Charles Sturt University Melbourne (Navitas): Fees, Courses & Guide for International Students

Charles Sturt University is a public Australian university based in regional New South Wales. Its Melbourne study centre on Bourke Street in the central business district is operated by Navitas, through the College of Business & Technology (NSW) Pty Ltd, under a service agreement with the university. Students earn a Charles Sturt University degree while studying in Melbourne. This guide covers what international students should know: how the Navitas arrangement works, the course focus, indicative fees, scholarships, and the Temporary Graduate visa.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Charles Sturt University, a public university based in regional New South Wales
• Melbourne study centre: Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
• Operator: Navitas, through the College of Business & Technology (NSW) Pty Ltd, under a service agreement with Charles Sturt
• Courses: mainly business, IT, and related undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
• Indicative postgraduate fee (third-party): about A$34,969
• Other costs: Student Services and Amenities Fee of about A$46 per 8-point subject in the first session, and Overseas Student Health Cover
• Scholarships: more than A$3 million a year across the university, with up to 50% for some international students

Rankings and reputation

Charles Sturt University is a regional Australian public university with main campuses in New South Wales towns such as Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, and Albury. Its rankings and accreditations belong to the university as a whole. The city study centres are run by Navitas under a service agreement, so judge them on the courses offered, the staff, and whether your degree is identical to one earned on a main campus.

Academics and signature programs

The Melbourne study centre focuses on business, accounting, IT, and related postgraduate and undergraduate programmes, taught in a city-centre building rather than on a traditional campus. Ask for the current course list and intake dates, and check whether your course is accredited by bodies such as CPA Australia or the Australian Computer Society.

Admissions and international eligibility

Admission depends on academic results and English ability, with postgraduate courses usually requiring a bachelor's degree. Applications are assessed against Charles Sturt's entry standards. After an offer, you pay a deposit, receive a Confirmation of Enrolment, and apply for a student visa.

English language requirements

• An English test is required; I could not confirm the exact scores for the city study centres
• Postgraduate courses commonly ask for IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, but check your course
• English preparation may be available through Navitas
• Confirm the requirement before booking a test

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English results, a CV for some postgraduate courses, and passport details. Ask about the deposit, the Student Services and Amenities Fee, and Overseas Student Health Cover.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

One source indicates a postgraduate fee of about A$34,969, but fees vary by course and year. Charles Sturt publishes international course fees on its website, which you should check for your course and study centre. Add the Student Services and Amenities Fee, Overseas Student Health Cover, and Melbourne living costs.

Estimated living costs

• Australian student visa applicants must show they can afford tuition, travel, and living costs
• Overseas Student Health Cover is compulsory for the length of the visa
• Student visa holders can work a limited number of hours in term under current rules
• Public transport concession fares are available in most cities
• Rents have risen in most Australian cities, so book housing early

Scholarships

Charles Sturt reports more than A$3 million a year in scholarships and grants, with scholarships of up to 50% available for international students. Ask whether these apply to the Navitas-run study centres, since some awards are campus-specific.

Campus life and student support

The Bourke Street centre is in the heart of Melbourne's CBD, close to trams, trains, shops, and libraries. It is a teaching building rather than a full campus with sports grounds and residences. Ask about study spaces, library access, and student support.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Melbourne has a large jobs market in finance, professional services, technology, education, and health. City-centre study makes it easier to attend networking events and part-time jobs within visa limits. Ask for graduate outcomes for study centre students.

Australia's Temporary Graduate visa

Eligible international graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows them to live and work in Australia after their studies, generally for two years after a bachelor's or coursework master's degree and longer after research degrees, with an age limit and study-requirement conditions. Rules change often, so confirm eligibility and current conditions with the Department of Home Affairs before relying on the visa.

What the Navitas arrangement means

Navitas runs the Melbourne and Sydney study centres day to day under a service agreement, while Charles Sturt sets the curriculum, assessment, and awards the degree. Ask Charles Sturt to confirm in writing that your degree certificate will be identical to one earned at a main campus, and ask who handles complaints and academic appeals.

Regional study and migration

Studying in Melbourne does not count as regional study for Australian migration purposes, so you would not receive regional post-study work extensions that some regional campuses may offer. If a longer post-study work period matters to you, compare Charles Sturt's regional campuses and check current rules with the Department of Home Affairs.

Living in Melbourne

Melbourne has an extensive tram and train network, a large student population, and many part-time jobs, but rents are high in inner suburbs. Many students share flats further out along train lines. Budget for a bond and the first month's costs.

Common mistakes applicants make

Applicants sometimes assume every Charles Sturt course is available in Melbourne, rely on an outdated fee figure, or expect regional migration benefits. Confirm the course list, the fee, and the visa rules before accepting.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover, prepare evidence of funds, and be ready to show you are a genuine student when applying for the visa. Budget for the visa application charge, flights, and a housing deposit.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, enrolment, and learning how Australian assessment works, with tutorials, assignments, and exams. Students who use academic support and English workshops early adjust faster.

A realistic budget

At about A$35,000 a year in tuition and A$28,000 in living costs, a two-year master's could cost about A$126,000. A 25% scholarship would save about A$17,500. Check the exact fee for your course.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• Which courses are offered at this study centre and intake?
• What is the exact annual fee for my course?
• Is my degree identical to one earned at a main campus?
• Which scholarships apply to study centre students?
• Who provides student support, Navitas or Charles Sturt?
• Does my course qualify for the Temporary Graduate visa?

Who Charles Sturt Melbourne suits best

Charles Sturt Melbourne suits students who want a Charles Sturt degree in business or IT while living in central Melbourne. It may suit less well students who want a full campus experience or a wide choice of subjects.

Melbourne study centre compared with Charles Sturt's regional campuses

Regional campuses such as Bathurst and Wagga Wagga offer lower living costs, full campus facilities, and regional migration advantages, while Melbourne offers a big-city job market. Compare the course, costs, and your migration plans.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your course and check accreditation and fees.
2. Confirm the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer, pay the deposit, and receive your Confirmation of Enrolment.
5. Apply for your student visa and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, passport, and financial evidence several months before your intake. Keep written confirmation of fees, scholarships, and any pathway credit.

Choosing Melbourne for business and IT

Melbourne has one of Australia's largest concentrations of accounting firms, banks, and technology companies, and the CBD location puts students within walking distance of many employers, professional-body events, and meetups. Students who plan to network actively and work part-time within visa limits often benefit most from a city-centre study centre.

Professional accreditation

If you plan to work as an accountant, check whether your course is accredited by CPA Australia or CA ANZ, and for IT roles, by the Australian Computer Society. Accreditation also matters for some skilled migration assessments.

Frequently asked questions