Courses & the study experience

Be inspired by the stories of students and academics. 

From heart-warming student stories to realistic advice from academics. This is your hub for getting to know the study area you're interested in.

Kori's journey: from dropping out of high school to getting a degree

Like many, Kori was taught that if you don’t graduate high school, you can’t go to university—so it was a life-changing moment when he spoke to a student advisor and discovered that this wasn't true.

Student storyCourse spotlightOnline study experienceFeatured course

Take two: How Mariam found her way after high school

Many students leave high school feeling uncertain about university and what they want to become—or how they’re going to become it! This was the case for Mariam, until she spoke to an Open Universities Australia student advisor.

Featured courseOnline study experienceStudent story

Farm to desk: How Regional University Study Hubs bring your campus to you

They say distance makes the heart grow fonder. Unfortunately, it can also mean a dodgy internet connection and lack of study resources for tertiary students. But thanks to Regional University Study Hubs, that’s no longer a problem.

Online study experienceHelp me study

10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025

Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.

Study optionsCourse spotlight

8 exciting new degrees you can study online in 2025

Hundreds of new degrees have just been added to our website by leading universities. While it’s impossible to choose a favourite, these are the highlights we recommend checking out. Some of these topics have never been available through OUA—until now!

Study optionsCourse spotlight

The best no ATAR courses you can study in 2025

Worried your ATAR won’t be high enough for uni? You can get into these popular bachelor degrees without even thinking about entry requirements!

Study options

Help! What degree should I study?

You know you want to go to uni, but you have no clue what course to study. First of all, don’t panic. This is a very, very common problem, and one we’re known for solving. The following advice should help you narrow down your choices.

Study options

What is RPL? Recognition of prior learning explained

Discover how previous work or study experience can count towards your university degree, helping you graduate sooner.

Help me studyOnline study experience

How a love of travel became a career path for Harry

Ever watched a movie where the main character has a cool job and thought, ‘Gee, I’d love to do that one day'? For Harry, that’s exactly how he found himself on the pathway to becoming a humanitarian aid worker with the help of our student advisors.

Online study experienceCareer changeCourse spotlightStudent story

When is the best time of year to study at university?

Do you get a burst of energy during summer, or prefer the cosiness of autumn and winter? If you’re considering starting a course this year but don’t know when to enrol, this should help.   

Study options

How a Melbourne Vixens star juggles study and netball

The opportunity to move to Melbourne and play with the Vixens was an offer too good for Kiera to turn down. But with just one unit left to complete in her seven years of uni and limited options, a lot was on the line.

Graduate storyOnline study experienceStudent story

5 small business courses for self-starters

Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.

Featured courseCareer changeCourse spotlightSelf improvement