Getting advice

Not sure about something? We offer access to online support, advice and guidance. You might need to speak with someone about swapping subjects or trouble with assignments. It might be about getting clarification on a result, or needing to talk over some personal issues. In every instance our support services team is here to help.

Student advisors

Available seven days a week over the phone or through live chat, our student advisor team can answer all your queries. And if there’s one thing we’ve learnt, there’s no such thing as a silly question.

If the thought of going back to being a uni student is on your mind, but you’re not sure where to start or how to find the perfect course, a student advisor can help. They’ll walk you through our catalogue of degrees and subjects, explain the terminology and the processes, and help you find the perfect match.

We know that things like applications, student loans and enrolments can sometimes be a bit tricky, so from your first day through to graduation our student advisors are on call to help you. And if they can’t help you straight away, they’ll know exactly who can.

Contact a student advisor

Student counselling

If you're struggling with something personal or worried about anything—whether it relates to your study or not—knowing there's someone you can talk to can really help.

When you’re studying online through us you can access free and confidential^* appointments with professionally-qualified counsellors. This short-term, solution-focused service can help you:

• Work through stresses relating to student life.
• Deal with study anxiety.
• Look after any health or welfare issues that are affecting your studies.
• Manage your work, study and life balance.

Plus, counsellors can also put you in touch with other health and wellbeing professionals that are based close to you.

* The counselling service respects your privacy and holds information obtained in the course of professional service in confidence, except where the law demands otherwise or where there are ethical or moral reasons not to do so.

How to make a counselling appointment

Your first step is to request an appointment by email to counselling@open.edu.au. When you ask for an appointment, let us know your OUA ID plus the best number to reach you over the phone. 

If you're seeking support outside business hours, you can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14. Emergency services can be contacted on 000, and you can also visit BeyondBlue for a comprehensive list of support services.

Advice about your uni subjects and degree

The best people to contact about your degree and subjects are your tutors and coordinators. You’ll be able to find their details in your uni portal or the learning management system (LMS).

You should also contact your university if you'd like to request credit for previous study, or to organise your graduation.