Online study

Australia gives you access to world-class education from anywhere with an internet connection. You can learn online, choosing from short courses and microcredentials through to full higher education degrees.

There are some real advantages to studying online:

• You can study when and where you want, often at your own pace, and balance your learning with other commitments like family and work.
• You will still have access to Australia’s world-class qualifications, and learn from leading academics.
• For courses under the Australian Qualifications Framework, you can graduate with the same qualification that you would receive if you were on campus.
• You can save money on the costs of relocation by learning from home.
• You can access extra-curricular opportunities such as the Study Australia Industry Experience Program.

Transnational education (TNE) and twinning programs

Australian TNE around the world

Transnational education (TNE) programs are offered by Australian providers who have campuses in countries outside of Australia. It can also be delivered by local education providers in your home country if they have a partnership with an Australian education or training provider. 

Australian TNE can include a full qualification or studies to prepare you for entry (pathway) into an Australian qualification. With TNE, you can complete a full Australian qualification closer to home. Some TNE programs also allow you to complete part of your studies on-campus in Australia. 

There are clear benefits to TNE: 

• All Australian TNE programs must meet the same strict standards as courses offered in Australia. 
• You will still have access to Australia’s world-class qualifications, and learn from leading academics. 
• Your experience learning in multiple countries will be highly valued by employers. 
• You can study in your home country and avoid relocation costs for part or all of your studies. 

Twinning, dual and joint degree programs 

These are all types of TNE that include studies offered by two education providers, usually in different countries (for example, your home country and Australia). 

These programs enable you to enrol with two providers, and may even allow you to graduate with a qualification from both under a multiple degree or ‘joint degree’ program. You will usually study for a certain time with each provider. Studies completed with one provider will be recognised by the other.

These programs provide opportunities to experience different cultures, languages, academic systems and teaching methods. They also provide a broader perspective on your studies and prepare you for work in different countries and cultures.

Short courses in Australia

Short courses offer a great way to quickly gain new skills or knowledge, get a certificate or short course qualification, meet new people or follow an interest. 

These courses range from one hour to a few weeks long. Short courses taken in-person in Australia can be done on their own (if you have a visitor visa, for example), or as an extra course alongside your main course of study (if you hold a student visa, see special note below).

There are some great reasons to take a short course: 

• Short courses are a quick and low-cost way to upskill or to try something new as a ‘taste-test’ for further study.
• Some short courses allow you to apply for certain types of work, for example a ‘White Card Certificate’ for entering construction sites. 
  
• Some short courses (e.g. First Aid Certificate) may be necessary before you can do a work placement as part of your course.
  
• You may be able to combine (or ‘stack’) completed short courses with study credit given towards a full Australian qualification. 
  

An important note for international student visa holders.

You can take certain short courses in addition to your main course of study, but you must maintain your attendance and progress requirements in your main course to keep your student visa.

Australian online microcredentials

Microcredentials are short courses in a particular skill set or area of knowledge needed for study or employment. 

Australian microcredentials can be taken on their own, or to add value to other studies in higher education or vocational education and training (VET). 

You can choose from online or on-campus microcredentials at novice (beginner), advanced beginner, competent, proficient and expert levels.

Some microcredentials can be combined (or stacked) together to build up to a higher-level qualification, as explained in Australia’s National Microcredentials Framework.

You can choose from a wide range of microcredentials at Australia’s MicroCred Seeker website and at FutureLearn’s Study with Australia online collection.

Summer school and study tours

Summer school programs and group study tours offer industry and classroom experiences. 

Summer school can be taken over the summer study break with a university or higher education provider and can offer you a chance to ‘taste test’ an Australian education. 

Study tours are available at all levels of study and are usually taken by a group of students visiting Australian education providers or industry. 

Virtual study tours are also available, so you can access high-quality courses and experiences, and work on group projects with students in Australia from wherever you are.

Great reasons to take a summer school course or a study tour include:

• It’s a great way to improve your English language skills, develop life skills, and gain intercultural understanding.
• You may be eligible to gain academic credit towards your studies in your home country.
• Usually, summer school and study tours only require a visitor visa in Australia. 

You can find more information about summer school and study tours by speaking with individual Australian education providers, or your local education provider.