Australia is quickly becoming a global leader in online education. From flexible undergraduate degrees to discounted short courses, studying online can save money while unlocking new skills. Especially amidst Covid-19 uncertainties, affordable virtual classrooms make career development or reskilling accessible for Australian residents and international learners alike. These best websites help find reduced cost online programs across diverse subjects.
Open Universities Australia
Open Universities Australia (OUA) partners with leading Aussie universities to offer over 1000 online undergraduate and postgraduate courses. All OUA courses provide the same quality education and qualifications as on-campus degree programs. By studying online, students save significantly on course fees, which start around $399 AUD per unit. OUA also provides course guidance and student support services focused on online learner success across fields like arts, business, healthcare and law.
Coursera
Known for its popular free online courses, Coursera also provides premium options from top Australian universities at a fraction of standard pricing. By enrolling in Coursera’s financial aid program, students gain discounted access to career-focused courses in data science, teaching, psychology and hundreds more topics. Programs offer flexible, self-paced online classrooms with real university accreditation. Course fees average under $49 AUD for financial aid learners.
Skillshare
Skillshare offers thousands of affordable virtual classes ideal for quickly gaining new skills or pursuing hobbies. With online course categories spanning animation, photography, writing, marketing, design and beyond, lifetime memberships start around $190 AUD. This all-access pass allows unlimited class enrollment across Skillshare’s entire catalogue of short video lessons and projects. For creative professionals or casual learners alike, Skillshare delivers budget-friendly growth through online education.
Upskilled
Upskilled focuses on virtual courses aligned to Australia’s high-demand industries like healthcare, community services, financial technology and more. Already a Registered Training Organisation, Upskilled partners with TAFEs and universities to offer over 250 accredited online certificates, diplomas and degrees charged per-unit. Areas like aged care, childcare, disability support, accounting, IT and management provide affordable reskilling for career changes or upskilling opportunities costing about $3-5k AUD per year.
Canvas
Tailored to working professionals pursuing leadership development, Canvas provides short accredited courses from top Australian business schools including Melbourne Business School and Kaplan. Charging around $2,000 AUD for 20-40 hour graduate certificate programs, Canvas offers flexible online classrooms with 1-on-1 expert coaching. Certificate subjects like digital transformation, emotional intelligence for leaders, executive presence, innovation and strategic thinking power professional advancement.
With education budgets tight amidst global uncertainty, quality affordable online degrees and courses keep Australian career dreams possible. Through reputable websites for virtual classrooms, flexible accredited programs across diverse fields help both residents and international students achieve academic and professional success on a budget.
