Help / FAQs
Frequently asked questions about studying with Open Colleges
General
How do I enrol?
Enrolment is easy! Click on the enrol link located on any of our course information pages and follow the simple steps. If you still need further assistance, you can contact a course and careers adviser on 1300 853 033.
How long will my course take?
Because most of our courses allow you to set your own pace, that is up to you! Most courses have a maximum time that you must finish within (normally between 12 months and three years), but if you have the time and stick to your study schedule it is possible to finish your course much sooner.
Will I receive a certificate?
When you complete your course, you'll receive a document which certifies you have successfully completed your studies. Depending on which course you enrol in, this could be an Open Colleges (formerly Cengage Education) certificate, a statement of attainment or a nationally recognised certificate or diploma.
Do I need to attend exams?
With Open Colleges' distance education courses, there are no exams to attend. All your assessments and exams can be sent in or submitted online.
What if I need help with my course?
If you need help with your course, Open Colleges has a range of support options available for you. Our Student Support team is available to answer any general questions you might have about your course. Your trainer will also be able to offer course-specific advice.
Are there any prerequisites for my course?
Most of our courses require no prerequisite studies, other than basic English language skills. Check the course page on our website to see if the course you are interested in has any additional requirements.
What does nationally recognised mean?
Many of our courses are nationally recognised. Upon successful completion of one of these courses, you will receive a statement of attainment (SOA), certificate or diploma that is nationally recognised. Vocational qualifications and SOAs have been developed by industry in the form of training packages, which have been endorsed by regulators such as the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). This means that many of our courses are qualification-level courses and will be recognised nationwide, giving you more options for employment and further studies. If the course you want to study is nationally recognised, it will be mentioned on the course page on our website.
Finance
What if I can't afford to pay for my course?
Open Colleges offers a range of payment options, from discounts for payment in full to interest-free monthly, fortnightly and weekly payment plans. Some students may also be eligible for government funding to help them study approved courses. Call one of our course and careers advisers on 1300 853 033 for more information.
Can I apply for Austudy or Abstudy assistance if I study with Open Colleges?
Some of our courses are approved for Austudy/Abstudy assistance, providing you are eligible to receive these payments. There is also assistance available for those receiving pension payments and other financial benefits. Our course and careers advisers will be able to give you further information. Call them today on 1300 853 033.
Courses
Other education institutions like TAFE require me to purchase textbooks, uniforms and equipment on top of my course fees. What additional items will I need to purchase if I study with Open Colleges?
Once you've enrolled in the course, you generally won't need to pay for any additional materials! For many courses, we provide you with all the textbooks and study aides you need to complete your course, at no extra cost. If you do need to buy or have access to additional equipment or other items, this will be advised upfront.
Will my Open Colleges course provide me with the same exemptions as TAFE or OTEN if I choose to under take further study at university?
Yes. Like TAFE and OTEN, we have an articulation agreement with a major Australian university, which for certain courses may mean you can go on to higher education (such as a degree course) and receive recognition for the subjects you have already completed with us.
Comparisons
How is distance learning different from classroom-based courses offered by other education institutions like TAFE?
With distance education – either by correspondence or online – there are no classes to attend, so you can study whenever and wherever you want, to fit in around your work and social commitments. Instead of attending classes, you read through your study materials in your own time, and then submit your assessments either online or send them in by mail. If you are studying a nationally recognised qualification, it will give you the same level of qualification that you would receive from a TAFE.
Will I receive the same accreditation from Open Colleges that I would get through other education providers like TAFE or OTEN?
Yes. Open Colleges is a Registered Training Organisation under the Australian Training Framework. We are registered with ASQA which means that our accredited courses provide you with exactly the same qualification you would receive if you studied the course at TAFE or OTEN.
Can't find what you are looking for? Contact us online or call one of our course and careers advisors at 1300 853 033.