Your guide to university open days in 2024

June 24, 2024

Wondering how to make the most of uni open days this year—and whether you should even go, if you're planning to study online? We've gathered all the key information for you, including dates you can put straight in your calendar.

If you’re still making up your mind about what—and how—you’d like to study in 2025, then attending a university open day can be a great way to narrow down your choices (though you can also book a call with us to ask about different universities right now). 

It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to study online or on-campus. At open day, you can find out about different courses, chat to careers experts and tour facilities, which can give you a lot of clarity around the direction you’d like to take your future. 

But how should you prepare to get the most out of the day? Consider this your open day cheat sheet.  

What is a university open day?

During a university open day, a higher education institution will open its campus to the public. This allows prospective students to explore everything the institution has to offer. Every university in Australia will hold an open day, so you can attend more than one if you’d like to compare different courses and facilities. 

• Related reading: How to choose a university after attending open days

Everyone is welcome to attend a university open day, including high school students, parents and mature-age professionals who are thinking about studying. You can also attend if you’re planning to study online. 

What can you expect at a university open day?

At an on-campus open day, you’ll have the chance to:   

• Attend undergraduate and postgraduate course information sessions
• Tour practical course facilities like medical clinics and science labs
• Tour campus facilities like the library, student support centres, gyms and cafes  
• Tour on-campus accommodation
• Meet academic staff and other students and ask questions about study life
• Check out student social clubs
• Chat to staff about anything to do with the application process, including fees, scholarships and admission pathways
• Get some free uni swag 

Can you attend open day virtually?

While most universities have shifted their open days back on campus, some still host virtual open day events for those who can’t attend in person (see our list below).   

Virtual open day events may be offered on a specific day only, or on-demand all year long—it really depends on the uni.

But how does a virtual open day work? You’ll generally get to:

• Watch live or pre-recorded course information video sessions
• Video chat with career advisors and industry experts
• Video chat with teaching staff about courses
• View virtual campus tours
• Attend virtual library tours
• Attend webinars hosted by admissions staff on the application process, fees, scholarships, course entry requirements and alternative admission pathways

How to prepare for an open day

To get as much as possible out of your day (no matter how you plan to be there), we recommend following this checklist:

1. Make note of the courses and study areas you’d like to learn about.
2. Visit the university’s open day page to find out when and how its open day will be held (we have a list of dates below).
3. Register for the open day online in case spots fill up. 
4. Review the schedule of events and plan out your day. This may be emailed to you after you register. 
5. Prepare a list of questions you’d like to ask teaching staff, current students and admissions staff.
6. Download a campus map if you’re attending in person. 
7. Pack a pen, notebook and water bottle, plus a carry bag for all the course guides and brochures you’ll receive during the day. 

Questions to ask at a university open day

Remember, open day is your chance to speak to current students, teaching staff, career advisors and admissions staff about anything you’d like to know. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of this because their answers could give you a whole new perspective on the study area you’re interested in. 

Here are a few example questions to get you started:

• How much time will I need to spend on studying every week?
• How is this course assessed? Will there be group assignments, solo projects or both?
• How much reading is required?
• Are there opportunities to gain practical experience in this course (like internships, placements or industry projects)?
• Is the course more practical or theoretical?
• (If it’s an online course) will I ever be required to come to campus?
• How does online study for this course work?
• What have graduates of this course gone on to do?
• What are job prospects like in the industry?
• What are the entry requirements for this course?
• What are the study fee options?
• What student support is available?
• What disability support is available?

When are university open days?

Most uni open days take place on different weekends throughout July, August and September. This gives Year 12 students who plan to study to a traditional calendar time to enter their preferences before 2025 intake deadlines.

Here are the 2024 open day dates to jot down if you’re thinking about studying with any of our partner universities: 

Want to find out about a course or study area sooner? You can also book a free one-on-one phone call with an Open Universities Australia student advisor at any time. They can answer your questions about your online study choices with the above universities.  

With all this information at your fingertips, it’s easier than ever to find your ideal study path.

Book a call with an Open Universities student advisor now. Or find out about non-ATAR pathways into university. 

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