Changing careers

Sharni Woods knows all too well that being a mum is a full time job. With an active two year old, she has little time to herself. But that hasn’t stopped her reaching for her goals. Sharni’s currently studying an online nursing degree at CDU.

John Hogarth is no stranger to digging in the dirt. For 14 years he worked fly-in-fly-out worker in the civil and mining sector. But when long hours and a grueling FIFO roster took their toll, he knew it was time for a change. 

Are you wondering whether you have the time to balance study with other important commitments in your life such as work, family and friends?

Your desire to study doesn’t have to be held back because you think you can’t afford it. Let's remove the mystery about study expenses, find out what to budget for, and look at options to reduce your costs.

In Australia, tertiary study falls into two categories: Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training (VET, also known as TAFE). The type of study you choose will depend on your career goals.

It can be daunting wondering how you’re going to pay for university study and the costs that come with taking time to study, such as child care or reduced working hours, but there is help out there for you.

Indigenous woman Kenisha never imagined she'd become a lawyer. But, after having two kids, overcoming family challenges and living all over Australia, she's studying law at CDU. And now she's emerging as a leader in her community.

When Jodi started studying nursing online at CDU, she was working in aged care with the dream of becoming a nurse. A few years later, with her nursing degree in hand, she’s ended up back in aged care.

Ruth McConigley’s journey to academic and entrepreneurial success has taken as many turns as a barrel rider. Ruth has transitioned from teacher to student to successful businesswoman—all while juggling married life, two young daughters, and a stable full of horses. Now living in the small town of Denmark on the south coast of Western Australia, Ruth reflects on how it all came to be.