Luan Koay
Student advisor specialising in law courses
Luan Koay brings warmth and care to every interaction she has with the students she supports throughout their study journey.
As someone with 5 degrees, she knows what it’s like to choose, apply for and enrol in a course and build the study skills required to be successful.
Luan has found herself as the resident expert in preparing students to succeed in law degrees and has had some especially rewarding experiences supporting high school students and their families.
She loves getting to chat with students every day and support them to achieve their study goals.
Luan would love to talk to you about:
- Law and justice courses
- Choosing a course that aligns with your goals
- Finding an alternative pathway in
- Preparing for university study and building the confidence to succeed
Luan reveals how she found her own path through study
What did you study at university?
I have 5 degrees! A Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science majoring in cancer cell and molecular biology, a PhD in biomedical science, a Graduate Diploma in Business and a Graduate Certificate in Digital Learning and Teaching.
When I was studying my PhD I did a lot of tutoring, so I’ve found my whole career has really evolved around the student lifecycle. Whether that’s as an academic tutor or advising students on how to get to where they want to go, I love sharing my knowledge and experience.
What led you to start working for Open Universities Australia?
After I finished my PhD I went back to work in the family business, which is where I got interested in studying my Graduate Diploma in Business.
Then during Covid times, I was feeling isolated and I saw the student advisor job advertised and thought, “Great, a chance to get to know a lot more people,” and I’ve found it’s been really interesting to work at the start of the student lifecycle, to get to know students and why they want to study in the first place, long before they start their first class.
What's your favourite part about helping students?
It’s very satisfying to hear their comments like, “You helped me so much” and even, “You saved my life”. When I talk to a student, I always reflect back to my own experience and think about the advice I wish I’d have received when I first started studying.
Since I worked as a university tutor previously, I have a lot of advice about preparing for study, like how to plan your time and use it efficiently.
Why are you passionate about helping students who are interested in studying law?
People who want to study law are usually really passionate and single-minded. They’ve often tested some law subjects in high school or have some familiarity to the legal profession through family members. But if they don’t get the ATAR needed, they need support to find an alternative path and I find it really rewarding to be able to help with that.
I’ve even worked with homeschooled and non-traditional students, preparing them to successfully enter and excel in a law degree against the odds. I set up a collaborative conversations with the student and their families, and I break down everything they need to know to succeed and I am there to encourage them. Hearing that they are achieving distinctions and high distinctions in law units is the ultimate payoff!
Blogs by Luan Koay
How to study law online in Australia
Law course specialist Luan Koay is here to tell you everything about studying law online, including what it's like, how it differs to the on-campus experience, and which courses you can access.
How to find the best online law degree for you in Australia
Not sure which online law course is right for you? Student advisor Luan Koay explains how to compare options based on your career goal, study history, experience and readiness.
Law degrees explained: understand your study options
Trying to understand how law degrees work in Australia? This guide explains common law qualifications, law course structures, core subjects, electives, majors and career outcomes, with guidance from student advisor Luan Koay.
Entry requirements for law degrees in Australia
There’s more than one way to get into a law degree. Student advisor Luan Koay takes you through ATAR, graduate, mature-age and alternative pathways, helping you choose a next step that suits you.
Bachelor of Laws vs Juris Doctor: what’s the difference?
Compare the two main pathways to becoming a lawyer – the Bachelor of Laws, for undergraduates starting out, versus the Juris Doctor, for graduates from other fields.
Law vs criminology: which should I study?
Considering a career in crime prevention, but not sure if you should study law or criminology? This guide from student advisor Luan Koay will help you understand the key differences, study pathways and career outcomes for each discipline.
Law vs a business degree: which is better for your career?
Are you planning for your future, or a career change? If you’re weighing up your study options, and stuck between choosing a law or a business degree, this guide from student advisor Luan Koay will help you compare the two disciplines.