10 Open Universities in Australia | Fees & Details

Did you know that most of the open universities in Australia are ranked top in the World universities? 

In fact, Australia’s University system is ranked 8th in the Universitas 2019 U21 Ranking of National Higher Education Systems, while University systems in Germany, France, Japan, and Norway are below them. 90% of international students that studied in Australia report that they are satisfied with the academic system of the school.

That’s why Australia is housing some of the best medical Universities for international students, and there are even some medical Universities in Australia that are very affordable

Online schools have come to stay, and most of us saw the need for them during the pandemic, when everywhere was shut down, including our universities. It is more than easy to finish your program through open universities in Australia than it was decades ago.

Now, most online universities in Australia have a special system to enable them to teach students in a way that is not different from on-campus learning. And, it has helped so many students to complete their bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate degrees without coming to the campus.

Also, there are online courses offered for free by these open universities in Australia, in reality, the University of Queensland has a special IELTS free online course. In addition, there are other free online courses from reputable platforms you can enroll in.

Before we list the best open universities in Australia, let’s understand what an open university is, first.

What is an open university in Australia?

An open university is a university that has a distance education system, where they are able to reach students beyond their traditional campus. With this system, students within, outside, and far away from the country can access the school’s classes.

Also, most of these open universities in Australia use online programs to reach most of their students.

Cost of Open University in Australia

Open universities in Australia tuition fees cost from $AUD 6,566 – 43,500 (domestic students) and $AUD 6,566 – 68,460 (international students).

Australian open university online courses

Open universities in Australia offer lots of online courses, in fact, according to Open Universities Australia, there are more than 1100 online courses in Australia. You will find important courses like;

  • Leadership in Sustainability – Curtin University
  • Regulation of Employment Relationships – Griffith University
  • Clinical and Abnormal Psychology – University of South Australia
  • Pharmacy Skills in Practice – University of Tasmania
  • Fraud and Cybercrime – Griffith University
  • From Logic to Data Processing – University of New England

You can find more of these courses here 

Open Universities Australia Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for any of the online courses offered by these open universities in Australia. Here are the entry requirements for degree programs;

  • International applicants will need an English Language Requirements
  • Might require ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank)
  • There are other requirements that each program will demand

How to Enroll in Open Universities in Australia

Here are some simple steps you need to take to enroll in open universities in Australia;

  • You need to choose a degree or course you would love to study
  • Go through the entry requirements
  • Write an application (if you chose a degree program)
  • Choose your subjects
  • Choose your class date
  • Pay for your degree or course
  • Start your course or program

open universities in Australia

Open Universities in Australia

1. Curtin University

Curtin University is one of the best open universities in Australia that is ranked #194 in the QS World University Rankings 2022, they have also achieved a QS Five Stars Plus rating, the highest available for a tertiary institution. They are also ranked #2 in the world for Mineral and Mining Engineering, and #11 in Nursing Course by QS World University Rankings by Subject.

In addition, 95% of their research output was rated at or above world standard in the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia results. And there are many more awards Curtin University has won, making them one of the top open universities in Australia.

Curtin University offers one of the best alternatives to getting your degree without coming to the campus, and there are some priority courses that they have reduced their fees. Their OUA classes are not different from their campus classes, you will get the same quality degree as campus students, and over 121,000 students have studied online with Curtin.

In fact, with their OUA classes, you can complete your courses sooner, because it operates on 4 study periods, but their in-campus school runs a 2-semester structure. OUA courses are 100% online, but there are some cases where you might need to come to a designated location for practicum placements and/or to write exams.

Curtin University has more than 93 OUA courses and 577 subjects, and there is no mandated admission requirement for undergraduate courses. There is always support from OUA to any kind of student, (whether you’re disabled) and in any type of condition, whether it’s for financial advice, free online tutoring, etc.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are paid according to each unit you undertake, they also consider whether you’re a domestic or international student, and the course you’re studying at the University. 

Most importantly, Curtin University is one of the open universities in Australia that offers Scholarships to their domestic and international students. There is a different broad range of scholarships for different people at Curtin University.

Enroll in the School

2. Australian Catholic University

ACU is one of the open universities in Australia that is amongst the top 2% of all universities in the world, it is also amongst the top 10 Catholic Universities, and ranked #39 among young universities in the world. Their research work has been prolific in the world, that’s why in the recent ERA assessment, ACU ranked or close to first in 10 research fields in Australia.

Some of their subjects are also outstanding in Australia and in the world, some subjects like nursing are ranked #18 in the world and #7 in Australia, their Sports science is ranked #9 in Australia and #36 in the world. Moreover, their students are happy learning from them, in fact, their students have awarded ACU 5 stars for learning engagement, skills development, and learning resources.

There are a lot more awards and accolades for ACU, surprisingly, it is one of the newest open universities in Australia and was established in 1991.

ACU has one Bachelor’s OUA degree program, that is, bachelor of commerce. And, it is a 3-year program, and other master’s and Ph.D. Degree programs.

Tuition Fees

You’re required to pay $13798 for the bachelor of commerce program. There are scholarships for this program, you can check if you’re eligible. Whereas, their master’s and Ph.D. programs’ fees depend on the particular program.

Enroll in the School

3. Griffith University Queensland, Australia

Griffith University is one of the open universities in Australia that have focused its teachings and research work on solving the world’s environmental and social most important issues. Due to the excellence in what they do since 1975, they have consistently ranked in the top 2% of universities globally.

They have more than 200,000 alumni across 130 different countries, 4,000 staff, and 200 degrees. They also have lots of students furthering their education through their Open University from more than 122 countries.

So whether you’re a full-time worker who doesn’t have time for brick and mortar college, or you’re a stay-at-home mom, Griffith University can give you one of the best experiences studying from anywhere. Their over 100 online degrees are designed to be flexible, and you have a lot of options from different fields such as; Nursing, Business, Law, Arts, Teaching, and aviation.

You can choose to study online or combine both online and physical classes, and you have to dedicate 20 – 25 hours per week. Griffith University is one of the open universities in Australia that offer free online courses.

Tuition Fees

There is no fixed tuition fee for these online degrees, each program has its own fee. For instance, the indicative fee for a Bachelor of business is approximately $14,000 annually, whereas, the indicative fee for a Bachelor of Science is approximately $6,500. Click here to learn more about their Tuition fee.

They also offer a range of Scholarships for both their new and continuing students (whether you reside in Australia, you are a citizen or you’re an international student).

Enroll in the School

4. University of Tasmania

This is the 4th oldest university in Australia, which was established in 1890, and it started with 3 lecturers and just 11 students, but they have maintained an excellent standard from inception through today. The school is overseeing the beautiful island, Hobart, the environment is a living laboratory where they take advantage and make researches that favor the world at large.

This is one of the open universities in Australia that have a growing range of online courses, whether you’re looking for short courses, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees, they have you covered. Their programs are in the fields of;

  • Business and Law
  • Creative Arts and Design
  • Earth, Sea, Antarctic, and Environment
  • Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences
  • Health and Medicine
  • Science, Technology, and Engineering

Tuition Fees

At the University of Tasmania, you’re required to pay your fees per semester, and you’re required to pay them according to the units you enrolled in.

Also, there are scholarships offered in the school, and there are some courses that are Commonwealth Supported Place, which means, the Government will pay part of your fees. This payment is not a loan, which means, you don’t have to pay it back (this option is not for all courses).

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5. Edith Cowan

Edith Cowan is one of the open universities in Australia that is ranked in the world’s top 100 universities under 50 years old in the 2022 Times. The University is also recognized for its excellence in sports-related subjects, QS World University Rankings by Subject had ranked them #30 in Sports subjects.

They have also produced lots of the best graduates in the world, which have gone ahead to fulfill lots of important roles in the world. They have more than 30,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, with 6,000 of them coming from 102 countries.

Through their virtual learning platform called “Blackboard,” or “Canvas,” which will soon replace “Blackboard,” in August 2022, you will get to pursue your degree. Moreover, if you’re not far from the campus, you will be allowed to access campus facilities and their learning support services.

You have to always go to your classes because you’ll need to register your attendance at their examination centers with the help of “SIMO” (Student Information Management Online) system. Most of their undergraduate courses are 100% online, but their Engineering or Paramedicine programs will require you to come on-campus, or a specified industry.

Tuition Fees

Edith Cowan is one of the open universities in Australia that, their tuition fees are subsidized for Australian Undergraduate Students by the government. You might even be eligible to start your program by paying upfront.

Tuition fees might change annually, and there are specific tuition fees for each course. They also offer Scholarships for merited students and need-based students, and there are student loans that can help you complete your degree if you’re not eligible for Scholarships.

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6. Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt University is one of the best open universities in Australia that was ranked #1 for undergraduate employment. That is, most Charles Sturt Undergraduates get employed when compared to under Universities in Australia

In addition, most of these undergraduates are paid well in their respective places of work, they earn $66,800 on average immediately after graduating. While their postgraduates earn a median starting salary of $95,000.

They offer more than 200 short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate online degrees. Whether in the fields of Agriculture, Business, Education, Health, IT, Law, Science, etc. And, their digital library is available 24/7.

Tuition Fees

Charles Sturt University’s Citizens, Permanent Residents of Canada, or the United Kingdom tuition fees differ from that of international students. You can find all the details here.

They also offer scholarships for citizens and International students.

Enroll in the School

7. Flinders University

Flinders University is one of the open universities in Australia that is ranked among the top 2% University Worldwide, they also offer over 550 Scholarships worth $2.2 million. They are #1 in Australia in Business and Management (Postgraduate) for overall experience by the Good Universities Guide 2021.

They have more than 100 partner institutions in 33 countries, and 90% of their research work was rated world-standard or above. They have many other prolific awards.

Flinders University has been providing online education for over 30 years, through their experience, they know exactly what way can make you understand their classes. Their online students also have access to a large support network, which will help them in their learning, financial assistance, career choice, and more.

Tuition Fees

Their tuition fee also differs based on the program you’re offering and you can learn more here, and learn more about their scholarships here

Enroll in the School

8. Southern Cross University

Southern Cross is one of the open universities in Australia that are outstanding in the research fields. Their 23 research fields were rated “at world standard” and 14 of them were rated above world standard.

They offer both online undergraduate degrees and postgraduate degrees.

Tuition Fees

Their tuition fees vary based on domestic students and international students. Also, your program and course will determine your fees, learn more here

Moreover, they have scholarships ranging from $150 to $32,000, and the way they choose those to award these scholarships vary widely.

9. University of South Australia Online

This is one of the open universities in Australia that doesn’t offer any on-campus program. That is, all their programs are 100% online, and they have won an overall 5-star plus rating for excellence in 2022 by QS World University Rankings.

In UNiSA you can choose to study a single course or choose from one of their full degree programs. And, you can study from anywhere in the world.

Tuition Fees

If you’re applying for a single course in UNiSA you have to pay $2,875 (Undergraduate) and $3,313 (postgraduate) for 2021. Whereas, each degree has its specific tuition fee.

Also, UNiSA offers a range of online scholarships and grants to its citizens and international students.

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10. University of New England

For more than 60 years the University of New England has been one of the leading open universities in Australia and worldwide. They offer over 200 courses for undergraduate, Postgraduate, and higher degrees, where more than 140 of these courses are available online.

Good Universities Guide awarded them #1 Overall Experience in 2022, and they ranked 3rd out of other 41 Australian Universities for the quality of the entire Postgraduate Coursework student experience.

Tuition Fees

Their tuition fees also vary based on your choice of program, click here to learn more. In addition, they offer varieties of scholarships, whether merit-based, institutional grants, federal grants, state grants, etc.

Enroll in the School

Open Universities in Australia – FAQs

can international students enroll in open universities in Australia

Yes, international students can enroll in all of these open universities in Australia;

  • Curtin University
  • Australian Catholic University
  • Griffith University Queensland, Australia
  • University of Tasmania
  • Edith Cowan
  • Charles Sturt University
  • Flinders University
  • University of South Australia Online
  • Southern Cross University
  • University of New England

what is the age requirement of open universities in Australia

There is no age requirement for all the short courses in open universities in Australia. Then you have to be at least 13 years to enroll in a degree.

are online courses available at Open Universities in Australia

Yes, there are online courses that you can take within a few weeks or months.

are there free online courses at open universities in Australia

Yes, there are lots of free online courses provided by some of these open universities in Australia.

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