Benefits & challenges
As an International student, you can get world-class Australian qualifications regardless of where you live in the world. At OUA, you're a member of our global learning community.
Studying online removes hurdles of distance and borders from your learning goals. You can chat online with tutors, other students and lecturers to swap ideas, explore subjects and get extra help. For students new to online learning, check out the free Quick Skills modules and Macquarie Gateway to Academic Literacy to help you discover the tricks and tools to successful online study. Give your resume and your career a boost by adding an international aspect to your qualifications.
Getting ready
To study successfully through OUA, you will need:
- Good computer and online communication skills;
- An understanding of the approach to learning in Australian higher education;
- A high level of English skills (for undergraduate study an IELTS score of 6.5 or more (7.0 for postgraduate) is recommended if English is not your first language).
OUA recommends students who are not confident in their English language skills sit an IELTS exam or take our IELTS Online Preparation Program (Macquarie University).
Read more about the International Student English requirements on the English Proficiency page.
If you are returning to study after a break, or have never studied at a higher education level or in the Australian education system, or want to brush up on specific skills, we recommend undertaking our bridging or study skills units.
Students studying through OUA will have to work with tight timeframes. It is therefore important to:
- Enrol early, to allow time for your study materials to be sent;
- Purchase textbooks well before the start of the Study Period or Session so there is time for them to arrive;
- Complete assignments early to allow for any postage time.
Important computer and email information
Australian university study requires you to work extensively with a computer and the internet, so you will need to ensure that you have regular access to a system that meets our minimum computer requirements.
You will receive notices and information from the university via email. You will need to provide an email address that you check regularly.
Due to problems with Spam and Junk Mail filters we do not recommend using an email address from a free web-based email service such as Hotmail, Yahoo and Gmail.
