Tertiary Education in Australia: Why So Many People Are Making The Switch To Remote Learning

As of 2024, the revenue in the Online Education market is projected to hit $4.42 billion (USD) and is expected to show an annual growth rate of 8.66% (CAGR 2024 – 2029). That means by 2029, the estimated projection of the value of the Online Education market in Australia will reach $6.68 billion (USD). That’s a lot of people studying online!

In this article, we compare traditional and online universities to uncover why so many students are opting to further their studies online. 

Traditional University vs Online University

The world has realised that the mould of in-person studies is no longer the best fit for every student, and online studies have presented students with a range of opportunities. However, there are some things that the traditional university experience offers that you just won’t get as an online student. Here are some of the benefits of each: 

Pros of studying online

Many tertiary students have realised the potential of taking their studies online. While the previous year’s restrictions have had a part to play in this shift, there are many other reasons why studying online has become so appealing. 

Flexibility

The top benefit of studying online is the flexibility it offers. This opens up a new world of opportunities for people with busy schedules or who work while studying. 

Not location dependent 

It’s a huge move for students to have to uproot their lives and move to campus. For many students with anxiety and other issues, attending university was not even a consideration. 

More affordable

Attending a traditional university can also be incredibly expensive. Besides the fees, there are also many living expenses associated with being a student, including boarding. Being able to study in the comfort of your own home also means there aren’t as many added living expenses. Most online universities offer the same quality of education, but the fees could be drastically cheaper. 

Improved initiative 

Studying online is not for the faint of heart. While you may be able to study according to your own timing and schedule, this requires a lot of initiative and self-discipline. Studying online is one way to improve these skills. 

Better time management

While you are able to take an online course at a speed and time that suits you best, you still have to manage your time in order to complete deadlines set by your teachers. Since it is your responsibility to decide when to engage in the course, it will improve your time management overall which is an invaluable skill to take with you into ordinary life.

Advanced technical skills

When your whole degree relies on you being able to navigate the online realm, you tend to pick up on a few extra skills that aren’t typically taught at a traditional university unless it’s in line with your field of study. 

For example, teachers who study online tend to be more technically advanced than many of their peers who study at a traditional university because they’ve had to do all their work online. 

Pros of studying at a traditional universities

While there are many benefits of studying online, a traditional university offers some great aspects that an online university lacks. 

Active learning 

One thing that campus life offers students is having in-person contact with professors and instructors. On campus, students have the option to set up face-to-face meetings with professors to discuss things like classes, academic performance, and projects. 

Camaraderie 

There’s just something about attending university and being a part of something bigger than yourself. Being on campus allows you to bond with your peers and future colleagues and maintain interpersonal relationships. 

Access to libraries and research materials 

On-campus libraries are always wonderful places for students to study, meet new people, collaborate and access research materials. 

Who should consider studying online

The choice of whether you should study at either a traditional or online university completely depends on your circumstances and preferences. For people who want to further their studies but maintain a good work-life balance and study at their own pace, there really is no doubt that studying through an online university is going to be the better option. 

Studying through an online university is also ideal for students who are pursuing their postgraduate degrees. Most people taking postgraduate courses between the ages of 24 and 45 find that studying through an online university suits them best, thanks to the flexibility. 

Where to study online? 

The beauty of enrolling with an online university is that there are so many great options to choose from. However, in the online world, there will be a few scams, so here are a few things you need to ensure your choice of school has: 

• The course you intend to study
• Proper accreditation
• International recognition
• Good student support 
• A user-friendly platform

Final Thoughts

The amount of students who have chosen to study online continues to grow every year, with no signs of slowing down. Universities like VU online university offer students the opportunity to study high-quality post-graduate without having to leave the comforts of Wangaratta.