Charles Sturt University (CSU) is a public university in New South Wales, Australia, . It is a mid-sized university with approximately 43,000 students (on-campus and online). Admissions are moderately selective with Acceptance rate of 64% emphasis on career and practical programs. Education, Nursing, Business, Information Technology, and Agriculture are some popular majors. CSU has a six-year graduation rate of around 68%, and its graduates have an average salary of about INR 55,00,000 (equivalent from AUD 91,000 after ten years).
Western Sydney University (WSU) is a government research university in the Greater Western Sydney area of New South Wales. WSU is larger, with around 48,000 students across its various campuses. Admissions are moderately competitive with Acceptance rate of 30%.Strong programs are Business, Health Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, and Law. WSU's six-year graduation rate stands at around 65%, and graduates have a reported median salary of around INR 58,00,000 (AUD 95,000 converted ten years post-graduation).
| Charles Sturt University | Western Sydney University | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.3 Out of 10 | 4.2 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 601 Times Higher Education 2026 # 951 QS World University 2026 # 801 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 301 Times Higher Education 2026 # 400 QS World University 2026 # 301 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 1001 for Medicine by Times Higher Education 2023 # 1001 for Law by Times Higher Education 2023 | # 301 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 351 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 251 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -22 PG Programs -7 Doctorate Programs -14 | UG Programs -160 PG Programs -35 Doctorate Programs -1 |
| Acceptance Rate | 64.0 % | 30.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6 PTE-50 TOEFL-60 | GMAT-600 IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-82 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 30400 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 33600 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 2720 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 21031 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 23628 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 27018 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Charles Sturt University topped 2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey for full-time employment of undergraduates Not only are Charles Sturt’s graduates finding full-time employment in unrivalled numbers, they are also among the best paid graduates in Australia, earning an average salary of $72,000. This is the fifth highest figure among Australian universities and is $4000 more than the national average. | Graduate Employability Rankings: #301-500, MBA: $99,000, Bachelor of Science: $76,000, Bachelor of Arts: $54,000, Bachelor (Other): $72,000, Master in Finance: $60,000, Other Degree: $63,000 |
| application requirements | Submit official transcripts of all previous education completed Submit English langauge proficiency test scores Check program specific requirements |
For Indian students, CBSE.ICSE/State Boards certificates with minimum aggregate of 55% is required. Proof of English language proficiency, some specific programs may also require evidence of relevant work experience in the concerned field. |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.4/10 Read 5 reviews | 7.5/10 Read 15 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 601 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 301 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 # 401 for Business by QS World University 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6/9PTE - 50/90TOEFL - 60/120 | IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 82/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -31936 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -33352 |
| application dates | Jan 30, 2026 (Application Deadline For 2026 Intake Session 1) Jun 12, 2026 (Extended Application Deadline For 2026 Intake Session 1) | Jul 22, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Charles Sturt University | Western Sydney University |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1989 | 1989 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 8:1 | 24:1 |
| Male:Female | 0% Male, 0% Female | 45% Male, 55% Female |
| Location Facts | The university has six campuses across different locations: Albury-Wodonga campus, bathrust campus, Dubbo campus, Orange campus, Port Macquarie campus and Wagga Wagga campus. The headquarter of the university is located at the bathrust campus. | Western Sydney includes , or partially includes, the NSW Electoral Districts of Penrith, Londonderry, Mulgoa, Camden, Macquire Fields , Campbelltown etc. Just 20 km from the Sydney CBD, Parramatta is accesible from Sydney Airport by rail or taxi transfers (costs apply).Parramatta city campus is rich in art learning skills and unique study spaces. |
| Library | Charles Sturt University libraries operate at its main campuses. The libraries offer eBooks, eJournals, encyclopaedias, multimedia resources and course readings through Primo Search. The libraries also provide online library workshops, library resource guides and video tutorials. | The university has 8 libraries. The libraries hold over 240257 physical books; 6 million digital books; 4140000+ journals; more than 10 ,million information resources. |
| Campus Life | When students study on-campus they will have everything they need to prepare for their future career within reach – including a vibrant social life. The university holds its Clubs Day at the beginning of each year. It's a great day to find out about the clubs at your campus and sign up for the ones that interest you. Students can make friends for life and follow their hobbies while studying. There are various clubs like the sports club, social club and the study clubs. The university also provides on campus accommodations and other faciltiies like eateries, counselling services, health and wellness facilities etc. | University has over 100 clubs providing numerous opportunities for students to lead vibrant social life. It also offers involvement iin sports clubs, Elite Athelete Programs, Unisport Nationals, Inter-varsity tournaments etc. It also conducts Diversity Fest comprising over 160 cultural groups. |
| Hostel | #One bedroom (rent/month) - $1120 #Apartment (rent/month) - $800 #Shared housing (rent/month) - $800 | #Apartment - $12105 #Apartment En-suite - $14913 |
| Famous Alumni | Ivan Dean, Tasmanian Independent politician and former Mayor of Launceston Violeta Ayala, indigenous film director, producer and writer |
Several politicians, actors, authors and poets have brought laurel to the university. Some of them are Cathy McGowan (Politician), Shannon Cole(Footballer turned coach), Anita Heiss (Author), Don Hany (Actor), Ben Quilty (Artist), Rosie Scott (Novelist and lecturer), Frank Puletua (Rugby league footballer) etc. |
| City Life | Bathurst is an idyllic regional city to call home for many reasons. Located in regional Australia, it boasts all the benefits of studying in a regional area, as well as some extra unique perks. Rather than skyscrapers and high-rises, Bathurst is surrounded by various natural wonders which offer tranquil escapes from the stresses of student life. At your doorstep, you’ll find breathtaking marvels, such as the hidden the peaceful Machattie Park, Kings Parade and Bicentennial Park. Plus, since the weather in Bathurst and its nearby areas cycle through four distinct seasons, these beautiful spots offer varying atmospheres throughout the year. Living in Bathurst also provides another inimitable offering: the rush of the racetrack! If you’re looking for some excitement outside the classroom, look no further than Bathurst’s Mount Panorama Racing Circuit. | Unemployment rate of Sydney is low as 2.8%, |
| Weather |
Charles Sturt University vs Western Sydney University
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Charles Sturt University (CSU) and Western Sydney University (WSU) are public universities in New South Wales, Australia, with established regional and national reputations. CSU has a strong reputation for agriculture, veterinary science, education, business, and health sciences, with particular focus on applied and professional programs. WSU has a strong reputation for business, law, health sciences, engineering, and social sciences, and has progressively built up a reputation in research and innovation. While neither is a top-ranking world university like the Group of Eight, WSU generally performs better nationally, particularly in research productivity and the graduate employability.
General Information
Charles Sturt University is a multi-campus regional university based in New South Wales with around 43,000 enrolled students, both undergraduates and postgraduates, with a strong emphasis on distance learning as well as on regional involvement.
Western Sydney University is a metropolitan institution with campuses throughout Greater Western Sydney, with about 48,000 students, including a sizable international cohort. Its campuses are embedded within urban environments, with access to industry, business, and research.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
Both universities are moderately selective, mainly on the basis of Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), previous study, and work experience relevant to the application. CSU focuses on practical and career-focused pathways, with regional and remote student facilities, whereas WSU appeals to students looking for a mix of academic and professional potential in a metropolitan setting.
Research Impact & Facilities
WSU's research profile is more extensive, with active research institutes in health, urban planning, social sciences, and STEM disciplines that make a strong contribution to national and international research outputs. CSU's research is more applied and industry-oriented, especially in agriculture, veterinary science, and regional development, with suitably equipped laboratories, farms, and veterinary hospitals.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both institutions provide affordable tuition to domestic and international students. CSU charges a lower tuition for domestic students and WSU's campus tuition in the city is marginally more expensive for international students. Both universities are involved in Australian Government financial assistance schemes, which include HECS-HELP for domestic students, and scholarships for disadvantaged or high-achieving students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
WSU alumni have strong performance in business, health, law, and engineering, with metropolitan industry networking, with median graduate earnings generally higher than CSU in similar disciplines. CSU alumni are strong in agriculture, veterinary science, education, and health professions, with excellent employment in regional and rural contexts. Both institutions have supportive alumni networks, with WSU focusing on metropolitan professional placements and CSU focusing on regional and community leadership
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