CSU Academic Calendar

Charles Sturt University (CSU), located in Australia, operates on a unique academic calendar structured around three main teaching sessions, often referred to as trimesters, rather than the traditional semester system. These sessions typically include Session 1 (February to June), Session 2 (July to October), and Session 3 (November to February of the following year), allowing for flexible study options throughout the year. This structure accommodates a diverse student body, including online and distance learners, with key breaks aligned with Australian public holidays and a longer summer break during December and January. CSU’s calendar is designed to support both full-time and part-time students, offering multiple entry points for enrollment across the year.

• Session 1 Start: Late February 2025 (typically around February 24) - Orientation and first day of classes.
• Mid-Session Break (Session 1): Early April 2025 (around April 7-11) - Coincides with Easter holidays.
• Session 1 End: Mid-June 2025 (around June 13) - Includes final exams.
• Session 2 Start: Early July 2025 (around July 7) - Second major teaching period begins.
• Mid-Session Break (Session 2): Mid-September 2025 (around September 15-19) - Short break for students.
• Session 2 End: Late October 2025 (around October 31) - Final exams and assessments.
• Session 3 Start: Mid-November 2025 (around November 10) - Optional session for accelerated study.
• Summer Break: Mid-December 2025 to Late February 2026 - Extended break over the holiday season.

• Application Opening Date: Early April 2025 (around April 1) - Applications open for 2026 intake.
• Early Round Deadline: Late September 2025 (around September 30) - For early offers, especially for competitive programs.
• Main Round Deadline: Early December 2025 (around December 5) - Primary deadline for most undergraduate programs.
• Offer Notification (Early Round): Mid-October 2025 - Decisions released for early applicants.
• Offer Notification (Main Round): Mid-January 2026 - Main round offers released.
• International Student Deadline: Mid-October 2025 (around October 15) - Earlier deadline to account for visa processing times.

The academic calendar at Charles Sturt University aligns with broader Australian educational norms, particularly in its trimester structure and alignment with national holidays such as Easter and the summer break during the Christmas and New Year period. This scheduling offers significant flexibility, especially for international students who can choose from multiple start dates to suit visa and travel arrangements. Additionally, the extended summer break provides opportunities for internships or research, which is particularly beneficial for students in practical or industry-focused programs. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on typical Australian university cycles, CSU’s calendar remains student-centric, catering to a wide range of academic and personal needs.