What is a bachelor degree?
By Ralph BrownPublished on
A bachelor degree is an undergraduate qualification offered by universities usually at AQF Level 7 on the Australian Qualifications Framework. Whether you're starting out or returning to study later in life, here's how bachelor degrees work and how to compare your options.
What is a bachelor degree?
A bachelor degree helps you build knowledge and skills in a specific field. They take three to four years of full-time study to complete and are often the first major university qualification a student completes.
Most bachelor degrees focus on a particular field or discipline, such as business, education, science or the arts.
Depending on the course, you might study a mix of:
- core subjects that cover the foundations of the field
- electives that let you explore related areas
- practical learning, placements or work-integrated learning
A bachelor degree can support entry into many professional fields, or set you up for further study like a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree.
What does undergraduate mean?
Undergraduate study usually refers to university study completed before postgraduate study. A bachelor degree is one of the most common undergraduate qualifications, but undergraduate study can also include other qualification types, depending on the course or university.
Postgraduate study generally comes after undergraduate study. It includes qualifications like graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and masters degrees.
So when you see “undergraduate” used to describe a course, it usually means a course designed for students who haven't completed a university degree yet.
For more on this, see our page on undergraduate courses.
Why is it called a bachelor degree?
The word “bachelor” here has nothing to do with marital status. It comes from the medieval Latin “baccalaureus”, the term for someone who had completed the first stage of university study. The same root gives us “baccalaureate”, still used for school-leaving qualifications in some countries.
Over time, “bachelor degree” came to mean the standard first degree you complete at university.
Bachelor degree at a glance
Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
What is it? | An undergraduate qualification that builds knowledge and skills in a specific field |
What level is it? | Usually AQF Level 7 |
How long does it take? | Commonly three to four years full-time, or longer part-time |
Can you study online? | Yes, many Australian universities offer bachelor degrees online |
Do you need an ATAR? | Not always. Some courses offer alternative entry pathways |
What can it lead to? | Professional roles, career change, further study or postgraduate pathways |
What comes next? | Honours, a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or work in your chosen field |
Not sure where a bachelor degree fits your goals? Help Me Choose can help you compare options based on your interests and circumstances.
What do bachelor degree titles mean?
Bachelor degrees often go by names that reflect their general field of study. Naming conventions vary by university, but here are some common titles you might come across:
Title | What it means | Common fields |
|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts (BA) | A bachelor degree often focused on humanities, social sciences, communication or creative fields | Arts, humanities, media, social science |
Bachelor of Science (BSc or BS) | A bachelor degree often focused on science, technology, health or analytical fields | Science, IT, health, data |
Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) | A bachelor degree often focused on business, finance, accounting or economics | Business, accounting, finance, economics |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) | A bachelor degree in law | Law and justice |
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) | A bachelor degree focused on creative or visual arts practice | Fine arts, creative arts |
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) | A bachelor degree focused on engineering principles and practice | Engineering |
Two universities can use the same title for courses that look quite different, so it's worth comparing course content, structure and entry requirements when you find a few degrees you like.
What is a bachelor degree with honours?
A bachelor honours degree is usually AQF Level 8. It involves additional advanced study and often a supervised research project, which can help prepare you for postgraduate research or some professional pathways.
Honours might be:
- an additional year of study after completing a bachelor degree
- embedded in the bachelor degree itself, so you graduate with honours as part of your course
Structure varies by university and field, so check the course details if honours is something you're interested in.
Who is a bachelor degree for?
Bachelor degrees aren't only for school leavers. Through us, you'll find people of all ages and backgrounds studying online for all sorts of reasons. A bachelor degree could be a fit if you're:
- a school leaver moving into university study
- a mature-age learner ready to study for the first time
- returning to study after time away
- changing careers or planning a new direction
- working towards a professional qualification
- building confidence and skills through structured learning
- planning to continue into postgraduate study later
If you're not sure which course fits your goals, Help Me Choose can help you compare options based on your interests and circumstances.
What can you do with a bachelor degree?
A bachelor degree can open up a range of options, depending on your field. Graduates often go on to:
- work in roles that require or prefer a bachelor qualification
- change career direction or move into a new field
- build professional, analytical and communication skills
- continue into postgraduate study
- meet the entry requirements for some regulated or specialised professions
- build confidence and credibility in their chosen area
Bachelor degrees can support your employment prospects and earning potential, but it depends on the field you study, your location and level of experience.
If you're weighing it up, check current graduate outcomes data for your field of interest before deciding.
What are the entry requirements for a bachelor degree?
Entry requirements vary by university and course. Some bachelor degrees use an ATAR or previous study for entry, but there are also alternative pathways if you don't have an ATAR or don't meet the standard requirements.
Common ways into a bachelor degree include:
- ATAR or equivalent secondary school results
- previous study, such as a diploma, certificate or completed subjects
- work and life experience, where the university accepts this
- open enrolment subjects you can take before applying for entry into a full degree (or what we call Open Access)
- enrolling in a pathway course like an undergraduate certificate, which has low to no entry requirements
Through us, many students start by enrolling in Open Access subjects without going through a formal application. Passing those subjects can satisfy the entry requirements for a related degree, depending on the course and university.
If you'd like help understanding your options, you can get in touch with a student advisor. For a closer look at alternative entry, see our guide on how to get into uni without an ATAR or explore our pathways into university.
What I tell students:
A lot of people worry they're locked out of university because they don't have an ATAR or finished school years ago. I tell them there are usually more ways in than they realise. Starting with a single Open Access subject can be a low-pressure way to try university study before committing to a full degree.
Can you study a bachelor degree online?
Yes. Many Australian universities offer bachelor degrees online, and through us, you can compare options from a wide range of universities in one place.
Online study can suit people who are balancing work, family or other responsibilities. It still includes deadlines, assessments and an expected weekly study load, and some courses include placements, practical tasks, intensives or set attendance requirements. The university delivers and awards the degree, while we help you compare options and enrol with the university.
How long does a bachelor degree take?
Most bachelor degrees take three to four years of full-time study. Some take longer, such as certain professional or combined degrees that include extra units or supervised practice.
Part-time study takes longer overall, but it can make a degree more manageable alongside work or other commitments.
Online students may also be able to adjust their study load over time, depending on the course. Starting with single subjects is one way to ease in gradually if you're not ready to commit to a full degree.
How much does a bachelor degree cost?
The cost of a bachelor degree depends on the university, course, study area, and whether you study in a Commonwealth supported place or a full-fee place.
Most domestic undergraduates study in a Commonwealth supported place. This means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees, and you pay the rest. The part you pay is called your student contribution amount.
Across bachelor degrees on Open Universities Australia, the total student contribution amount (shown as the indicative total fee) for domestic students in Commonwealth supported places typically ranges from around $16,000 to $60,000.
However, it’s important to understand that fees are usually charged by the subject as you study, rather than upfront for the whole degree. Your actual fees will depend on the mix of subjects in your course.
If you’re not offered a Commonwealth supported place, you’ll pay full fees, which are higher. As an example, StudyAssist shows that a Bachelor of Education can cost around $30,000 a year in a full-fee place, compared with about $6,500 a year in a Commonwealth supported place.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Eligible students in a Commonwealth supported place may be able to use HECS-HELP for the student contribution amount. This means you can defer payment until you’re earning over a certain threshold.
- Eligible full-fee students may be able to use FEE-HELP to defer payment.
- You may also need to budget for the Student Services and Amenities Fee, textbooks, materials, equipment or placement-related costs.
- Online study may reduce some costs like travel or relocation, depending on your situation.
These amounts change each year, so check the total indicative fees on your course page before you enrol.
Read our guides to learn more about how much your course will cost, and how to pay your fees.
How to get started
If you're ready to start exploring, here's a simple way to begin:
- Compare online bachelor degrees offered by Australian universities.
- Compare course content, entry requirements, fees, subject load and start dates.
- Check whether you meet the entry requirements or could use an alternative pathway.
- Use Help Me Choose if you're not sure which course fits your goals.
- Get in touch with a student advisor if you'd like help understanding your options.
- Enrol with the university through us when you're ready.
What comes after a bachelor degree?
Once you've finished a bachelor degree, options often include:
- working in your chosen field
- continuing with honours, if relevant to your degree and field
- moving into postgraduate study, such as a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree
- taking professional development or short courses to build specific skills
- taking some time to consider your next step
There's no single right path. Many students take time between qualifications, return to study later, or combine work and further learning.
Explore bachelor degrees through us
Ready to compare your options? You can explore online bachelor degrees offered by Australian universities, or get in touch with a student advisor if you'd like help understanding entry requirements, study load or your next step.
Through us, you'll find a wide range of bachelor degrees from Australian universities in one place. The university delivers and awards the degree, and we're here to help you compare your options, understand entry pathways and feel confident about what you're choosing.
About the author
Ralph Brown
Student advisor specialising in qualification advice
Ralph Brown is an experienced student advisor at Open Universities Australia. Over nine years, he has helped thousands of students compare courses, understand their options and take their next step with confidence. Ralph believes there is often more than one path forward. He gives clear, practical advice without pressure, helping students make decisions that suit their goals, circumstances and readiness to study.
Frequently asked questions
What level of degree is a bachelor degree?
A bachelor degree is usually AQF Level 7 in Australia. A bachelor honours degree is usually AQF Level 8.
Is a bachelor degree undergraduate or postgraduate?
A bachelor degree is usually an undergraduate qualification. Postgraduate qualifications generally come after undergraduate study and include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and masters degrees.
Is a bachelor degree the same as a diploma?
No. A diploma is usually a shorter qualification, often AQF Level 5, and can be a pathway into a bachelor degree rather than a substitute for one.
What is a double or combined degree?
A double (or combined) degree lets you study two bachelor degrees at once, graduating with both. It usually takes longer than a single degree, but less time than completing the two separately.
Can you take a break partway through a bachelor degree?
Many universities allow you to pause your study and return later, though there are usually limits on how long you can defer. Check the specific policy for your course before you plan a break.
Do employers treat an online bachelor degree differently?
The degree is delivered and awarded by the university, and testamurs generally don't distinguish between online and on-campus study. What matters most to employers is usually the qualification, the institution and your experience.
Is there a difference between a bachelor and a degree?
A bachelor degree is one type of degree. “Degree” is a broader term that can also include masters and doctoral qualifications.
What do BA and BSc mean?
A Bachelor of Arts (BA) is usually a bachelor degree in areas like humanities, social sciences or creative fields. A Bachelor of Science (BSc or BS) is usually a bachelor degree in areas like science, technology, health or data.
Can you get into a bachelor degree without an ATAR?
Yes, some students can get into a bachelor degree without an ATAR through alternative entry pathways. These may include Open Access subjects, undergraduate certificates, previous study or work experience depending on the course and university.
Is a masters degree higher than a bachelor degree?
Yes, a masters degree is higher than a bachelor degree in the Australian qualification system. A bachelor degree is usually AQF Level 7, while a masters degree is AQF Level 9.
Is a bachelor degree worth it?
A bachelor degree can be worth it if it helps you enter a field, change careers, build skills or qualify for further study. ABS data indicates that, over a lifetime, degree holders generally earn significantly more than those without formal tertiary qualifications.
