Choosing where to study
Post-secondary education providers have increasingly flexible options for studying their programs. This can be on-campus, online or mixed-mode.
Your preferred provider may have on-campus options, and multiple locations. Some courses are offered online and students access the course materials through an internet-based online learning site.
Other providers may offer courses in mixed mode, where students can ‘mix and match’ both on-campus attendance and online study. Or a provider may deliver some face-to-face content as intensive teaching blocks to facilitate students who are also working full-time, with remaining content accessed online. Students enrolled in VET programs may complete some assessments within their workplace.
These flexible options can open up more choices of education providers for you to consider, as you are then not restricted to what your local provider offers.
Studying off-campus and online
Although off-campus study gives you more choice, you should weigh up the decision carefully and ask yourself and your preferred provider the following questions:
- Can I study effectively without the structure of on-campus in-person classes?
- What support does the education provider offer for students studying off-campus and online?
- What support is available for students with disability who study off-campus?
- If course content is accessed online, how reliable is my IT equipment, and my internet service provider?
Relocation for study
Many students choose to relocate or have to relocate for their preferred course, or because they are from a regional area. When considering studying interstate or at some distance from where you live, consider the following questions before you make your decision:
- What is the time and cost involved in relocating? Are regular visits home costly?
- Are there scholarships or funds available to support my relocation?
- Does the location I want to move to have opportunities for part-time work?
- Can I study effectively without the support of family or close friends around me?
- What student support services are offered by the provider?
- Is there an equity policy? Does the provider use disability services and access plans?
- What are my options for accommodation, and the costs (also see the section Student Accommodation and Services)?
- How will I travel to campus if I live off-site?
- Is there a reliable and regular public transport system? Or if I will drive, what are the campus parking costs?
- Does the education provider have services to help me find student accommodation, private rentals, or homestay options?
The answers to these types of questions will affect your decision to choose one institution over another.
Do your research
Research relevant post-secondary education providers by searching on their website under the particular issue, i.e. student services, student accommodation, parking facilities, public transport, equity policy, disability access plan, scholarships etc.
You can learn more about your chosen educational provider by researching university ranking lists, particularly in your chosen study area(s), attending an Open Day, meeting with the provider’s disability advisor or other students with disability, as well as family and friends. The more research you do, the better the fit and match with your expectations.