CEF announces official partnership with Charles Sturt University

The Country Education Foundation of Australia (CEF) is proud to announce a new partnership with Charles Sturt University that will increase direct financial support for CEF students enrolled at the university.

From 2025, $400,000 in co-funding will be distributed over the next three years – $133,000 annually – to support CEF students studying at Charles Sturt, with preference given to first-year students, reinforcing the shared commitment to easing the transition into tertiary education and ensuring students feel supported by both their community and institution.

This funding can be put towards study or living expenses such as accommodation, rent, food, textbooks, technology or work placement expenses.

CEF’s CEO, Ms Wendy Mason, welcomed the new partnership.

“The Country Education Foundation is thrilled to work alongside Charles Sturt University, a university deeply rooted in regional Australia, to create more opportunities for young Australians,” Ms Mason said.

“CEF has always been at the forefront of advocating for rural and regional students and this partnership will empower our CEF-supported students at Charles Sturt to pursue their passions.

“The partnership provides additional funding for these student’s educational expenses, creating greater impact for them and a successful transition to study at Charles Sturt University.”

Charles Sturt Executive Director of Engagement and Enterprise, Mr Thomas Burton, said Charles Sturt is proud to be working alongside CEF to back young people in the regions.

“This partnership means more country students can take that next step into uni, knowing they have support behind them,” Mr Burton said.

“We know that cost and distance can be big barriers, so this funding helps ease that pressure – and gives students the chance to focus on their studies and future.

“Charles Sturt is proud to stand alongside the Country Education Foundation to back young people in our regional communities.”

First year CEF Orange & District and Bachelor of Pharmacy student, Jayden Leatham, says,

“This funding will reduce my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and make the most of my academic and professional opportunities available throughout my degree so that I can achieve my goal of becoming a skilled and passionate pharmacist who contributes meaningfully to patient care”.

Fourth year CEF Griffith and Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) student, Isabella Smith, reflected on support provided to her by CEF and what this funding will mean, especially for first year students.

“Financial support can be a game changer for first year students, especially those from rural or regional backgrounds. Reflecting on my own journey, starting tertiary education often brings waves of new expenses. For students moving away from home or from farming or single income families, CEF funding can be the difference between scraping by and being able to focus on studies.”

“Receiving CEF support isn’t just about the money – it’s also a vote of confidence. It tells you that someone believes in your potential. Early in your uni journey, that sense of being backed by your community and university can boost motivation and help you push through challenges, in years that are make or break.”

Charles Sturt is the largest education provider for CEF students, who are supported by one of 49 local CEF foundations around Australia.