Regional university in NSW | Insight – Charles Sturt University

Did you know that Charles Sturt University is the largest regional university in NSW? It’s true. When it comes to the regions, Charles Sturt is where it’s at. And where we’re physically at is six… count them… six different campuses across the state. Well, what did you expect? We’re the largest, so we need some space.

The beauty of having six campuses across New South Wales is we’re at the heart of many different communities, situated in different landscapes, and each location has its own unique charm and characteristics that all add up to, well, us.

So here are six quick facts about each of the six regional campuses of Charles Sturt University – the largest regional university in NSW (did we mention that?)

Albury-Wodonga campus

Two states: Albury-Wodonga is uniquely positioned on the border of New South Wales and Victoria. Simply cross the Murray River to go from one state to the other.
Down to the river: Speaking of which, the campus is close to the Murray River. It’s a popular spot to hang out, especially in summer. Think kayaking, swimming and riverside picnics.
Eco-friendly architecture: Our Albury-Wodonga campus is well known for its environmentally sustainable buildings. They include straw-bale construction and green roofs. Makes sense when you learn that we’re the first carbon neutral uni in Australia.
Native wildlife: The campus grounds are home to a variety of native Australian wildlife, including kangaroos and possums.
Community garden: There’s a ‘blooming’ community garden on campus, so you can grow your own veggies and lean in to the whole sustainable vibe.
Wild and wet: The Albury-Wodonga campus is home to some extremely biodiverse and important native wetlands. We’re talking some serious nature-spotting opportunities.

Bathurst campus

Oldest campus: Bathurst is our oldest – or should we say most experienced – campus. It dates back to the 1890s.
Get some air (time): The campus is home to 2MCE, one of Australia’s longest-running community radio stations, run by students and staff. So, fancy getting on the mic?
Historic buildings: The campus features heritage buildings, including old farmhouses and barns, which add to its country charm.
Film and media hub: Bathurst has strong programs in communication and media, with facilities like a TV studio and editing suites where you can get hands-on experience.
It’s racy: The famous Bathurst 1000 motor race takes place nearby, at Mt Panorama-Wahluu.
T-Rex lives here: Well, a skeleton of one. Head to the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum to see it.

Dubbo campus

Time is precious: Most courses on the Dubbo campus have classes between Tuesday and Thursday, meaning you have more time for community, work or, you know, study.
Health and social work focus: The campus specialises in health sciences and social work, addressing the critical needs of regional and remote communities.
Close-knit community: With a smaller student population, Dubbo offers a tight-knit, supportive atmosphere. You’ll soon know everyone’s name.
Local industry links: Dubbo has strong ties with local industries and healthcare and government providers. So you get lots of practical placement opportunities.
Prize-winning learning spaces: Not only is the campus packed with all the things you need for fruitful study, the building won an architecture prize to boot.
Seeing stars: The campus is close to Dubbo Observatory, and being out in the regions, the sky is super-clear for star-spotting.

Orange campus

Health hub: The town of Orange is known for its health services. So it’s no surprise that health courses feature heavily at our Orange campus, including dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy and medicine – with lots of opportunities to work with local industry.
Public health clinics: If you’re studying health, you get to work with real patients – without leaving campus. Orange has on-campus health clinics, serving the local community.
Volcanic (in)activity: Orange sits on a dormant volcano: Gaanha Bula-Mount Canobolas. So, no lava, but a unique climate and fertile soils for food and vine growing. The name Gaanha Bula means ‘two shoulders’ in the Wiradjuri language.
Poet’s corner: Orange is widely accepted as the birthplace of national icon Banjo Paterson. There’s even a festival each year to celebrate the fact.
Scenic surroundings: The campus is elevated just outside town and surrounded by picturesque landscapes. As a result, it offers plenty of quiet spots to relax or study.
Bridging the gap: Charles Sturt’s Orange campus was chosen as the base for a new medicine program, helping people train to become a doctor in the regions, and close the health gap between the city and the countryside.

Port Macquarie campus

We’re beached: The Port Macquarie campus is just minutes from so many beautiful beaches. Study, surf, swim, soak up the sun.
Whale of a time: Port Macquarie sits on the coast of the ‘whale superhighway’ along the country’s eastern seas. Go spotting between May and November for humpbacks and orca.
Modern campus: As one of Charles Sturt’s newest campuses, Port features state-of-the-art facilities and contemporary architecture.
Nature on your doorstep: With the ocean one way and national parks the other, not to mention that rainforests, our Port campus is ideal for getting into outdoor activities (and is a fascinating place for enviro science students to learn).
Learn outdoors The campus has specially designed outdoor learning and teaching space, for whenever the mood takes to learn al fresco.
Get your hands dirty: Soil is the very foundation of our ecosystems, so get to grips with it by working alongside local industry and council at the campus Food Soil Water Testing Centre.

Wagga Wagga campus

Go large: Wagga Wagga is Charles Sturt’s largest campus. Makes sense when you know that Wagga is NSW’s largest inland city (and that Charles Sturt is the largest regional university in NSW – yes, we went there again).
There’s a whole farm there: Wagga campus is home to the Charles Sturt working farm. And it’s all digital as well.
Animal avenues: If you want a career working with animals, Wagga is where you come to study. Besides the farm, there’s equine facilities and vet clinics – where you’ll work with the public.
Just beachy: Wagga might be inland, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have a beach. Head to the Murrumbidgee River in summer for fun in the sun.
Get sporty: The campus boasts a ton of sports facilities, including a gym; sports fields; netball, basketball, tennis and squash courts; and a pool. Yep, we’ve got a pool.
Loads of living: Wagga campus has lots of different styles of accommodation – from halls to cottages – so you’re sure to find the right home away from home for you.