We'll get back to you in the next two working days.
CSU has a lot to offer, and we're here to help.
You can also call us on 1800 275 278.
Ideal for the adventurous at heart, the Bachelor of Applied Science (Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism) prepares you to lead a wide range of outdoor education and recreation activities. CSU's flexible degree lets you tailor your studies to your interests and, if you choose, undertake a Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation in partnership with Wodonga TAFE.
When you study outdoor recreation and ecotourism at CSU you'll graduate with the skills to share our unique natural environment with others while respecting and protecting cultural and environmental diversity.
You are viewing
course information
Residential Schools required for some online subjects. See Residential Schools for full details.
CSU has a variety of pathways and admissions requirements for study. Details of the types of ATAR-related and other adjustment factors commonly available to applicants are set out in the CSU institutional admissions information and CSU's general admissions policy.
You can also view details about the applicants who commenced this course last year in the ATAR profile and See the student profile.
Please note: all sessions may not be available at all locations or through all study modes. Please check the Fees and course offerings section for more information.
CSU's outdoor recreation and ecotourism degree combines skills and knowledge in outdoor recreation and education with foundational knowledge of physical, biological and social sciences. Studies of the natural environment and tourism are underpinned by a strong focus on sustainability and visitor experience.
This degree focuses strongly on field instruction and real-world situations. You'll have opportunities to undertake expeditions to areas such as the Australian Alps, Mungo National Park and Phillip Island, Victoria. You could also complete practical placements anywhere from the Tasmanian wilderness to Australia's far north.
Both Albury-Wodonga and Port Macquarie campuses have access to national parks, rivers, lakes, hiking and mountain bike trails, caves and cliffs. CSU Albury also utilises the local alpine environment, whereas CSU Port Macquarie has access to marine and coastal environments.
CSU is one of the few universities to be ranked as 'above world standard' in environmental science and management in the Australian Government's evaluation of research strengths of Australian universities. The School of Environmental Sciences is among the top five schools of its kind in Australia.
CSU allows you to customise your degree based on your interests and choose from one of three minors.
The Indigenous and Cultural Heritage minor develops cognitive and technical skills in conserving and managing cultural heritage and working with Indigenous communities.
The Wildlife and Conservation minor is for students seeking to obtain cognitive and technical skills in the conservation and management of biodiversity.
The Outdoor Recreation minor includes the Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation, delivered in partnership with Wodonga TAFE. As well as studying leadership, recreation and conservation at CSU, you will complete professional training in bushwalking, rock climbing and abseiling. Canoeing, ski touring and ski camping, mountain biking, sea kayaking and white water rafting may also be available.
Please note that the following subjects have a Workplace Learning component:
Residential schools are a great way to practise what you are learning in a hands-on environment, and to meet your lecturers and classmates.
Some online subjects include a residential school, where you will attend a CSU campus during certain sessions throughout your course.
The following subjects may have a residential school component:
From the early stages of your degree, you can apply for a range of international programs through CSU Global. You could take a session or two on exchange at one of CSU’s partner institutions across the world, go on a study tour during the holidays, or complete some of your practical placements in an unique location.
Are you after a unique CSU study experience? By participating in a CSU Global international study program you can gain a new perspective on where your degree can take you, and even complete your degree that little bit faster. CSU Global has many options available to fit with your course, interests and study needs.
As a graduate of this nationally and internationally recognised degree, you could work in outdoor education centres, outdoor adventure companies and government organisations. You could conduct outdoor education programs, school camps or sport and fitness programs, or lead tours to wild and remote areas.
Positions include Indigenous heritage officer, park ranger, heritage consultant and museum curator.
Roles include adventure ecotourism instructor, ecotourism guide or operator, ecotourism and/or outdoor development trainer and environmental educator/consultant.
Work as a park ranger, threatened species officer, wildlife officer, botanist or in a conservation management role.
As a graduate of this nationally and internationally recognised degree, you could work in outdoor education centres, outdoor adventure companies and government organisations. You could conduct outdoor education programs, school camps or sport and fitness programs, or lead tours to wild and remote areas.
Positions include Indigenous heritage officer, park ranger, heritage consultant and museum curator.
Roles include adventure ecotourism instructor, ecotourism guide or operator, ecotourism and/or outdoor development trainer and environmental educator/consultant.
Work as a park ranger, threatened species officer, wildlife officer, botanist or in a conservation management role.
Getting into uni isn’t just about your ATAR. We understand that if you’re given the chance to study something you’re passionate about, you can really shine. We offer a range of pathway options, including Early Offer – Schools Recommendation Scheme, Location (Regional) Adjustment, and the Indigenous Access Program (IAP) to help you get on track to your dream career.
Credit for prior learning and credit for current competencies will be granted to eligible applicants.
We understand that if you’re given the chance to study something you’re passionate about, you can really shine. We offer a range of pathway options, including Early Entry – Schools Recommendation Scheme, Location (Regional) Adjustment, and the Indigenous Access Program (IAP) to help you get on track to your dream career.
Credit for prior learning and credit for current competencies will be granted to eligible applicants.
If you’ve studied before, you may be able to fast-track your postgraduate degree with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study, you could be awarded credit for your postgraduate degree. Get in touch to see if you’re eligible for credit based on your previous qualifications or industry experience.
The section below is designed to allow you to select the option specific to your circumstances to discover the course fee and course offering information appropriate for you.
If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, and meet the relevant citizenship and residency requirements, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place
Frequently Asked Questions on CSP open_in_new
1 year full-time ( points)
A standard full-time study load at CSU is 64 points over two sessions. The points above indicate the number of points for the first year of this course based on overall full time course duration.
Actual fees will vary according to:
It is important to note that the student contribution you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, as each subject has its own costs. The government assigns different price bands to a subject, depending on the discipline that subject belongs to.
Check out the subject fee calculator below to get a more accurate cost for your first year. The calculator will open in a new window, once open go to the Subjects section to review the subjects available for this course and enter them into the calculator.
The Australian Government indexes student contributions each year.
If there is a direct connection between your study and work you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction. For further guidance please seek independent advice or visit the Australian Taxation Office open_in_new website.
1 year full-time ( points)
A standard full-time study load at CSU is 64 points over two sessions. The points above indicate the number of points for the first year of this course based on overall full time course duration.
Actual fees will vary according to:
8 Points
Note: the 8 point value is a subject indicative value only. Not all CSU subjects are 8 points – refer to the CSU handbook (links in the Subject section) for actual point value for the subjects required for your course.
1 year full-time ( points)
A standard full-time study load at CSU is 64 points over two sessions. The points above indicate the number of points for the first year of this course based on overall full time course duration.
Actual fees will vary according to:
8 Points
Note: the 8 point value is a subject indicative value only. Not all CSU subjects are 8 points – refer to the CSU handbook (links in the Subject section) for actual point value for the subjects required for your course.
CSU gives a discount on tuition fees to citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada and the United Kingdom.
Contact a Recruitment agent in your country who can answer your questions about CSU as well as help with the student visa application process.
International recruitment agents
1 year full-time ( points)
A standard full-time study load at CSU is 64 points over two sessions. The points above indicate the number of points for the first year of this course based on overall full time course duration.
Actual fees will vary according to:
8 Points
Note: the 8 point value is a subject indicative value only. Not all CSU subjects are 8 points – refer to the CSU handbook (links in the Subject section) for actual point value for the subjects required for your course.
This Course has limited Commonwealth supported places available.
Contact Us to see if you are eligible.
If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, and meet the relevant citizenship and residency requirements, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place
Frequently Asked Questions on CSP open_in_new
1 year full-time ( points)
A standard full-time study load at CSU is 64 points over two sessions. The points above indicate the number of points for the first year of this course based on overall full time course duration.
Actual fees will vary according to:
It is important to note that the student contribution you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, as each subject has its own costs. The government assigns different price bands to a subject, depending on the discipline that subject belongs to.
Check out the subject fee calculator below to get a more accurate cost for your first year. The calculator will open in a new window, once open go to the Subjects section to review the subjects available for this course and enter them into the calculator.
The Australian Government indexes student contributions each year.
A fee-paying student will pay a tuition fee for each subject in the course without the Australian government contributing any financial support to the university. But don’t be put off by the cost of study - eligible students still have the option to defer their fees through FEE-HELP open_in_new.
Most postgraduate students in Australia will pay the full cost of their tuition, however if you are a CSU Alumni Student, you will receive a 10% discount.
If there is a direct connection between your study and work you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction. For further guidance please seek independent advice or visit the Australian Taxation Office open_in_new website.
1 year full-time ( points)
A standard full-time study load at CSU is 64 points over two sessions. The points above indicate the number of points for the first year of this course based on overall full time course duration.
Actual fees will vary according to:
8 Points
Note: the 8 point value is a subject indicative value only. Not all CSU subjects are 8 points – refer to the CSU handbook (links in the Subject section) for actual point value for the subjects required for your course.
Candidates who exceed their Research Training Program (RTP) entitlement are required to pay the appropriate domestic student tuition fee for their course. Eligible students still have the option to defer their fees through FEE-Help open_in_new.
If you are a CSU Alumni Student, you will receive a 10% discount on tuition fees.
If there is a direct connection between your study and work you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction. For further guidance please seek independent advice or visit the Australian Taxation Office open_in_new website.
1 year full-time ( points)
1 year part-time ( points)
A standard full-time study load at CSU is 64 points over two sessions. The points above indicate the number of points for the first year of this course based on overall full time course duration.
Actual fees will vary according to:
8 Points
Note: the 8 point value is a subject indicative value only. Not all CSU subjects are 8 points – refer to the CSU handbook (links in the Subject section) for actual point value for the subjects required for your course.
1 year full-time ( points)
1 year part-time ( points)
A standard full-time study load at CSU is 64 points over two sessions. The points above indicate the number of points for the first year of this course based on overall full time course duration.
Actual fees will vary according to:
8 Points
Note: the 8 point value is a subject indicative value only. Not all CSU subjects are 8 points – refer to the CSU handbook (links in the Subject section) for actual point value for the subjects required for your course.
Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen or the holder of a permanent visa open_in_new.
International or overseas students are those without Australian or New Zealand citizenship and who do not have permanent residency status in Australia.
Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada and the United Kingdom.
The year you intend to start your study.
Attending lectures, classes and tutorials at a CSU campus.
Complete your course online to allow you the flexibility to manage your study with your professional and personal commitments and to study from anywhere.
You may be eligible for the government contributions toward your tuition fees.
If you are not eligible for government support you will be required to pay the full course fee.
You may be eligible for the government contributions toward your tuition fees.
If you are not eligible for government support you will be required to pay the full course fee.
Any fees and offerings are correct at the date of publishing. Fees are relevant for the year selected only and are subject to change in future years.
If you are an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen or the holder of a permanent visa open_in_new find out more about Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) and Fee Paying places.
Depending on citizenship and residency requirements, you may also be eligible to defer CSP and Fee Paying fees through the HELP open_in_new government student loan system.
If you are an international student, find out more about international fees.
Additional course-related expenses you may need to consider:
"The highlight has to be all of the hands-on trips and excursions. I love the fact that we are actually outside learning, not just in the classroom talking about it."
Rex McMillan - Bachelor of Applied Science (Outdoor Recreation and Ecotourism)
For each 8 point subject you are enrolled in, you should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, residential schools, or examinations.
If you are studying four subjects per session, this is equivalent to a full-time job. The workload for some subjects may vary as a result of approved course design.
The below information is for new students. Current students should select their subjects by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment
As a CSU student, throughout your course you have a responsibility to continue to develop skills in English language, literacy and numeracy as appropriate to your discipline. This ongoing development will enable you to effectively participate in your course and graduate prepared to enter the workforce.
Finishing high school this year? Taking a few years off to find out what you really want to do in life? Need to attend classes from anywhere in the world?
When you study with CSU, we’ll be with you all the way, helping you develop your study and academic skills in person, online or over the phone. Whatever your situation, Student Central is your first point of call as a CSU student. Our friendly support team can answer all your questions, whether you are studying on campus or online.
When you study with CSU, we’ll be with you all the way, helping you develop your study and academic skills in person, online or over the phone. Whatever your situation, Student Central is your first point of call as a CSU student. Our friendly support team can answer all your questions, whether you are studying on campus or online.
When it comes to postgraduate study, we understand that having the right kind of support is key to your success. You’ll enjoy flexible learning that allows you to fit study into your life, at a time that suits you. Our team are only a phone call or email away and you can even use our online chat for any questions you may have. We can also help you connect with scholarships, grants, loans, and assistance that can make further study affordable. At CSU, we’re with you every step of the way.
As a HDR candidate, we recognise you’ll need specialised support to help you achieve your research goals. Our dedicated Research Office is your central point of contact for researchers and supervisors. CSU also has a number of Research Support Services designed to support researchers, supervisors and HDR candidates across their research endeavours and careers. Academic and personal support is available including Indigenous services, international support, counselling, disability services, equity and diversity, health information, spiritual support, mentoring, child care support, professional development and more.
Whether you are studying online or on campus, CSU has a dedicated program to help you fill knowledge gaps, enhance skills and build your confidence. Study Link offers a great range of short, self-paced, online subjects that will help improve your essay writing; critical thinking; and English, maths and science skills. Subjects take between 16-40 hours to complete and you will be supported by a subject coordinator who will guide you through your study.
Study Link is ideal if you feel you need to top up your knowledge bank or you haven’t studied for a while. What’s more, Study Link courses are FREE for most Australian residents (and very inexpensive otherwise).
You can enrol for an online subject or an intensive weekend workshop on our Study Link website.
If you wish to improve the areas of writing and grammar, we recommend any of the following Study Link subjects:
We have a wide range of scholarships available to help you with the costs of studying at CSU. There are scholarships based on academic performance or your personal circumstances. Other scholarships and grants cover specific costs like accommodation and textbooks, and some offer funds that you can use in any way to enhance your university experience. Find a scholarship to suit your needs and apply now.
Indigenous students can access the Indigenous Academic Success Program (IASP). This free program is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled at CSU. It gives you one-on-one access to tutors to help you with your assessments and prepare you for exams.
Gain an internationally recognised qualification with CSU at one of our vibrant regional campuses, or study online from the comfort of your own home - anywhere in the world!
You can also study accounting, business and information technology courses at a CSU Study Centre in Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney.
About CSU Study Centre*The CSU Study Centres in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney are operated by Study Group Australia Pty Ltd ABN 88 070 919 327 under a services agreement with Charles Sturt University ABN 83 878 708 551. All students studying at the CSU Study Centres are enrolled at Charles Sturt University. All staff of the CSU Study Centres are employees of Study Group Australia Pty Ltd.
Browse through the tabs below for more information or visit our International website to discover more about an Australian university experience like no other.
Please note: if you choose to study online with CSU, the course study mode will not meet necessary requirements for granting Australian student visas.
There are minimum Academic and English Language requirements for admission to CSU courses. These requirements ensure that our students have the best chance for success. Minimum requirements can vary from country to country, so please take some time to review our entry requirements before starting your application. If you cannot find the requirements for your country please contact us.
At CSU, we understand that you are making a financial investment in your future and we want to make sure that you receive the best value for money for your education. That’s why our students enjoy more affordable course tuition fees than other Australian universities, while still receiving a high standard of education.
Tuition fees are set for the duration of your course and don’t go up each year.
CSU Alumni receive a discount on fee-paying postgraduate courses – so if you study your bachelor’s degree with us, and decide to continue your studies at CSU, you could save 10 per cent off your postgraduate tuition.
Please note: whether you study on campus or online, textbooks and other items that you may be required to purchase during your study are not included in the tuition fees.
More information on tuition and other fees.
More information on fees for on-campus study in Australia.
Aside from course tuition fees, all students who choose to study on campus incur other fees such as accommodation, Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and other living expenses.
If you choose to study online, some subjects may require you to attend compulsory residential schools in Australia. Residential schools are held on campus in Australia for up to five days during certain sessions.
Please check the residential schools tab in the Course highlights section above (or your offer of admission if your application is successful) for more information on which subjects may have a residential school component.
Online courses for international students do not meet the requirement for an Australian Student Visa, therefore you will need to check that you can obtain an appropriate visa for any residential school session. For more information about visas, visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Border Protection. More information about residential schools can be found on our Future Students Hub.
CSU campuses offer a uniquely Australian living experience. Most of our campuses have accommodation on-site with many of the buildings nestled among gum trees with native wildlife like kangaroos and kookaburras sharing the space. Off-campus accommodation options can also be arranged.
Few universities in Australia can match the range of accommodation available at CSU’s campuses. Campus life offers all the facilities of a small village with community spirit, helping you to meet lots of new friends while living in a safe and secure environment.
Find out more about CSU’s accommodation options.
Whether you choose to study online or on campus, our international support services can make all the difference. From managing visa requirements to study support, and career advice, we’ve got you covered and our friendly staff will help make your university experience one you will never forget.
At CSU, we work with trained international recruitment agents in more than 40 countries to help you find the course and study option that is right for you. Our agents can assist you to apply for study either on campus in Australia or online. Depending on your country of citizenship you may be required to apply to CSU via an agent. Visit our International agents page for more information.