We break down the barriers to advancing your career
Whether you're an international student or an Australian living overseas, you can access a wide range of courses and units online through OUA. Provided by 20 of Australia's leading universities and TAFEs, you can now get a world-class education from anywhere in the world.
International students
Wherever you are in the world, we'd love to welcome you to our online community!
But first, it's a good idea to ensure you're ready for online study. As an online student, you'll need:
- Strong computer and online communication skills;
- An understanding of the learning approach in Australian higher education;
- A computer that meets our minimum computer requirements; and
- Excellent English skills.
If you're new to study, returning after a break, or have never studied in the Australian education system, we recommend taking some preparatory or free Quick Skills units to fine tune your study skills.
As students studying through OUA need to work within tight timeframes, it's essential you:
- Enrol early, to allow time for your study materials to be sent;
- Buy textbooks well before the start of your unit's Study Period or Session so there is time for them to arrive; and
- Complete assignments early to allow for any postage time.
English proficiency requirements
All courses and units offered through OUA are taught in English, so you'll need to demonstrate a working knowledge of the English language. We recommend that international students achieve an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall score of at least:
- 6.5 for undergraduate study; or
- 7.0 for postgraduate study.
If you'd like to strengthen your foundation in English, and hit the ground running once your start your course, you can take boost your skills with Macquarie University's IELTS Online Preparation Program.
Documentation in languages other than English
If you need to submit foreign-language documents such as medical certificates, prior academic results or application documents for a postgraduate course, the documents must be accompanied by certified English translations completed by a professional translator.
Australian student visas
Please remember that studying through OUA does not make you eligible for an Australian student visa. For an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a course of study at an Australian higher education provider. As most of OUA's units are provided online, OUA's students typically don't meet this requirement.
Australians living overseas
If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident living, working or holidaying overseas, you can still get an Australian qualification, regardless of where you live.
And studying online doesn't mean you're studying alone. You can meet Study Buddies and join Discussion Groups in My study centre, get free help with assignments, and email your tutors if you have any questions about your units and assessments.
Fees for Australians overseas
While fees will vary depending on the units in which you enrol, international student fees don't apply to Australian citizens or permanent residents, even when you're studying abroad. This means that, as an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you'll never have to pay any additional surcharges or fees for studying overseas.
However, please note that there are residency conditions that will apply if you are looking to access FEE-HELP, the Commonwealth government loan scheme available to eligible students. For more information on FEE-HELP, please visit Study Assist.
