Disability care courses
Help me choose a courseIntroduction to Disability care
Disability care is not always easy, but its impact is incredibly profound. A successful disability worker has great patience, determination, and empathy—do you have what it takes to make a difference? Begin a rewarding career by studying a disability course, online through Open Universities Australia.
Explore disability care courses
Discover disability care courses
Online disability care subjects and short courses
Contemporary Disability Practice
UndergraduateTAS-ZAC118
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 24 Feb 2025
Case Management for Consumer Directed Care in Disability and Aged Care
UndergraduateUSA-WELF3024
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 07 Apr 2025
Health and Wellbeing in Social and Cultural Contexts
UndergraduateCUR-NURS1003
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 02 Jun 2025, 01 Dec 2025
Understanding and Support for Autism
UndergraduateLTU-PSY3ASD
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 28 Jul 2025
Online disability care degrees
Graduate Certificate in Autism Studies
PostgraduateGRF-AUS-GCE
Bring a whole-of-life approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
Diploma of Applied Health and Community Support
UndergraduateTAS-AHC-DIP
Learn how to support people's health and wellbeing
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
UndergraduateCSU-ART-DEG
Prepare for life and work with the ultimate skill set
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateSCU-CMW-DEG
Help and support people and families in need
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
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Disability care study FAQs
How do I enrol?
Unlike when you study through a traditional university, you can enrol you in most of the undergraduate subjects available through our website instantly. Enrol in the subjects you’re interested in, and as soon as your study materials arrive, you can start learning online.
As you start completing your subjects, you’ll eventually need to apply to your uni to formally enter your degree. Enrolling in subjects is a great way of becoming eligible and applying successfully. Check out the Registering in this degree section on the degree page you're interested in for more information.
Postgraduate subjects are different. Most of them are restricted, meaning you’ll have to apply for entry and be accepted before you can start studying online. You’ll find information about the application process on the postgraduate degree page that you’re interested in.
Enrolling is easy. You can enrol online or over the phone with a student advisor.
How do I know if I’m eligible to apply for a course?
Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.
Chat with us to find out more.
Why should I study online through Open Universities Australia?
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
- You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there. - You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you. - You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students. - We’ll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
Areas you'll explore in a disability course
- Special needs care: Manage and improve the behaviour of those with complex or challenging needs.
- Special needs education: Support learning and development, design tailored learning plans to cater to individual needs.
- Disability and the law: Develop policies and procedures to ensure that disability care is effective and ethical.
- Social inclusion: Work on strategies for integrating people with disabilities into the community.
Career paths to take
With increased funding for Australians with disabilities under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the demand for disability care professionals is growing. Careers that graduates often pursue include:
- Disability support work - For example, personal care, domestic support or transportation.
- Job facilitation - Prepare people with disabilities for the workforce.
- Specialist support - For example, physiotherapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy (requires specialist study).
- Disability organisation work - Play a role within a disability-based organisation.
- Disability policy work - Examine and amend the law to ensure a better future for people with disabilities.
Student stories and study advice
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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.
5 inspiring reasons to pursue a community services career
You could support people living with disability, advocate for those suffering a health crisis, or assist those experiencing family violence. Find out why a career in community services can be rewarding and varied.
5 rewarding jobs in disability services (that aren’t support work)
If you’re drawn to a career that sees you making a difference in people’s lives every day, disability services could be your perfect fit, even if support work isn’t your goal.
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Unclear on the Voice to Parliament? Here’s what you need to know about Australia’s upcoming referendum, which will decide if Indigenous Australians can advise on matters that affect their lives.We’re here to guide you to the right uni course
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.
Over 523,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.
How we can help you
Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.
You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni
We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.
You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year
We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.
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As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.
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