Online study myths – busted!

Love to advance in your industry, diversify your expertise or start your next career, but not sure online study’s for you? Well, we’re about to bust eight online study myths, so you’ll be ready to get the right qualification for your goals – while still living your best life.

After all, Charles Sturt is Australia’s most experienced online university. More students choose to study online with us than any other uni in Australia.* In fact, there are around 25,000 studying online with us right now!

1. I’ll only have a few online courses from which to choose.

At Charles Sturt, we have hundreds of online courses available! From a bachelor’s degree to a range of postgrad qualifications, you’ll find the course that will get you wherever you want to take your career.

From accounting, agriculture and arts to paramedicine, psychology and wine science – and everything in between. Here’s a few more. Business, communication, computer science, criminal justice, cyber studies, education, emergency management, and exercise and sports science. What about financial planning, gerontology, healthcare, IT, law or medical science? Then there’s nursing, social work, science, theology, and teaching. Phew!

Whether you’re looking to upskill, reboot, future proof your career or study something you’re passionate about – we’ll help find the course that works for you.

Study with Australia's most experienced online uni. Link to 'Find my course'.

2. If I study online, my qualification won’t be professionally recognised.

One of the main reasons Charles Sturt University grads get jobs faster than grads from any other uni (#) is because we collaborate with industry organisations to design our courses.

It means our qualifications – your next degree – meet the current and future needs of their professions. There are so many organisations that accredit our online degrees, including these:

  • Council of Ambulances Authority
  • Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council
  • Australian Computer Society
  • Exercise and Sports Science Australia
  • Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
  • Australian Association of Social Workers
  • International Advertising Association
  • Public Relations Institute Australia
  • World Customs Organization

With an accredited Charles Sturt degree in your pocket you’ll be ready. Ready to get to work and make a difference in your industry.

3. I’ll have to do more work than if I study on-campus.

Negative. Nope. Nein. Non. Of all the online study myths, this is a doozy. Whether you study with us online or on campus, full-time or part-time, you’ll get exactly the same qualification – one that’s adjustable and respected in industry. A qualification that’ll take you wherever you want in your career, whether that’s in agriculture, business, education, healthcare, IT, law, nursing, science or any other industry!

4. I won’t have other students around to support me.

You’re always connected! Just because you choose online study doesn’t mean you’re studying alone. Far from it.

At Charles Sturt you’ll have plenty of opportunities to build the deep connections that are central to your study. Connections with your tutors, lecturers, fellow students and industry that will last a lifetime. And it’s easy. All our online courses have dedicated forums for you to chat with your classmates and your teachers. Jump in to ask questions or just shoot the breeze.

You can also join your course’s Facebook, Insta or online groups. Hit up our social media channels for current students and you’ll stay in the loop with everything Charles Sturt. Or reach out and build your own networks – we’ll be right behind you if you need us. After all, you’ll be part of our Charles Sturt family.

5. I’ll find it hard to stay focused and motivated.

When you study with Charles Sturt, you become part of something bigger. You become family. And families support each other.

Whether you’re in your first session of online study or your last year with us, we’ll have your back! We’ll share our top tips to help you start strong – from setting up an effective study area to knowing what equipment you’ll need or how to gather support from your friends, family and employer.

Like to get a jump-start on uni study? There’s short, self-paced subjects that’ll help you brush up on writing, maths, statistics, and also science or information technology.

Once you’re underway there’s a range of tools and support to keep you super motivated and give you the confidence to succeed. There’s study planners, a range of workshops, assignment feedback, discussion forums and also individual support – face-to-face via Skye, phone, online or through email. Whatever works for you!

And we’ll help you stay on top of your health and wellbeing during your studies, steer you in the right direction with our career advice service or make sure you’ve got a grip on everything dollars and cents with our finance team’s guidance.

6. It will cost me more to study an online course.

Whether the degree you choose to study is online or on campus, full-time or part-time, you’ll get exactly the same qualification – with the same course fees.

At Charles Sturt University, we certainly don’t want financial barriers to prevent you getting the qualification you need to land the job you want. Therefore, our team of friendly advisers are on hand to give you the lowdown on costs, HECS, FEE-HELP and scholarships.

We have more than $3 million in scholarships and grants available for students just like you. They can help with things like buying textbooks or attending work placements. So what’s the number one way to get a scholarship? Apply!

7. It’ll take me much longer to complete an online course.

When you study online with us you’re in control – speed up to finish sooner or take your time and enjoy a great work/study/life balance.

Online study is study that works for you! It’s learning you can fit into your life – convenient and super flexible.

We know things can change. Life is more hectic at some times than others. So as things change, you can modify your study to fit them. Take extra subjects when you have a bit more time. Scale back to one or two when things are busier. You can also study over the summer to get ahead.

And remember, you can study when and where you want. Late at night, early mornings. On your commute, at a library or at home. That’s more time to achieve your study goals, do your job and also enjoy your family and friends.

Online study is learning done your way!

8. I’ll have to be tech savvy to study online.

All you’ll need to start is access to a computer and wi-fi. At Charles Sturt, we’re here to help you achieve your goals. You won’t need to worry about tech issues. IT support is available – and it’s just a phone call away, or online.

Another of the online study myths busted. Everything you’ll need to study is online and easy to access. Lectures and tutorials are recorded so can watch them at your convenience. No stress. Moreover, there’s no need to worry about finding resources you need. The Charles Sturt library team are always ready to lend a hand to help you find what you need. You can chat to them in-person, over the phone or online, and also access digital library resources 24/7. We even have an instructional YouTube channel to help you get the most out of the library!

And with online resources and workshops, you’ve got study advice at hand, whenever you need it.

#1 in Australia for grads who get jobs.

Good Universities Guide 2023/24

Ready to start?

So, we’ve busted the online study myths. What’s next? Find your ideal online course – and let’s do this. And remember we’re always here to help. For more information on how to successfully learn online with us, download your guide to online study.

*Department of Education, Skills and E 6 | Charles Sturt University employment Higher Education Statistics

(#) 2022 QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey