If you’re in high school and thinking about applying for university in the future, have you considered enrolling in an online course? If you’ve been stressed or anxious about the thought of applying or getting into university or feeling unsure about moving away from home, then this could be a perfect solution for you. In this blog, we’ll go through some of the benefits of studying online to help you make a decision.
Study on your own terms
These days most universities offer courses online, and there are more and more options added each year. As a result of the pandemic, the availability of online courses has exploded, with delivery becoming more sophisticated and streamlined.
If you’d like the chance to study at your own pace, wherever and whenever you want, then studying online could be a great move.
What you’ll need to study online
You don’t need heaps of fancy equipment to study online – as long as you have these basics, you should be good to go:
An internet connection
Most importantly, it needs to be reliable. If your home doesn’t have internet, you can find out about dongles, hot-spot from your phone, or find places where you can access the internet for free, such as at your local library.
A suitable device
This is usually a PC or laptop, but tablets can occasionally be suitable too. You’ll have to make sure it’s modern enough to support the software that your provider uses without any issues. A webcam and microphone will also come in handy.
A workspace
Preferably somewhere comfortable and quiet where you can focus on your work. Read some tips on creating the perfect study space from Monash.
How to access course materials
Course content is usually available for you to access online 24/7. Lectures and tutorials are generally held on platforms like Zoom, and you can connect with lecturers and other students on your course through email, student forums, and chat sites.
When you’re researching your options, you may find out you’ll need to be on-campus occasionally. For example, you might have to go in for exams or to complete certain modules, especially if there are units where specialist equipment or supervision is required.
The benefits of studying online
There are lots of positives about online learning; here are just a few to consider:
You have (nearly) unlimited choice
You’ll have even more courses to choose from if you study online. When you’re looking at on-campus qualifications, where you want to study can be an influencing factor, so you might be limited to courses offered by a particular provider – but studying online removes those barriers.
You could save money and time
Living at home means you could save money on accommodation, stay close to your family and friends, plus get all the home comforts you’re used to. No commuting each day could save you money and time as well.
You can set your own schedule
The flexible nature of online study means you can fit your study schedule around your lifestyle. You can do a degree while keeping (or finding) a job, enjoying all your hobbies, and still having free time to socialise.
You’re not confined to a classroom
Choose the study environment that suits you best, whether that’s your bedroom, the kitchen table, in your favourite café, or at the library. We’re all different, so you can make it work for you. You could even stream lectures while you’re working out at the gym or enjoying the fresh air at your local park.
You’ll get the same support
Universities value their online students as much as any other. You’ll have assigned lecturers and study groups, online forums and chat pages, email contacts, and video face-to-face time. Plus, you can still access all the same services and perks offered to on campus students. Student loans and government payments also apply for online studies, and most scholarships do too.
You’ll build important skills
Become more self-disciplined and motivated, improve your time management, as well as learn to be responsible for managing your workload and overall outcomes. These are all fantastic life skills that are highly desirable in the workplace and will look great on your resume. You’ll also gain new technical skills as you learn to navigate new systems, platforms and use new software.
Still not convinced? Compare the pros and cons of studying on campus vs online.
Start your search
Most universities and higher education providers will have a page dedicated to their online courses. If you can’t find one, simply search the courses you’re interested in and see if they offer an “online” option on the course overview page. It’s usually listed under the location or delivery mode section.
You can find out a lot through a simple internet search, but don’t forget you can get help from the providers themselves about the courses they offer and different options that are available to you. Don’t be afraid to give them a call, send them an email, or fill out an online enquiry.
Applying for online courses
Applying for an online course varies between institutions. Sometimes you can apply directly to the provider by filling out the necessary forms. In most cases, you’ll still apply through a Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC), just like you would for a course on-campus.
If you’re unsure about what you have to do at any point, contact the university directly, and they’ll make sure you have all the right information and the key dates you’ll need.
Always ensure you submit applications on time to be considered for the start of the next semester or term. Otherwise you might have to wait until the next round begins.
Before you sign up
Here are a few things to check before you commit to a course:
- Is the course accredited?
- Are there any prerequisites?
- How long has the provider been running online courses?
- How are materials delivered?
- What devices are needed (and recommended)?
- What are the duration and costs?
- How flexible is the course?
- How will you be able to connect with tutors and other staff, as well as other students?
- What academic help is on offer?
- Who do you contact if you’re experience technical issues?
- Is there any financial help available for the course?
The choice is yours
It could be well worth spending a little bit of time doing your own research to see if studying online is the right option for you.
Even if it’s not, there are plenty of other resources available on the Study Work Grow website that could help you figure out all you need to know about your future study options.