Enrol through Open Universities Australia to gain credible skills from leading Australian universities.
If you'd like to update your skills without upending your life, online short courses offer a flexible and low-commitment solution.
Start to finish in weeks or a few months
With a short course, you have the flexibility to choose from courses that run from 3-13 weeks.Study with leading universities
While there’s an array of online courses out there, when you enrol through us you’ll be studying with a recognised Australian university.Expand your career options
Use short courses to hone your skills, boost your confidence and bolster your resume.Single subjects
With thousands of single subjects on offer from universities across Australia, you can choose topics that suit your professional needs and industry. Without committing to a degree, you can gain extra knowledge to upskill within a few months.
Most single subjects are part of a full degree, so if you’re keen to continue your studies, you can gain credit for the single subjects you’ve successfully completed.
- No entry requirements for single subjects via open enrolment
- Access to HELP Loans
- 10-14 weeks duration

Browse single subjects by study area
Short courses
Upskill quickly with online short courses from leading universities. Invest in your career development and boost your professional skills.
- Courses from 1 hour to 10 weeks
- University credit available on selected courses
- Learn under the guidance of experts and industry professionals


“ Doing a single subject allows me to see if that's where I want to go, it's less pressure without the commitment of a whole degree.
— Kimberley
Dedicate more time to an Undergraduate or Graduate Certificate
Study full-time towards a university qualification from 6 months.

Undergraduate Certificate
- Complete four subjects and come out with this new university qualification.
- Get it done in your own time with the flexibility of online study.
- Enjoy an introduction to online university courses.
- Gain credit or move onto a related diploma or degree if you like what you studied.
- Access HELP loans if you're eligible.
Duration: 6 months full-time (2 subject per study term) with part-time study also available.
Find an Undergraduate Certificate
Graduate Certificate
- Already have a degree or experience as a professional? Boost your career prospects with just four subjects.
- Join thousands of other students in our most popular postgraduate qualification.
- Gain credit and move onto a related graduate diploma or master's degree if you like what you studied.
- Access HELP loans if you're eligible.
Duration: 6 months full-time (2 subject per study term) with part-time study also available.
Find a Graduate CertificateNeed help finding the right course?
With just a few clicks, our tool can match you with courses that fit your needs.
Latest articles
Our team of experts are here to help
Our student advisors are available 7-days a week to help you with:
- Choosing a course that best suits you
- Enrolling and planning your studies
- Understanding your funding options
Chat, call or message an advisor or complete the form on this page.

About Open Universities Australia
Offering thousands of courses from leading Australian universities, we are a not-for-profit who have helped over 400,000 students study online.
Study anywhere, anytime
With multiple start dates throughout the year, we make it possible to enrol and start studying online — when and where it suits you.
Get full government funding
Access government funding FEE-HELP is available to eligible students for most courses. Find out more.
Let us do the admin
OUA is here to assist with the admin side of things — from helping you choose the right subject through to your simple online enrolment and beyond.
Trust in a not-for-profit
As a not-for-profit organisation, you can rest assured knowing we have your best interests at heart.
Benefit from expert guidance
Our friendly student advisors are available 7 days-a-week to help you compare your options and get started with ease.