses will have assumed knowledge and you can brush up on these skills by taking a Study Link subject.
Selection rank adjustments
Equity adjustments
The Charles Sturt Educational Access Schemes (EAS) can help if you've experienced long-term educational disadvantage. EAS can also help if your educational performance has been affected by circumstances beyond your control during Year 11 and/or Year 12. A selection rank adjustment may help you meet admission requirements.
Charles Sturt University access programs
Elite athlete and performer program adjustments
As a member of the Elite Athlete Friendly University Network, we offer personalised support for elite athletes and performers. If you’re an elite athlete or performer, you can access special consideration for admission (SCA) when you apply directly to Charles Sturt. SCA aims to address educational disadvantage, considering circumstances that may have affected your ability to perform well academically. You’ll still need to apply for your course via the standard UAC admission process.
Charles Sturt University access programs
Regional location adjustments
If you attended high school in a regional area, we will automatically adjust your selection rank by five points. The regional location adjustment is based on where you went to school and not your home address.
Subject adjustments
Your selection rank may be increased on the basis of a strong performance in subjects relevant to the course you wish to study.
Additional selection criteria
In addition to your ATAR (or equivalent), your course might have additional selection criteria. This can include a personal statement, portfolio submission or interview. These criteria are considered instead of, or in conjunction with, your academic requirements. Check our online course brochures to see if additional selection criteria form part of your entry requirements.
If you’re undertaking Year 12 overseas and applying to a course that has additional selection criteria, please contact us to discuss your options.
Other admission options
Schools Recommendation Scheme
If you’re in Year 12, you could be made an offer to study with us via the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS). SRS is an early offer program that looks at your academic achievements and assesses your potential to succeed at uni. While there are no fees to apply via SRS, you’ll need to pay a processing fee when you apply for undergraduate admission through UAC.
We'll take into account the following criteria when considering your application:
- your Year 11 studies (IB and interstate students will need to upload a PDF of their Year 11 school report)
- your school’s rating of your aptitudes
- your Educational Access Schemes (EAS) application (if applicable).
Early offer is not available for the following courses.
- Bachelor of Dental Science
- Bachelor of Paramedicine
- Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science
- Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine.
Limited ATAR
We accept the Limited ATAR for selection purposes.
Charles Sturt admission pathways
Defer your course
At Charles Sturt, we offer deferment for most courses. If you have a change of circumstance, you can postpone the start of your course for up to 12 months.
Visit the Charles Sturt website and check the relevant course page for eligibility requirements.
Completed (or part-completed) enabling courses
Completed studies such as those listed below are considered indicators that you can complete a university course. Note that some courses may give different weightings to these indicators:
- a course completed or part-completed at a university, college of advanced education, or other accredited tertiary institution
- an approved course completed or part-completed at a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution, including the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation
- approved foundation studies or bridging courses
- subjects studied through Charles Sturt or at another university.
Advanced standing
You can apply for recognition of prior learning for related previous study or professional experience. Explore your options and complete your degree in less time.
For entry to our undergraduate courses, we'll consider an approved course completed or part-completed at a TAFE college or other accredited post-secondary institution, including the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation.
If you have work and life experience, we’ll consider the following when assessing your potential to succeed at university.
Employment experience
To have your employment experience assessed, you must have relevant industry experience of at least two years.
Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
We accept the STAT Multiple Choice test for:
- all applicants provided that performance in the STAT is not the sole basis upon which admission is sought
- all courses except Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science.
Enabling course options
Charles Sturt offers two enabling courses to get you ready to study an undergraduate degree. The Access Charles Sturt Entry course will give you entry into the Undergraduate Certificate in University Preparation or a range of other undergraduate certificates.
The Undergraduate Certificate in University Preparation will give guaranteed entry into a wide range of Charles Sturt bachelor's degrees and undergraduate certificates – with credit towards your course so you have a head start.
We'll consider commonly accepted overseas secondary qualifications when accessing your application. Check your qualification.
If you have overseas qualifications contact Charles Sturt to discuss your options.
English language proficiency
If you hold overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.
If you're First Nations, our First Nations Direct Entry Program is a supported personalised pathway into university that assesses skills and suitability for academic life.
Veteran Pathway and Support Program
Experience Matters is one of our pathway programs for veterans and serving military personnel.
You will be eligible for most Charles Sturt undergraduate courses if you have:
- completed recruit training
- completed initial employment training (or equivalent per branch of service)
- at least two years of military experience.
You may also get credit for your service.
General information for Charles Sturt University
Location
Panorama Avenue
Bathurst NSW 2795