Careers & industry
What are the benefits of volunteering as a student?
Volunteering for a cause you care about can be an incredible way to give back to your community. It can lead to lots of other professional and personal benefits, especially if you’re a student.
Skip minimum wage with these high-paying entry-level jobs for uni graduates
Not all salaries are created equal, but with a university qualification under your belt, landing an entry-level role doesn't necessarily mean low pay. Is your dream job on this list?
5 OUA employees reflect on our Hack event
Over two jam-packed days during the 2024 Hackathon at Open Universities Australia, employees worked together to re-imagine an improved student experience. More specifically, they explored the theme: How might we better anticipate the needs of students, shaping a more impactful experience?
The fastest way to become a teacher
Whether you've always dreamt of pursuing a career in education, or the lure of 12 weeks of paid holidays has got you contemplating a career change, here's the quickest way to become a teacher. Spoiler alert: you can fast-track your degree.
What jobs are needed most in regional Australia?
Thinking about making a sea or country change? If you’re ready to explore life in regional Australia, you’ll find exciting job opportunities and a laid-back lifestyle that feels just right.
Every university student strives to get good grades, but how much do they really matter when it comes to getting a job? We spoke to a recruiter to find out.
How to make a career change: the ultimate guide
Thinking of shaking things up with a career change? If you're on the verge of switching careers, this guide will help you navigate the transition smoothly.
Got the Sunday scaries? It could be time for a career change
Are your weekends consumed by the Sunday scaries? This might be a sign you're in the wrong career.
Courses & the study experience
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Study & life hacks
Why you owe it to yourself to study
You’ve seen others follow their passions towards study, striding from an “I might” to an “I will” with apparent ease. But as for yourself? There’s a niggling doubt. A feeling of “I could never”. But what if you could? Here’s why you should.
Student scams to watch out for
Arm yourself with the latest information and stay safe.
How we can help Year 12s with lower-than-expected ATARs
No matter your results, you don’t have to lose hope in the career you’ve been dreaming up. Our student advisor Tandy explains how he gets Year 12s into uni, no matter their ATAR.
9 essay writing tips your uni teachers want you to know
Essay writing can feel overwhelming, but a few expert tips can make a world of difference. Your university teachers share their top academic writing tips, so you can plan, polish, and perfect your next assignment.
And is it the end of the world if you don't get the score you wanted? Find out why the ATAR doesn't hold as much weight as it once did.
How does HECS work? The ultimate guide
If you’re thinking about enrolling in a uni course, you’ve no doubt considered getting a HECS-HELP loan. But how the HECS does the scheme actually work? Here's everything you need to know.
How to pay off your HECS debt: the ultimate guide
HECS debt isn’t the most fun part of higher education. But it doesn’t have to be a headache. Here’s your ultimate guide to repaying your HECS-HELP loan.
Your guide to university as a mature-age student
Thinking about studying online as an older student? Here’s everything you need to know about applying for your dream course, getting in, and preparing for classes.