Future fit your life with expert online education

At the University of New England, we know it takes more than being online to be a great online university. It takes time, and a lifetime’s experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, and we’ve been perfecting it ever since. Drawing on our 70-year proven track record in distance education, our mission is to help busy adults like you become future-fit in response to a rapidly changing world.

Most students at UNE choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support to fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and form a community of adults who share the same challenges and priorities. They bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

We know that a vital part of online study is belonging to a learning community of adults just like you. We understand that communication with teaching staff, other students and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. This is why UNE is the only Australian public university awarded the maximum 5 stars for Overall Experience 18 years in a row.

There’s more to being a great online university than simply being online. Partner with a university that knows how to help you respond to a rapidly changing world.

How does studying online work?

At UNE, we know that a vital part of online study is belonging to a learning community of adults just like you. We understand that communication with teaching staff, other students and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter.

As an online student, you’ll be able to access course content when and where it suits you. You’ll take part in conversations with other working students and tutors with real-world experience via email, online chat or the phone. Your lecturer will guide you through your unit with a weekly plan of study, as well as checking in on the discussion boards or forums. We provide online facilities that allow you to send questions, submit assignments, order library books, check your grades and access other resources, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We've been perfecting distance education for working adults since the 1950s. Partner with a uni experienced in helping busy adults become future fit in response to a rapidly changing world.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024

What our online students say

Online UNE student Breezy.jpg

The advantage of online study is that I can be flexible and adjust this schedule if circumstances change and other commitments arise.

Breezy Altmann, Bachelor of Laws - 4 years

On-campus suited me for my first year as an undergraduate, while online suited me better in second year while I worked. I even changed back to on-campus later on as home/work life changed again – all seamlessly!

Sarah Horne, Bachelor of Marine Science and Master of Natural Resources

For me, the best thing about studying at UNE has been the flexibility. As an online student, I am able to fit my studies around my work and other commitments - I feel as though UNE treat me as a person and not just a student number.

Catherine Reed, Bachelor of Education

What’s the difference between studying online and distance learning?

Online study is sometimes referred to as 'distance education', ‘off-campus education’, or ‘external study’ — they are one and the same.

We saw the need working adults had for high quality education by distance in the 1950s. We’ve had decades to perfect the process and in 2021 we can proudly say we are the most experienced provider of distance education in Australia.

Will I ever need to visit a campus?

Your course may include units with mandatory intensive schools that enable students to engage in practical exercises, tutorials and lectures during intensive periods on campus in Armidale, NSW. These are a requirement for some units that have an important practical component, often in the sciences.

For details of course requirements, browse or search our Course Catalogue listing for your course. Intensive School requirements are listed under individual Unit Information.

Short online university courses

Get the university education you need to feel more confident and qualified in your career without having to commit to a full degree.

Become future fit faster with the experts in online education.

Contact the Future Students Team