Insights blog
Stories, advice and support to guide your online study path
Careers & industry
Counselling vs social work: what’s the difference?
Both counsellors and social workers help people navigate difficult circumstances, but their roles and approaches are quite different.
How to switch to counselling mid-career
From study pathways to tips from a counsellor who’s already taken the leap, here’s everything you need to know about becoming a counsellor later in life.
Counselling jobs and career pathways in Australia
From direct counselling jobs to other career pathways, a counselling qualification can open up work across a wide range of settings.
Which counselling specialisation is right for you?
Explore the major counselling specialisations, what each involves and where they can lead, to help you narrow down your options and choose a direction.
Counselling salaries in Australia: how much can you earn?
If you’re weighing up a counselling degree but want an honest look at what it pays, this guide reveals it all, so you can make a clear-eyed decision about if it’s the right path for you.
Psychology salaries in Australia: how much can you earn?
Where you work, what you specialise in and the experience you build can all make a difference to your financial future in psychology.
What does a counsellor do?
Whether you’re exploring counselling for the first time or considering a career change, this guide is a great place to start. Learn what a counsellor does, who they work with, and whether it’s the right career for you.
A day in the life of a counsellor in Australia
Go behind the scenes of a counsellor's working day. Explore how they structure their time and the challenges they face.
Courses & the study experience
Is a short counselling course worth it?
Find out what a counselling short course can offer, who it's best suited to, and whether it's the right starting point for you.
Is a counselling degree worth it in Australia?
A counselling degree can be personally rewarding, but it also requires time, money and emotional commitment. This guide looks at what you'll gain from studying and whether the career it leads to is the right fit for you.
Is a psychology degree worth it in Australia?
Thinking about studying psychology? This guide explores what you’ll gain, the challenges to consider, and the career directions a psychology degree can lead to, helping you decide if it’s right for you.
How to choose electives, plus hot new picks
When it's time to pick your elective subjects, where do you even start? We asked student advisor Puja for her top tips.
What is considered full-time study and what’s part-time?
Wondering whether you have the time to commit to full-time study, or whether part-time study is for you? Here’s what each study load entails.
What is cross-institutional study and how does it work?
Did you know you can take a subject with another university, but have it count towards your current degree? Find out how Open Universities Australia can help you enrol in cross-institutional study, even if you’re an on-campus student.
Psychology degrees explained: understand your study options
Not all psychology qualifications lead to the same destination. Learn about the different degree options, what they cover, and where each one can take you.
How to find the best online psychology course for you in Australia
Choosing an online psychology course can feel like standing in front of a very crowded menu. Where do you even look first? We're here to help you narrow it down.
Study & life hacks
Why you owe it to yourself to study
You’ve seen others follow their passions into study, striding from an “I might” to an “I will” with apparent ease. But as for yourself? There’s a niggling doubt. A feeling of “I could never”. What if you could? Here’s why you should.
How does HECS work? The ultimate guide
If you’re thinking about enrolling in a uni course, you’ve no doubt considered getting a HECS-HELP loan. But how the HECS does the scheme actually work? Here's everything you need to know.
Your guide to university scholarships in Australia
You don't have to be an academic superstar to get a university scholarship in Australia. Find out more about the different opportunities that are out there, because you could be eligible
What self-education expenses can you claim at tax time?
An accountant shares the ins and outs of getting your tax done – including what you can and can’t claim if you're studying for work.
Boost your success with a study support network
Everyone needs support when pursuing something new, like studying. But you might not know how much it benefits you.
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.
How to get into uni without an ATAR
We know you have what it takes to study at university – and you don’t need an ATAR to prove it. Let’s explore the alternative pathways you can follow to get into the course of your dreams, no matter what.
What alternative pathways can I take into university?
If you’re the first in your family to attempt uni study, or it’s been a long time since you’ve hit the books, reading degree entry requirements might just send your head into a spin. This is your guide to starting small.