Charles Sturt University (CSU) has been ranked the top Australian tertiary institution for undergraduate full-time employment after graduation for the fourth consecutive year.
The result comes off the back of the University’s strong showing in a similar category in The Good Universities Guide 2020, where it topped Australia’s graduate employment ranking.
The guide revealed 86% of CSU graduates are in full-time employment within four months of completing their course – a superior rate to any other Australian university and 14% higher than the national average.
The latest results were contained in the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) 2019 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) October 2019 short-term outcomes national report.
The 2019 GOS was primarily conducted as a national online survey among 109 higher education institutions including all 41 Table A and B universities and 68 Non-University Higher Education Institutions (NUHEIs).
A total of 132,178 valid survey responses were collected across all study levels, representing a response rate of 44.2%, which is an increase from 43% in 2018.
The report found that CSU graduates enjoyed 86.4% full-time employment, compared to the all-Australian universities average of 72.5% full-time employment. CSU graduates also enjoyed one of the highest average starting salaries, $67,100 compared to the all-Australian universities average of $62,600.
Result keeps heart of CSU’s mission beating strong
CSU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said the result was great news for the University’s students, graduates regional communities.
“The result goes to the heart of Charles Sturt University’s mission, to provide highly employable professionals for our regions and the world,” Professor Vann said.
“Charles Sturt University aims to provide a high-quality flexible learning experience that fits our students’ lives and aspirations, and we strive to ensure we develop graduates with the right skills and attributes to thrive in their chosen career.”
He added that the results are a testament to the close relationships the University has with industry in the ongoing development and delivery of its degree courses.
“We work hard to develop industry-relevant courses to really enhance students’ employment outcomes for a meaningful career, and survey results like this show the outcome of our commitment to our students, Professor Vann said.
“The survey results validate the University’s strategy which focuses on developing students who graduate with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and professional networks for a meaningful life and successful career.”
Professor Vann said the result was also a credit to the CSU’s staff who he said ensure the University delivers high levels of learner engagement and support for students, and to CSU’s industry partners, who provide students with practical, real-life experiences.
“I’m proud that Charles Sturt University continues to lead in graduate outcomes, in a continually changing higher education environment,” he said.