Questions should never be left unanswered.
We've put together a range of questions - and answers - to help you figure out life as an online student. And in case you're still looking for answers, get in touch with us.
Your subjects typically open the Friday before the commencement of the Teaching Period. However access to your subject outlines and Orientation Subject will be available in Canvas (your online classroom) four weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period.
One of the main advantages of studying online is not having to be logged on at set times. You can log into your learning materials when it suits you and participate in discussion boards, complete readings or any other tasks required. Every now and then, your Online Learning Advisor will facilitate a ‘webinar’ and whilst we recommend you attend, it is not mandatory. The sessions are typically recorded for you to view at your convenience.
Your learning materials are located conveniently in one spot in our online classroom called Canvas. You can access your online classroom through your Student Hub.
Assessment requirements including examinations differ from subject to subject. In most degree programs, there will be examinations that you must sit. Exams are taken at specified metro and regional exam centre venues around Australia.
All undergraduate courses at Western Sydney University Online are Commonwealth supported for Australian citizens and permanent residents. This means undergraduate tuition fees are subsidised by the Government, giving you a lower rate of fees to pay. Fees can vary from course to course and the actual cost depends on the individual subjects you enrol in over the duration of your degree. For more information, visit Study Assist.
As an Australian citizen, you may use a HELP-Loan to defer your fees. Once your income is above a certain level called the compulsory repayment threshold, you have to start repaying your HELP debt through the taxation system. The compulsory repayment threshold for the 2020-2022 income year is $46,620. For more information, visit Study Assist. After you have enrolled, you will be advised of the payment options available to you and the forms you are required to complete by certain dates.
Applying is easy. Simply call one of our Course Consultants on 1300 050 928 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm AEST or fill in our online application form.
Entry criteria for each course is clearly outlined on our website. Typically an undergraduate course requires:
• Completion or partial completion of tertiary study
• Work experience (in any industry)
• Completion of Year 12 HSC (or equivalent), with a minimum required ATAR
• Other testing options, for example, a Tertiary Preparation Certificate (TPC)
If you are unsure if you meet the entry criteria, our Course Consultants are available to discuss your specific qualifications or experience and help you make an informed decision.
Assessment of exemptions usually takes up to 10 business days. If you are still awaiting an outcome, call your Course Consultant and they will provide an update for you.
There are three intakes per year commencing February, May and September.
You don’t have to wait until the beginning of each year. We have intakes commencing February, May and September. Start your studies in an intake that suits you. Visit Key Dates for start dates.
We recommend you start the process of applying as early as possible as many courses are quite popular. Enrolments close approximately 10 days prior to the commencement of each Teaching Period. Visit Key Dates for start dates.
Teaching Periods are 11 weeks, plus one week for exams/final assessments.
While no formal English language testing is required for Australian domestic students, our degrees are delivered at university level, so it is expected that all students are proficient in all aspects of the English language. If you have any concerns prior to applying, talk to one of our Course Consultants on 1300 050 928.
Exemptions may be granted for previous higher education or diploma level studies in related or non-related areas of study. They are assessed on an individual basis and can potentially reduce the length of time it will take for you to complete your degree. Previous study must have been undertaken within the past 9 years.
We understand that life can get busy and you may need to reconsider your study options. The good news is there are options available for you to consider. You can take a Leave of Absence and start in a future teaching period or you can transfer to another course if you meet the entry criteria. We recommend giving one of our helpful Student Advisors a call and have a chat about your specific circumstances. With their knowledge they can point you in the right direction.
Amending your enrolment is easy. All you need to do is contact a Student Advisor at help@westernsydneyonline.edu.au.
At Western Sydney University Online, we are dedicated to helping our students. Our Student Advisors are on hand to make your transition to university as smooth as possible. They are available via phone and email 7 days a week, 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm on weekends. Once you are in your online classroom, your Online Learning Advisors will be there to guide your learning and there is plenty of assessment support services at your fingertips throughout your studies.
If you have any questions about studying at Western Sydney University Online, you can contact our Student Advisor Team on 1300 050 935 or email help@westernsydneyonline.edu.au.
Whilst the content and learning outcomes of your course is the same as the on-campus option, your course has been purpose built for online learners to acknowledge the different needs and challenges for students studying virtually.
Of course. Whether you study on-campus or online, your learning outcomes and qualification are the same. Even to the point of when you graduate, you will receive the same testamur. A testamur is your graduation certificate and is does not specify your mode of study. Regardless of whether you study online or on-campus you will still be getting the same qualification from an internationally ranked university.
We recommend you dedicate between 8-10 hours per subject per week for your studies.
Census Date is the last date you can withdraw from a subject/course or take a Leave of Absence for a specified teaching period without incurring the cost of your subject. If you add or drop a subject prior to Census Date, it will not appear on your academic transcript. Check Key Dates for Census Dates.
At Western Sydney University Online, we are dedicated to helping our students. Our Student Advisors are on hand to make your transition to university as smooth as possible. They are available via phone and email 7 days a week, 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm on weekends. Once you are in your online classroom, your Online Learning Advisors will be there to guide your learning and there is plenty of assessment support services at your fingertips throughout your studies.
One of the main advantages of studying online is not having to be logged on at set times. You can log into your learning materials when it suits you and participate in discussion boards, complete readings or any other tasks required. Every now and then, your Online Learning Advisor will facilitate a ‘webinar’ and whilst we recommend you attend, it is not mandatory. The sessions are typically recorded for you to view at your convenience.
WSU Online provides most of your learning materials and digital textbooks for free. Why? Because money shouldn’t stand between you and opportunity. For some subjects, you may be required to buy specific software or eTexts. But don’t worry, we will let you know well in advance via your student email.
For most courses, everything you need is at your fingertips and there is no need for you to ever set foot on campus. However for courses such as nursing you will be required to attend on campus laboratory workshops. Online student can utilise all on-campus facilities, so if you are in the area, feel free to drop into the library, use the computer labs and any other services that may assist you with your studies. Remember to take your Student Card. For more information, see campus locations.
An essential part of your online study journey is your computer. You’ll need it to access your learning materials, submit assignments and complete weekly activities. Make sure your laptop or desktop computer is equipped with:
• Speakers or headphones
• Web camera
• Microphone
Operating systems required are:
• Mac: OSX Version 10.7
• PC: Windows 7
Choosing a high functioning web browser will make for a smoother online study experience. Download either Chrome or Firefox for faster page loading and overall streamlined usability
Your course gives you access to a range of learning materials in all formats and sizes, including videos, audio files and PDFs. You will need to view these interactive course materials using:
• Adobe Reader for PDF files
• VLC media player for all audio and video files
As a Western Sydney University student studying online you get Microsoft Office 365 for free via Student Advantage. You will have access to all your favourite programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, as well as new features such as OneDrive and OneNote for all your online storage needs.
An essential part of your online study journey is your computer. You’ll need it to access your learning materials, submit assignments and complete weekly activities. Make sure your laptop or desktop computer is equipped with:
• Speakers or headphones
• Web camera
• Microphone
Once you’ve got your hardware sorted, ensure that your operating system is up to scratch. Whether you’re a Mac or a PC user, if you’re running an old operating system, some learning materials may be difficult to access. Operating systems required are:
• Mac: OSX Version 10.7
• PC: Windows 7
If you are unsure what system your device is operating on, try What’s My Browser for a quick system check.
Choosing a high functioning web browser will make for a smoother online study experience. Download either Chrome or Firefox for faster page loading and overall streamlined usability.
As a Western Sydney University student studying online you get Microsoft Office 365 for free via Student Advantage. You will have access to all your favourite programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, as well as new features such as OneDrive and OneNote for all your online storage needs.
Our Student Advisors are available to help with basic technical assistance. They are available via phone, email 7 days a week, 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 10am-6pm on weekends.
Your course gives you access to a range of learning materials in all formats and sizes, including videos, audio files and PDFs. You will need to view these interactive course materials using:
• Adobe Reader for PDF files
• VLC media player for all audio and video files
