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Flexible online study

With over 30 years experience in distance and online learning, we understand the needs of online students and have the experience and resources needed to deliver flexible, fully accredited online degrees.

Balance work, life and study 

At CDU, we value the importance of balancing work, life, and study. That's why we offer most of our courses online or on campus, and you can switch between part-time and full-time study to suit your needs. Our flexible approach allows you to complete your course at a pace you set yourself and engage with university faculty when you need to.

With 24/7 support available, lecture content on demand and mobile accessibility, you can study when, where, and how it suits you. Our students taking online university classes can access the same quality education support services as their on-campus peers.

CDU offers a vast range of courses across our different faculties. No matter where you want to take your career, we have a course that can help you get there. 

Inside CDU's online learning platform

Take advantage of our dynamic learning platform, Learnline, during your study experience. 

Benefit from our supportive and engaging virtual learning environment where you can interact, ask questions, and talk to your lecturers and fellow students, building your professional networks while you study. 

TEP student at CDU

Tertiary Enabling Program

CDU's free Tertiary Enabling Program (TEP) is an alternative pathway into university that can help you meet entry requirements for a range of undergraduate degrees while building your study skills and confidence. 

If you don't have an ATAR, meet entry requirements, or just haven't studied in a while, TEP is perfect for you.

TEP can be studied online, on campus, part-time, or full-time.

Learn more

Your online study questions answered

Can I do a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online?

Yes, at CDU you can study most Bachelor and Master’s degrees online or in a mixed-mode delivery (which means you'll study mostly online and do some in-person study).

Mixed-mode study may be required for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that require practical placements, simulation blocks or intensive on-campus blocks of study. Depending on your course, these may be completed close to your home, or you may need to travel.

Check the course details to find out more or contact  CDU’s Student Central team.

Is an online degree right for me?

The beauty of an online degree is that it’s flexible. You can study where, when and how it suits you to fit in with family and work.

Only you will know if an online degree is right for you. Take stock of your lifestyle and consider your professional and personal goals, existing social and work commitments, your study space, and time management.

Read more: Study online or on campus: 5 questions to help you choose

Read more: 5 questions you must ask any university before starting a degree online

How does an online degree work?

As an online student, you’ll access your learning materials, watch lectures, take part in interactive classes, plan and submit assessments, and communicate with lecturers and study buddies via CDU’s online learning platform, Learnline.

Depending on your course, you can normally learn on your schedule. This means you can log in and study when it suits you. Learnline can be accessed on a computer, mobile or tablet, and the materials are usually available in a range of formats to make studying easier (including text, audio and video files).

Your assessments will be submitted, and your grades will be made available on Learnline. If you need to sit exams, CDU will arrange for you to attend an exam centre close to your home during the exam period.

You can collaborate with your study buddies via Learnline, or set up informal online study groups through social media or email.

What technology and equipment do I need to study a degree online?

You will need a desktop or laptop and internet access to study online. Check specific system requirements.

Do employers accept online university degrees?

This depends on the quality of the degree. Make sure you choose an online degree that is properly and fully accredited by relevant industry bodies. It should also be delivered by a reputable institution.

CDU’s degrees carry the same professional accreditations regardless of whether you study online or on campus.

CDU is a member of Innovative Research Universities (IRU) and is ranked in the Top 100 Universities in the Asia Pacific region and the 28th Millennial University globally. CDU is also ranked a top 2 Australian university for graduate salaries and employment. Find out more about CDU’s rankings.

How do placements work for online students?

CDU will organise placements on your behalf and place you as close to home as possible (subject to availability). To find out more, contact student central.

How do I apply to study a degree online?

You can apply to study online at CDU in the same way you would apply to study on campus. Find out more about how to apply.

How much does it cost to do an online degree?

The cost to study an online degree at CDU is the same as studying on campus. Find out more about course fees.  

Are scholarships available if I study a degree online?

Yes, CDU offers a wide range of scholarships for both online and on-campus students. Find a scholarship.

How much time to I need to study online?

You’ll need roughly 10-12 hours per week, per subject to study a degree online. This accounts for formal contact hours (for lecturers and tutorials) and support hours (for reading and revision).

Depending on whether you study part-time or full time, you’ll be doing one to four subjects each semester.

Read more: How much time do I need to study?

Meet CDU's online students

  • CDU student Claire Bowditch with laptop in front of her home

    ‘Stay home, study online’: How dietitian Claire upskilled online

    As a dietitian, Claire Bowditch has always been interested in helping others live healthy lives. So, it’s no surprise that studying a 6-month Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management 100% online was so appealing.

    Read more
  • Matt, CDU teaching student smiling

    Online teaching degree with "loads" of prac: Meet Matt

    After finishing school without a HSC, Matt thought his dreams of becoming a teacher were dashed. But, thanks to a free bridging program, flexible online study and “loads of practical” through a teaching degree at Charles Darwin University, he’s set to return to school in his mid-20s.

    Read more
  • Nikki Govan

    Progress during a pandemic: How Nikki's law degree helped

    Her work on business councils has seen Nikki help other business and government navigate the implications of COVID-19. And it's given her plenty of opportunity to put her Diploma of Laws to the test. 

    Read more
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