Open Colleges

Open Colleges, accredited online training in Australia

Open Colleges is an Australian educational institution that delivers online courses and diplomas. Its offering is presented as flexible and affordable, with nationally accredited programs and a study model that lets students learn at their own pace. The institution is aimed at those looking to re-enter the workforce, move up in their current role or start a new career.

Areas of study and course catalogue

The catalogue is organised into several subject areas, each with specific certificates and diplomas:

• Health & Community: aged care and disability support, community services, youth work, dental, health and allied support, mental health and AOD (alcohol & other drugs), and on-campus nursing & healthcare in South Australia and Western Australia.
• Business & Leadership: business administration, leadership and management, human resources, marketing and communication, and retail and customer service.
• Design & Technology: graphic and UX design, interior design and photography.
• Accounting & Finance.
• Animal Care & Horticulture.
• Education.
• Beauty & Nail.
• Building & Construction.

Featured programs include the Certificate II in Animal Care (ACM20121), the Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) (CHC33021), the Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015), the Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (HLT43021), the Certificate IV in Accounting and Bookkeeping (FNS40222), the Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420), the Diploma of Youth Work (CHC50425) and the Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015).

Methodology: self-paced, no exams and from any device

Courses are delivered in a self-paced format, with no fixed deadlines and start dates at any time. Training can be followed from any device and does not include exams, according to the information on the site. Content is delivered by trainers with industry experience, and the institution offers flexible payment options.

Career outcomes of the programs

The site details job outcomes for each course. These include roles such as animal care attendant, assistant animal groomer, veterinary assistant, care assistant, disability support worker, personal care worker, community services worker, residential care officer, therapy assistant, occupational therapy assistant, physiotherapy assistant, accounts administrator, accounts clerk, accounts payable officer, business development manager, business manager, office manager, youth worker and counsellor.

Student support and enrolment process

The institution offers pre-enrolment advice through scheduled calls with its team, with time slots available in AEST. It also publishes course guides, career advice, frequently asked questions, student stories and profiles of its trainers, as well as a study portal and a career quiz.

Promotion current at the time of analysis

The site displayed a promotion with a 50% discount for upfront payment and a cashback of up to $700 for those who called a specified phone number. The offer ended on 6 October 2026 and was subject to terms and conditions.