Charles Sturt University (CSU) is a public Australian university, and its Study Centres were established to deliver CSU’s courses in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These centres mainly catered to international students seeking flexible and career-oriented education in an urban setting.
Important Update: As of recent years, Charles Sturt University has phased out its Study Centres in partnership with Study Group. These closures were part of a broader restructure in response to changes in the international education market.
That said, Charles Sturt University continues to offer programs to international students at its main regional campuses and online.
Programs were typically offered in:
Business
Information Technology
Accounting
Management
Marketing
These courses were identical in curriculum to those at the main CSU campuses and led to the same accredited degrees.
Sydney Study Centre – CBD, close to public transport and city life
Melbourne Study Centre – In the heart of the city
Brisbane Study Centre – Smaller but vibrant international student community
These were ideal for students looking to study in a major city rather than in CSU’s regional campuses.
Though the Study Centres have closed, CSU remains active with:
Main campuses in Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, Orange, and Port Macquarie
Online and distance education (CSU is one of Australia's leaders in this space)
Strong focus on employability, practical learning, and regional development
Public university with strong reputation
High graduate employment rate (consistently among the best in Australia)
Programs in:
Health sciences
Engineering
Education
Agriculture & Environmental Science
Business & IT
Affordable tuition compared to big-city unis
Post-study work visa eligible
These programs were primarily targeted at international students looking for career-ready education in business and IT fields.
Bachelor of Business
Specialisations: Accounting, Management, Marketing
Bachelor of Information Technology
Focused on software development, systems analysis, cybersecurity, and networking
Master of Professional Accounting (MPA)
Designed for non-accounting graduates aiming for CPA/CA certification
Master of Information Technology
Covered cybersecurity, data management, software engineering
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Practical, management-focused MBA with international relevance
These degrees were fully accredited and identical in content to programs offered at CSU’s main campuses.
Although the Study Centres are closed, many of these courses are still available through:
CSU’s main campuses (e.g. Bathurst, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga)
Online/distance education – CSU is known for its high-quality online learning model
If you were considering one of these programs at a Study Centre, you can still:
Enroll in the same program online or at a regional campus
Consider similar universities in Melbourne/Sydney offering business or IT degrees to international students
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Bachelor of Business (Accounting) |
3 years |
~$15,500 |
|
Bachelor of Business (Management) |
3 years |
~$15,500 |
|
Bachelor of Business (Marketing) |
3 years |
~$15,500 |
|
Bachelor of Information Technology |
3 years |
~$16,000 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) |
2 years |
~$17,000 |
|
Master of Information Technology (MIT) |
2 years |
~$18,000 |
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
2 years |
~$18,000 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees/Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Business |
3–4 years |
~$20,000 – $21,000 |
|
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Information Technology |
3–4 years |
~$21,000 |
|
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Education |
3–4 years |
~$20,000 |
|
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Health Sciences |
3–4 years |
~$21,000 |
|
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Environmental Science |
3–4 years |
~$20,000 – $22,000 |
The Charles Sturt University Study Centres were created to provide international students with the opportunity to study CSU degrees in major Australian cities — specifically Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. These centres were managed in partnership with Study Group Australia, a global education provider.
They offered the same academic content and qualifications as CSU's main campuses but in a city-based, career-focused environment. Courses were especially tailored for students aiming for practical, industry-relevant learning in business and IT fields.
At these Study Centres, international students could pursue:
Bachelor’s degrees in Business and Information Technology
Master’s degrees in Professional Accounting, Business Administration (MBA), and Information Technology
All degrees were fully accredited and awarded by Charles Sturt University, an Australian public university. The programs were known for their emphasis on employability, real-world skills, and internship pathways.
The Study Centres were located in downtown areas of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane — giving students easy access to:
Public transport
Accommodation
Part-time job opportunities
City life and cultural events
This city-based study model appealed to international students who preferred urban living over regional campuses.
As of recent years, Charles Sturt University has officially closed all its Study Centres, and they are no longer enrolling new students. The closures were part of a broader strategic move by the university and its education partner in response to shifts in the international education sector.
International students can still study at CSU’s main regional campuses located in:
Bathurst
Wagga Wagga
Port Macquarie
Albury-Wodonga
Orange
CSU also offers a strong online learning platform, making it a top choice for students seeking flexibility.
The university continues to provide:
High-quality degrees
Lower tuition and living costs (compared to big cities)
Great post-study work opportunities (eligible for the 485 visa)
Excellent student support and a welcoming, community feel
Even without the Study Centres, CSU remains one of Australia’s most respected regional public universities. It's especially strong in areas like:
Education
Health and Allied Sciences
Agriculture and Environmental Science
IT and Cybersecurity
Business and Communication
CSU has one of the highest graduate employment rates in Australia, and its regional locations may make international graduates eligible for extended post-study work rights.
Start by selecting a program that matches your career goals.
Popular options previously at Study Centres (and still available at CSU) include:
Bachelor of Business / IT
Master of Professional Accounting
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Information Technology
Courses are available at CSU’s main campuses (like Bathurst, Port Macquarie, and Wagga Wagga) or online.
For Bachelor’s Degrees:
Completion of Year 12 or equivalent (e.g., A-levels, CBSE, IB, etc.)
Academic performance must meet CSU’s minimum entry standards
For Master’s Degrees:
A recognized bachelor's degree in a related or any discipline (depending on the course)
English Language Requirements:
IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)
TOEFL iBT: 60+
PTE Academic: Minimum 50
You’ll need:
Academic transcripts and certificates
Proof of English language proficiency
Copy of passport
Resume/CV (for master’s programs)
Statement of Purpose (optional but recommended)
Additional documents for specific programs (if needed)
You can apply:
Directly through CSU’s website, or
Through an authorized education agent
The online application process is straightforward, and CSU’s team usually responds within a few weeks.
Once your application is assessed, you’ll receive either:
Unconditional Offer (you’ve met all requirements), or
Conditional Offer (you still need to provide final documents or meet conditions like English scores)
Sign the Offer Acceptance Form
Pay the initial tuition deposit (typically the first semester fee)
Purchase Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) – mandatory for international students in Australia
Once these steps are completed, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) — a document required for your student visa application.
Use your CoE to apply for the Subclass 500 Student Visa via the Australian immigration website.
You'll need:
CoE from CSU
OSHC policy
Financial documents
GTE statement (Genuine Temporary Entrant)
Passport and supporting documents
Arrange accommodation
Book your travel
Attend orientation week
Finalize your subject enrolment
CSU (and previously the Study Centres) offered multiple intakes per year, allowing flexibility for international students:
March (Session 1) – Main intake
July (Session 2) – Mid-year intake
November (Session 3) – Limited courses, accelerated option
These intake sessions are still in place at CSU’s main campuses and for online programs.
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree):
Completion of Year 12 or equivalent qualification
Examples of accepted qualifications:
Indian CBSE/ISC or State Boards
GCE A-levels
IB Diploma
Foundation or Diploma programs from recognized institutions
Postgraduate (Master’s Degree):
A recognized bachelor’s degree in a related field
Some programs (like the Master of Professional Accounting or MBA) may accept a degree from any discipline
To study at CSU, international students must demonstrate English proficiency via:
IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5)
TOEFL iBT: 60–78
PTE Academic: 50 or higher
CSU also accepts other equivalents, such as Cambridge English or completion of English pathway programs
If students don’t meet the English requirement, CSU may offer a packaged offer with an English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) program.
Ranking Body |
Institution Assessed |
Global Rank/Rating |
Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Charles Sturt University |
Top 1000 globally |
Recognized for teaching and employability |
|
U.S. News – Best Global Universities |
Charles Sturt University |
Top 1000 globally |
Noted for regional research impact |
|
Times Higher Education (THE) |
Charles Sturt University |
801–1000 range |
Strong in international outlook and citations |
|
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU/Shanghai) |
Charles Sturt University |
Not ranked in top 1000 |
Not included in ARWU's main global list |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility |
Benefits |
|---|---|---|
|
CSU Regional International Student Award |
New international students studying at a CSU regional campus |
25% reduction in tuition fees |
|
CSU International Student Merit Scholarship |
High-achieving international applicants |
Up to AUD 5,000 (~USD 3,300) |
|
Study Centre Academic Excellence Award |
Top-performing continuing students at Study Centres |
AUD 2,000–AUD 5,000 (~USD 1,300–3,300) |
|
Early Acceptance Scholarship |
Students who accepted their offer and paid early |
AUD 1,000–AUD 2,000 (~USD 660–1,300) |
|
Partner Provider Bursaries |
Students referred by CSU education agents or partners |
AUD 1,000–AUD 2,500 (~USD 660–1,650) |
Campus Location |
Accommodation Type |
Facilities Included |
Approx. Weekly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sydney |
- Off-campus student apartments (e.g., Scape, Urbanest) |
- Furnished rooms |
$250 – $400 |
|
Melbourne |
- Shared apartments or studios near CBD |
- Fully furnished |
$230 – $380 |
|
Brisbane |
- Student housing near city centre |
- Basic furnishings |
$200 – $350 |
The CSU Study Centres attracted students from all over the world, creating a multicultural, inclusive environment. Whether you were from South Asia, Africa, Latin America, or the Middle East, you’d find a supportive student community ready to help you adjust to life in Australia.
The campuses were located in the heart of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, which meant students could enjoy vibrant city life, with access to restaurants, shops, cultural events, and job opportunities just steps away.
Classes at the Study Centres were smaller than traditional university campuses, which gave students more one-on-one time with lecturers and support staff. This created a more personalised learning experience and a chance to build stronger relationships with classmates and teachers.
Students had access to:
Dedicated student support teams
Academic assistance and English language help
Free workshops on assignments, referencing, and exams
One-on-one consultations for academic and personal support
The programs at the Study Centres were designed with the job market in mind. Courses in business, IT, and accounting included real-world projects and industry-relevant content. Students were encouraged to participate in:
Resume writing and job interview workshops
Industry networking events
Internships and part-time job opportunities
The central city locations gave students direct access to companies, co-working spaces, and job hubs, making it easier to find part-time work during their studies and professional opportunities after graduation.
Since there was no on-campus accommodation, students lived in shared apartments, homestays, or student housing near the city. This gave them a lot of independence and the chance to explore urban life in Australia.
Social life included:
Student clubs and activities
Cultural events and celebrations (e.g., Diwali, Lunar New Year, Harmony Day)
City tours and group outings organised by student services
Even without large sports fields or dorms, students stayed connected and active through community gyms, local events, and their own social circles.
CSU Study Centres helped students grow beyond academics — with a strong focus on employability, communication skills, and cultural adaptability. Students often left the Study Centres not just with a degree, but with confidence, work experience, and a network of peers from around the world.
While the CSU Study Centres (in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane) did not offer guaranteed placements, they were highly career-oriented, with services in place to help students become job-ready and competitive in the Australian workforce.
Students studied in city-center locations, giving them direct access to:
Part-time job markets
Networking opportunities
Industry partnerships and internship potential
Resume and cover letter writing support
Interview preparation workshops
Career development planning
Job portals and vacancy listings
Networking events with local businesses
Guest speaker sessions and professional development activities
These services were aimed at helping students find part-time work during studies and graduate-level roles after completing their degrees.
International students in Australia (including those at the Study Centres) were eligible to:
Work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester
Work full-time during breaks
Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485) after graduation, valid for 2–4 years depending on the qualification and location
This allowed many CSU Study Centre graduates to gain valuable work experience in Australia after completing their studies.
While official placement statistics for CSU Study Centres weren’t publicly detailed, CSU overall has a strong track record in graduate employment:
One of the highest graduate employment rates among Australian universities
Particularly strong outcomes in business, accounting, IT, and health sciences
Graduates from the Study Centres received the same accredited degree as those from CSU’s main campuses, making them equally qualified in the job market.
Although the Study Centres are now closed, CSU continues to support international students through:
Career services at regional campuses
Online resources for job search and applications
Access to employability programs and industry-linked assessments
Help transitioning into the Australian job market, especially in regional areas where job demand is high
The acceptance rate for Charles Sturt University (CSU) Study Centres, Australia, was estimated to be around 70% to 80%, making it a moderately selective and accessible option for international students.
The CSU Study Centres welcomed a wide range of students, particularly those who met the academic and English language requirements.
It was a popular choice for international students looking for affordable, career-focused education in city locations like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
The relatively high acceptance rate reflected CSU’s commitment to inclusive education, particularly for students aiming to gain Australian qualifications and work experience.
For Bachelor’s Programs:
Completion of high school (e.g. Year 12, A-Levels, CBSE, etc.)
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) or equivalent
For Master’s Programs:
A recognized bachelor’s degree
IELTS 6.0–6.5 depending on the course
Applicants who didn’t fully meet the requirements were often offered conditional admission or a pathway/English support option.
Address: 63 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW
Location Highlights:
Right near the Sydney CBD (Central Business District)
Close to public transport, cafes, and business hubs
Walking distance to Hyde Park and major retail areas
Address: 30 Church Lane, Melbourne, VIC
Location Highlights:
Located in Melbourne's vibrant city centre
Easy access to trains, trams, and student accommodation
Surrounded by cafes, tech companies, and cultural spots
Address: 119 Charlotte Street, Brisbane, QLD
Location Highlights:
In the heart of Brisbane’s business and education district
Near the Brisbane River, South Bank, and cultural precincts
