You can enrol in the majority of our courses, and start studying, anytime you like. There's no need to wait for a certain date or a new semester to start – just, enrol, login, and start learning.

Courses offered by the Open Colleges School of Health, which is campus based, are the only ones that have specific intake dates. Check the relevant course page to find out more.

Enrolment is easy! Click on the Enrol Now link located on any of our course information pages and follow the simple steps. If you still need further assistance, you can contact an Enrolment Consultant on 1300 853 033.

Many of our courses have no formal education entry requirements, other than English language, literacy and numeracy skills. Check the course page on our website to see if the course you are interested in has any additional requirements or required equipment etc. in order to be successful with your studies.

Within 30 days of completing your course (including any work placement), you'll receive a document (by post) which certifies you have successfully completed your studies. Depending on which course you enrol in, this could be an Open Colleges Certificate or Diploma, a Statement of Attainment or a certificate of completion, for unaccredited short courses.

You'll need a computer, some basic software (like Microsoft Word) and an internet connection - that's it. Some of our courses require extra materials or specific software - like Graphic Design, for example - but for the majority of our courses it is easy to get started. Where you'll need to purchase additional items then this will be specified in the course guide.

Many of our courses include structured workplace learning (also called work placement), which is a structured learning program undertaken in a workplace relevant to the course. It involves doing set tasks and activities over time under the guidance of a workplace supervisor, and Open Colleges workplace assessor. It can be a stimulating and highly rewarding part of the course that will enable you to participate in a real workplace and put into practice the skills you've learned. You will need to secure your own work placement and our Academic Support Team can provide advice and direction on identifying an appropriate workplace, and support if you're having difficulty locating a suitable work place.

You'll find more information on structured workplace learning under the 'Questions' tab at the top of the page. 

We offer a range of payment options, including interest-free fortnightly and weekly payment plans and payment via zipMoney. Where you choose to pay in full at the time of enrolment you may be eligible to receive a discount.

Find out more about your payment options by calling one of our Enrolment Consultants on 1300 853 033 for more information. You can also find more information here

Some of our courses are approved for Austudy/Abstudy assistance, provided you are eligible to receive these payments. Our Enrolment Consultants will be able to give you further general information. Call them today on 1300 853 033. We also recommend you make enquiries with Centrelink about your specific circumstances.

You can take our free online assessment to help determine your learning level and plan your future studies. Go to this page and follow the links to our online Language, Literacy and Numeracy assessment tool.

With online learning, there are no classrooms, no timetables and no deadlines. You’re in control. You get your course content, submit your assessments and receive your grades through our online learning platform, OpenSpace, so you can study wherever you are. Our learning content is accessible on mobile devices, however you may require access to software like Word, Excel etc. to submit your assessments. Please check the course guide for more information.

There are so many benefits to online study, check out the list below for just a handful!

• Flexibility – All of your learning materials are available for you on our online campus OpenSpace, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So you have the flexibility to study whenever and wherever you want; on a train, in a café, at home, the choice is yours.
• No deadlines – No deadlines – We believe that students learn best at their own pace, so we have no lesson, assignment or study deadlines. You can learn, absorb and submit your assessments when you feel ready, not before.
• Affordability – We want everyone to have the opportunity to study so we have a variety of payment options available – which you can find here. For information on your options, call our Enrolment Consultants on 1300 650 011.
• Support – Student support is at the heart of what we do! Our friendly Student Support, Learning Support and Academic Support teams can help with all your enrolment, administrative and study questions, while you Trainers and Assessors are also always happy discuss your questions about your learning materials or assessment tasks.

At Open Colleges we aim to ensure that you have the very best online study experience. Our online campus, OpenSpace contains all your learning materials, lessons and assessments in one place. For our students not studying through the OpenSpaceX version, you can also talk to your trainers and assessors, as well as your fellow classmates.

Studying online also means that you can study wherever and whenever you want, and our no deadline policy means that you don’t have set dates and times to hand anything in. As long as you get all your work done and handed in and marked by the course end date, you can work your study around your life.

However, as convenient as all this is, we do understand that your course can be challenging at times, and our Student support services are always here to help you stay on track and keep you motivated. Be sure to contact them whenever you feel like you need some extra help. Our Trainers and Assessors are also committed to helping you understand the course material, and should you have any questions, you can always ask them for guidance.

Studying online with Open Colleges is different from classroom-based study in two major ways. Firstly, with online study there is no need to be present on campus so you can study anywhere you want! All you need to do is simply log on to our online campus OpenSpace to get access to all your learning materials and assessment tasks. Secondly, there are no set deadlines! Our courses are structured so that you’re able to build your knowledge and skills at your own pace, provided you finish by your course expiry date.

If you’re new to study, or haven’t studied in a long time, then it’s understandable that online study might seem a bit daunting. But there’s no need to worry – studying online is suitable for almost everyone. All you need is access to a computer and an internet connection. We provide all of your learning materials and assessments via our online campus, OpenSpace, so everything is ready for you in one place. If you have any administrative questions, need some help with managing your time or want some study tips, you can contact our helpful Student support teams.

Open Colleges offers nationally recognised Certificates and Diplomas under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). This means that our Certificates and Diplomas meet specific national standards and have been developed in consultation with industry to provide the most workplace relevant training. Qualifications from Open Colleges also carry the same level of recognition as courses delivered on-campus in a classroom setting.

Open Colleges’ short courses not accredited.

Yes. Open Colleges is a Registered Training Organisation (or RTO) under the Australian Training Framework. We are registered with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA), which means that our accredited courses provide you with exactly the same qualification you would receive if you studied a course at a TAFE or any other RTO in Australia.

TAFEs are government funded training providers, whereas RTO like Open Colleges are privately owned training providers.

Certificate and Diploma qualifications studied through Open Colleges are nationally recognised throughout Australia and can be used Australia-wide, as they are issued under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Open Colleges’ short courses are not nationally recognised.

Due to differences in qualifying standards between countries, it is not possible to have a universal equivalent that would be recognised overseas for many courses. However, many countries recognise Australian qualifications and the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) system is very highly regarded internationally. If you want to use an Open Colleges qualification overseas, it is best to check that country’s industry guidelines to find out whether an Australian qualification meets the criteria set for your industry.

Yes. Our Trainers and Assessors are qualified in their industry, have in-depth industry knowledge and experience, and are certified to teach. They’re required to maintain industry currency in their area, and many continue to work in their field while helping our students to succeed. All of our courses are also created in consultation with industry experts, so you will get the work-relevant qualifications.

Although you’re studying online, you’ll still have the chance to interact with other students face-to-face. Some courses hold Skills Workshops and Conferences. These events give students a hands-on learning experience. If we have planned a Workshop or a Conference related to your field of interest, we’ll send you an email to let you know about it. Certain courses will also require you to complete Structured Workplace Learning (also known as a ‘work placement’). This will give you the chance to learn practical skills required for your qualification. To find out if you have a work placement requirement for your course, check out the course page.

As there are no deadlines to stick to, you can create a study schedule that fits around your life. Our Learning Support Officers can offer advice on time management and help you build a study plan. Strike a balance that works for you.

VET courses are different from university degrees in that they combine practical hands-on skills with theory, and are designed to prepare you for the workforce. 

Where university degrees tend to focus more on theory, giving you a large general knowledge base in your chosen field, VET courses teach you job-ready skills. VET courses will offer a work-placement component as part of your studies, where you get to go into the workforce and learn by doing. For more on the difference between VET and university, check out this article.

VET courses generally range in duration from 12 months to 2 years, depending on the type of course you choose to study. In comparison, a standard undergraduate Bachelor degree at university is 3 years, full-time study.

When you study online with Open Colleges, you have the flexibility to work at your own pace. There are no deadlines, you just have to make sure you finish before the course expiry date. Check out the course page for the course you’re interested in to find out more.

There are lots of great reasons to study a VET course. VET offers a variety of different career paths from community services to aged care, accounting to marketing, fitness to nursing, beauty therapy to construction, and more! VET courses are designed to prepare you for an ever-changing workforce, as you learn job-ready skills.

VET graduates have a higher employment rate than university graduates and can even earn more as a starting salary, upon graduating, as well as teaching real-life skills. Learn more here.  

If you’re interested in a career that combines theory and practical work, and a rewarding career that will help you make a difference, VET is the right choice for you.

VET courses are unique in that they are designed to provide you with the exact skills you need to do a specific job. For example, a Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy could see you walk straight into work as a beauty therapist; a Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care will give you the skills you need to work as an educator in a childcare centre or family day care centre.

So you’ll be ready to start a new career, go for that promotion or re-enter the workforce as soon as you complete your course.

To make study accessible for everyone, Open Colleges offers a wide range of course payment options. You can find detailed information about these on our Payment Options page.

Yes, with Open Colleges, you can choose to pay for your course in full on enrolment, pay 50% and the balance on a weekly/ fortnightly payment plan or pay the full amount with a weekly/fortnightly payment plan, letting you schedule your payments around your regular outgoings. Contact one of our Enrolment Consultants on 1300 853 033 for more information or look here.

We do offer VET Student Loans for specific School of Health courses. The covered courses include the Diploma of Nursing, Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing, Home and Community), and Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability). These courses are eligible while our other courses are not because they are a blend of on-campus and online study completed in our WA and SA campuses.

For all our other courses, we don’t currently offer VET Student Loans as a payment option. However, you can pay for your course with a convenient payment plan that allows you to split the cost of your course fees into weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments that work around your regular outgoings. Find out more about payment options here.

You may be eligible for the VET Student Loan program for our School of Health SA & WA on campus courses if you:

• are an Australian citizen OR a Permanent Humanitarian Visa holder residing in Australia for the course duration OR a New Zealand citizen who holds a Special Category Visa (SCV) meeting the long-term residency requirements
• live in South Australia or Western Australia where the course is being delivered
• study in an approved VET Student Loans course (e.g. HLT54115 Diploma of Nursing)
• have not exceeded your FEE-HELP balance. Please visit study assist for more information
• meet course suitability requirements
• have a Tax File Number (TFN)

You may be eligible for tuition subsidies and concessions from State or Commonwealth Government. Follow the links below for more information about the funding schemes and subsidies available through YourLife Health & Learning Inc t/a Open Colleges School of Health.

• Residents of Western Australia may be eligible for Jobs & Skills WA funding. 
• Residents of South Australia may be eligible for WorkReady SA funding.

At Open Colleges, we are committed to the quality of our courses and always aim to deliver the very best course content and support for our students.

While enrolled with us, you’ll get:

• Access to OpenSpace, our custom built online campus which lets you access your learning materials anytime, anywhere.
• Easy to follow learning material developed in consultation with industry experts.
• Personalised feedback from your trainer as you work through the course.
• Where possible, fast turnaround on assessments and student support queries.
• The support you need to keep going.
• as Access to career tips and resources that will help you apply your qualification in the real world.
• A testamur (certificate) when you graduate as proof that you have completed your course.

When you pay in full, we don’t have to spend extra money on administration for tasks such as payment plan processing. Instead, we get to pass on this saving to our students in the form of a discount.

Open Colleges doesn’t charge any interest on our payment plans. However, if you opt to switch your payment plan to a zipMoney account, you could be subject to extra charges.

Some of our courses are approved for Austudy/Abstudy assistance, provided you are eligible to receive these payments. Our Enrolment Consultants will be able to give you further general information. Call them today on 1300 853 033.  We recommend you contact Centrelink to discuss your specific circumstances.

When you enrol in any course with Open Colleges, you’ll receive a confirmation email and your log in details to OpenSpace shortly afterwards. If you haven’t received your log in details after 24 hours, please check your junk mail folder and then contact Student Support. OpenSpace is the place to go to find your course content, learning materials, submit your assessments and check your grades. So, you can begin studying as long as you’ve logged into OpenSpace.

With Open Colleges there are no deadlines – other than your course expiry date! Our online courses are divided into modules/units. Each of these modules/ units includes a set of learning materials, as well as assessment tasks. These learning modules and assessments can be completed whenever you want, just as long as everything is finished and graded by your course expiry date.

All the learning materials, including workbooks, reading, interactive lessons, videos, quizzes, and assessments will be available on our online campus, OpenSpace. To access them, simply log in to OpenSpace.

Open Colleges has two delivery types: online through OpenSpace with readings, interactive lessons, videos, and assessments; and online through OpenSpace plus work placement to develop on-job experience. The course page will indicate what delivery method is applicable for your course.

The maximum duration for an enrolment for each Open Colleges course varies between 12 months and 36 months. Check the course page on the Open Colleges website or have a look at your course guide to confirm the maximum duration for your specific course.

You must complete all requirements of your course (including work placement) before your course expiry date.  Your specific course expiry date will be on your Confirmation of Enrolment.

The course completion date in your course guide specifies the maximum amount of time that you have to complete your course. We have found that people who lead busy lives often need a bit more time to study, and so we offer the option to study at your own pace. If you want to complete your studies in a shorter time period, you can do this by increasing the hours you spend on your studies each week.

Learning materials will depend on your specific course, however they could include workbooks, readings, interactive lessons, videos, role plays, podcasts, quizzes, and assessments.

For students in OpenSpaceX, please get in contact with Student Support and they can help arrange a time for you to speak with the relevant Trainer and Assessor.

For our other students, you can go to OpenSpace and message the Trainer Assessor assigned to that specific module/unit.

If you can’t complete all your course requirements within your course duration, you may apply for a course extension of a maximum of up to 6 months. There is a small fee payable per month of extension, and this is set out in our Schedule of Administrative Fees. Our ability to provide an extension is also dependent on a few criteria, including if your course fees are paid in full, a new training package has not been released, and if your current course is not in a teach-out period.

For students studying in OpenSpaceX, you can apply for an extension by contacting Student Support.  Other students can apply for this extension through OpenSpace.

Some Open Colleges courses include professional memberships, whilst others will qualify you for registration. It’s best to check with the professional membership body to see whether your course will qualify you for membership. Also check the course page for more information.

If you encounter a problem during your studies, you can pick up the phone, send an email or use live chat (where available) to contact our friendly support team. Here’s a rundown of what they can help you with:

• Student Support ​ One of our Student Support team will get your enrolment sorted, update your details, connect you with your Trainers and Assessors or another one of our support teams, make sure you receive any kits that come with your course and can give you a hand finding your way around OpenSpace if you ever get lost.
• Academic Support   If you need help with credit transfers, RPL or work placement, our Academic Support team can assist.
• Learning Support Make an appointment with our Learning Support (also called Student Success) team if you need a hand with the practical elements of studying with Open Colleges. Develop a study schedule and get help with language, literacy and numeracy, as well as academic writing and referencing to ensure you get the best results.

Yes. These are explained further in OpenSpace but in general, posts should be respectful and relevant. Most of all, the forums are there to be enjoyed so there’s no spam or offensive behaviour is allowed, and we ask that you display respect and courtesy for your fellow students.  Our Code of Conduct applies to your use of these groups.

Discussion groups are not available on OpenSpaceX.

Open Colleges hosts a range of workshops and conferences, which not only give you the opportunity to develop the practical skills related to your course but also give you the chance to meet your trainers and other students. Share your experiences, get advice, swap notes and make new friends! You’ll be invited to these events via email – places are usually limited so get in quick! Alternatively, if you need a little extra motivation, you can find a study buddy who is studying the same course as you using OpenSpace. You could even arrange to meet up to study in a local cafe if you live near each other.

Check out the discussion groups
OpenSpace makes interacting with other students easy and your course discussion groups are a great place to meet other students. Join in any of the conversations there or post your own question and start a discussion.
Share your notes with other students
When you’re studying in OpenSpace you can make notes directly onto the course content to share with other students. So whether you’ve found a perfect quote or an amazing reference source, pop it in a comment and give your fellow students a hand.
Find a study buddy
There’s no need to go it alone! You can find a Study Buddy who is studying the same course as you on OpenSpace. Keep each other motivated, discuss any questions you have about the course material and share study resources.
Send a private message
You can also send a private message to other students on your course in OpenSpace. All you need to do is go to your Message Centre (accessible from the drop-down menu underneath your profile photo), click 'New Message' and start typing!
Attend an OC event
Open Colleges’ workshops and conferences also give you the chance to meet your trainers and other students in person.

The freedom of online study is one of its key benefits but working to your own schedule means it can be easy to lose momentum and motivation. Don’t worry, help is at hand to keep you on track. With Open Colleges, you’ll never feel alone. Our Learning Support Officers can help you build a study schedule that works for you and give you some extra tips on how to stay motivated to make sure you reach your goals. 

A study buddy is someone else (or a group of people) on your course who you can ‘buddy up’ with and study together. You can help each other with things like understanding course content, preparing for assessments, sharing study resources and motivating each other. You can easily find a study buddy using OpenSpace.

Study buddies are not available on OpenSpaceX.

There are heaps of resources available in OpenSpace, including the GALE Library. GALE is an online library containing thousands of research materials and papers to help you with your studies. It’s available for you to use anytime you want and is updated daily. GALE is your main research library, but there are also six other databases that are part of the OpenSpace library, including:

• WorldCat – find items in libraries near you
• Libraries Australia – resource sharing service coordinated by National Library of Australia
• VOCED UNESCO/NCVER – database for technical and VET research
• The Online Books Page
• Questia Online Library • Online Education Database

There are also plenty of resources in OpenSpace to help you build your academic and literacy skills, and an area dedicated to helping you develop your study skills to ensure you make the most of your time and get the best results possible.

There are six easy steps to getting started:

1. Login to OpenSpace.

2. Go to the Support Centre or Student Information (OpenSpaceX). This will help you get started, and give you access to study tips, and additional resources and assessments. You can also find a study buddy via the Support Centre.

3. Start your first module/unit. Start by reading the learning materials and completing the learning activities. The learning activities are not formally assessed, but provide a great opportunity for practice.

4. Submit your assessments. When you feel confident with the learning materials, you are ready to attempt your assessments. Once you have completed and submitted your assessment, your Assessor will review it, give you a mark, and provide you with feedback. Information about the marking process, timeframes and grades is available in our Student Handbook.

5. Move on to the next module/unit. When you have successfully completed the required assessments, you can progress to the next module/unit.

6. If your course has work placement in it, make sure you take the time early on to familiarize yourself with the requirements of work placement and start planning who you might approach.  Be sure to check out the Structured Workplace Learning section under the ‘Questions’ tab above for more information.

This will depend on your course, and the assessment load for your Assessor. We work hard to get your assessments graded within 10 business days, it can be quicker and sometimes it does take longer especially for work placement portfolios/ workbooks.  If you want to move ahead while waiting for your assessment, we may be able to unlock the next module/ unit for you, so please contact Student Support for assistance.

Depending on the course you choose to study, your learning will be assessed through the completion of a combination of activities, short answer questions, quizzes, case studies, portfolios, role plays, recordings, videos, research projects and log books. For example, if you attend a work placement as part of your course, you’ll complete a log book that will count towards your final grade. And if you study photography or design, you’ll build a portfolio throughout the course which you can then use to showcase your work to get a job within the industry. Your course guide will include details of which assessments you will have to complete as part of your course.

You are required to complete all assessments (including work placement).

When you study online with Open Colleges, there are no exams to attend. Most of your assessments will be submitted online but with some courses, there may be occasions when some assessments (like portfolios) will have to be posted to us.  The specific assessment task instructions will let you know if this is needed.

If you get stuck with an assessment or have a question related to the learning material, your Trainers and Assessors are available to give you guidance and feedback. You can contact them through the online learning campus, OpenSpace (except OpenSpaceX) or via Student Support.  They can help you set up an appointment to discuss your questions or concerns.  They try to respond to all queries within 72 hours.

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 will be an Open Colleges Certificate, a Statement of Attainment or a nationally recognised certificate or Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

If you study for a nationally recognised qualification, you’ll receive a qualification from the Registered Training Organisation that offers the course, for example ICM Training or you’ll receive an Open Colleges certificate. Your qualification will hold the same value as a qualification gained at a campus. The only difference is, you can study for it at your own pace – whenever and wherever you like.

If you have studied for a nationally recognised qualification, you will receive a Certificate, an Academic Transcript and a Student Assessment Record showing your grades for all assessment tasks.

If you did not study for a nationally recognised qualification, you will receive an Open Colleges certificate.

Yes! Many Open Colleges courses are open to students from New Zealand. However, some of our courses involve a work placement (Structured Workplace Learning) which must be undertaken in Australia. Some courses are also restricted to Australian students only. Check the information on the individual course pages (or contact us) to find out which courses you might be eligible for

A nationally recognised course is part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). The AQF includes specific standards for courses at different levels. By studying a nationally recognised course, your qualification will be recognised by industry across Australia. Open Colleges delivers nationally recognised qualifications at Certificate and Diploma level. You can find out more information about nationally recognised training on our 'Qualifications' page.

In order to comply with regulatory requirements, all Structured Workplace Learning activities for Open Colleges courses must occur in Australia. This means that if you are intending to study this course from outside of Australia, you will need to travel to Australia to complete your work placement. You'll be responsible for your own travel and accommodation costs.

If you are not an Australian citizen, then you will require a visa to travel to Australia to complete your work placement. You should check to see if you are eligible for a visa before enrolling in an Open Colleges course or making travel arrangements to come to Australia. You will be responsible for visa application or processing fees regardless of the outcome.

New Zealand citizens go here. Other nationalities (including permanent residents of Australia) can find out more from the Australian Immigration Department website.

Overseas students will have access to the same level of support that students in Australia enjoy (during Australian operating hours). , including Trainer Support, Student Support and Learner Support. Students who travel to Australia for work placement will also have access to Work Placement Support

Contact us for the most up-to-date course fees. All fees quoted are in Australian Dollars ($AUD)

As many of the courses we offer provide industry-recognised qualifications from accredited institutions, you’ll be ready to start a new career, go for that promotion or re-enter the workforce as soon as you complete your course. Check out each course page to see some of the possible job outcomes or browse our dedicated Careers site for in-depth information on career pathways, salary and the employment outlook in your chosen field.

 

Visit our dedicated Careers site to get in-depth information on your chosen career area, including average wages for specific roles, letting you know what you can expect to earn when you enter the industry.

Our dedicated Careers site offers comprehensive information on a range of career areas. Find out the employment outlook for specific jobs roles and the current employment level in that role by state to get a full understanding of what the future could bring in your chosen career.