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.

Teresa’s story of becoming a lifelong learner thanks to online study

After being told she had 10 years to live, Teresa chose to start ticking things off her bucket list. Four decades later, she shares with us how online university study has enriched her life, why she will always be studying, and how Open Universities Australia gives her that freedom.

Graduate storyOnline study experienceStudent story

11 fun and engaging short courses for seniors

Retired and ready to challenge yourself? Or just eager to learn a new skill? Here are our favourite short online courses for seniors in 2025. They cover everything from computer skills to genealogy, and only run for 8 to 14 weeks.

Study optionsSelf improvement

How to choose a business major

One of the most exciting things about studying business is that you get to choose a specialisation. But with everything from finance to entrepreneurship on the table, which direction should you go in? Here’s everything you need to know.

Study optionsCourse spotlight

When Jenny met Jase

Open Universities Australia’s annual Hackathon is special for many reasons. There’s the innovation. The collaboration. The collective commitment. But what about the student we involve each year?

OUA newsMake a difference

The change of preference period explained for Year 12s

Once ATAR results are out, you’ll have one more chance to change your course shortlist before main round uni offers. Here are the most important things to understand about this crucial change of preference period.

Help me study

What to study over summer: the ultimate summer courses guide

The summer months are a perfect time to get in some extra learning. From languages to design to business courses, let’s see what’s on offer.

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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 you don't have the right academic background for uni? You can get into these popular bachelor degrees without even thinking about entry requirements!

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