Insights blog

Catch up on industry news for your career, inspirational student stories to keep you motivated, information on online courses, plus tips that will guide you through life and study.

Careers & industry

Jobs that pay 100k a year in Australia

From psych to construction to comms, there are plenty of high-paying industries out there. Here are some of your best bets if you want to make at least $100k in Australia.

Job tips

5 in-demand jobs you can do from home

Don’t want to return to the office? The roles on this list will give you the flexibility to keep working remotely. 

Job tipsWays of working

Want a career change from teaching but not sure how?

Spoiler—you have more transferable skills than you think. By the end of this article, you may even have a game (not lesson) plan to go on.

Career changeSelf improvement

How to negotiate a higher salary

Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.

Job tipsSelf improvement

3 fascinating forensics jobs in Australia

Thinking about forensics as a career? For true crime junkies and self-confessed science geeks with a penchant for justice, it might seem like the perfect choice. But what does it take to work in forensics, and what jobs are on offer in Australia?

Career spotlightMake a difference

4 careers in sport that aren’t athlete

Fascinated by a career in high performance sport? There are a number of opportunities you can explore that don’t require you to compete—but are just as rewarding.

Career spotlightStudy options

What is an economist?

Economists can have a real impact on the wellbeing of others. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating and important profession. 

Career spotlight

Should I volunteer abroad?

Thinking of volunteering abroad? Alongside cultural immersion and making a positive impact to the world, a benevolent stint overseas brings with it a heightened sense of self. Here’s what to consider before you decide if you should volunteer abroad. 

Make a differenceSelf improvement

Courses & the study experience

Student allowances explained: What payments can you get?

If you’re studying full-time, you may be eligible for income support. Find out about the three main types of Centrelink payments for students, Austudy, ABSTUDY and Youth Allowance. 

Help me studyOnline study experience

What happens if you fail a uni subject?

Receiving a failing grade can feel like an overwhelming setback in your study journey. But help is available. Here’s what to do if your academic progress doesn’t go according to plan.     

Online study experienceHelp me study

The most common university terms explained

Are you confused by all the lingo and acronyms universities use? We've got you covered! Read our handy decoder guide.

Help me study

Do universities check for AI plagiarism?

Have you ever used a tool like ChatGPT for university work? Universities are relaxing the rules around AI, but you can still get caught out with AI plagiarism if you aren’t using it responsibly. Here’s what to know.

Help me studyExam and assessment prep

Help! I'm having second thoughts about my course

What happens if you make it a few weeks into your uni course and it isn’t what you expected? There’s still time to switch directions. Here’s what to do if you feel like this while studying through Open Universities Australia. 

Study options

When is the best time of year to study at university?

Do you get a burst of energy during summer, or prefer the cosiness of the winter months? If you’re considering starting a course this year but don’t know when to enrol, this should help.   

Study options

Booked a consultation? Here's how to prepare

So, you took the leap and booked a chat with a student advisor. Kudos! You’re one step closer to achieving your goals. Let’s look at how to prepare so you can get the most out of it.

Help me studyStudy motivation

7 timely qualifications you can study online in 2024

Whether you’re a Year 12 thinking about changing your course plans, or a professional with your eye on a career shift, this list should give you food for thought. 

Study options

Study & life hacks

11 tips for surviving the school holidays as a student/parent

We asked a group of parents how they plan to study and maintain their sanity over the school holidays. Hopefully, you'll walk away with coping strategies you can put into practice too! 

Study motivationHelp me study

How to start a side hustle

Have you got a passion or special skill that could earn you money? We spoke to people with successful side hustles about what it takes to launch your hobby into a source of secondary income.

Job tipsMake a difference

What you need to know about moving out of home

Starting university and thinking of moving out of home for the first time? Here’s what you need to know when you decide to fly the coop. 

Help me study

How to survive Year 12

It’s a big year—but it doesn’t have to break you. Here are our top tips for tackling Year 12.

Study motivationHelp me study

What’s the best music for studying?

Can the right music help you study? Let's put it to the test. Here are three Spotify playlists designed to get you into the productive zone. 

Help me studyStudy motivation

How to make friends at uni when you study online

Sure, you won’t see your classmates every week as an online student, but you can still build meaningful, lifelong friendships. Here’s where to find them.  

Online study experience

How can you start your own podcast?

With the number of podcasts out there, you may be starting to think you could create your own. But how much work is really involved in being a master of the mic?

Make a differenceCareer change

What is Auslan? Here are 7 facts to know

It’s a beautiful, complex and creative visual language that uses hand shapes, facial expressions and body language. And no, it’s not just English conveyed through signs.

Make a differenceCareer spotlightSelf improvement