5 Things to Think About When Looking for a Tertiary Course

Planning on doing some more study in the future? You might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the thousands of course choices out there. If you’re looking for some guidance, we’ve got some things you might like to think about when looking for a course – it could help you make your decision.

Study location

This is one of the most important things you’ll need to consider first. Would you be willing to move to another city (or even state or country) to study your chosen course? Or perhaps you’re unable (or unwilling) to move and you’d like to study online instead.

As well as location, look at different universities, vocational institutions, and private providers and compare your options. Take a tour of the campus (in person or virtually), browse accommodation options, and read about on-campus clubs, facilities, and activities. See if you can read student reviews about their experience, or talk to someone you know has studied there in the past.

Flexibility and access

As well as where you’ll be studying, take a look at other important details about the course. This includes things like whether part-time study is available, if you can defer your studies, and even what their study calendar is like (when will you be on holidays, for example?).

You should also do a bit of research on the institution’s other options and services, such as how easy it is to switch between courses if you’ve changed your mind, whether you’ll receive any credit for past studies, and what kind of support they offer (e.g. for students with disabilities, career advice, etc.).

Entry requirements

One of the key things you’ll need to know about a course is whether or not you’re eligible to apply. Make sure you read and meet any academic requirements and have the needed subject prerequisites before you apply.

If you’re not eligible through the standard pathway, take a look at their alternative pathway options and see if there is another way you might be able to receive an offer instead.

Course fees

Unfortunately, not a lot of things in life are free – and this includes most tertiary courses. Take a look at not only how much the course will cost, but what your options for payment are. Common finance options include loans, payment plans, scholarships, and even government assistance.

But in some circumstances you might be expected to pay your course fees upfront, so make sure you know exactly what you’ll owe and how you’ll pay for it before signing up.

Career pathways

If you’re looking into further study, it’s probably because it will eventually lead you to a particular job or career. So ensure the course you’re looking at will actually qualify you for future jobs. Take a look at job sites and see what qualifications employers are looking for in roles you’d like to have one day.

In some cases, you might be required to have a specific degree to start in your chosen career (if you want to be a doctor, for example, you’ll need to follow a set study pathway).

Also consider other jobs and pathways the course could take you, in case you find your career goals change over time or don’t pan out how you expected.

Learn more

Have more questions about study options, courses, or pathways? Check out ‘explore study and training’ here.

Source: Study Work Grow

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