What’s the Difference Between Online and in Person Study?

Choosing how you study is just as important as choosing what you study. With more Australians than ever enrolling in online courses, it’s worth asking yourself whether digital learning suits your lifestyle, goals, and learning style—or whether a traditional classroom might be the better fit.

Both modes lead to the same qualification, but how you get there, what your day-to-day looks like, and how you interact with course content and classmates can vary significantly. Understanding these differences upfront helps you make a decision that fits your lifestyle, career goals, and learning preferences.

Learning formats and flexibility

The most obvious difference between online and in-person study is where and when learning happens. In-person study follows a set timetable—you attend lectures, tutorials, and practicals at specific times each week on campus. Your schedule is predetermined, and you’re expected to show up. This structure works well if you thrive on routine, enjoy separating study from home life, or need the discipline of fixed commitments.

Online study flips this model. Most courses deliver content through pre-recorded lectures, downloadable materials, and digital resources you access whenever suits you. You might watch a lecture at 6 am before work, or tackle readings late at night after the kids are in bed. This flexibility is the main drawcard for people with jobs, caring responsibilities, or unpredictable schedules.

However, “flexible” doesn’t always mean “entirely self-paced.” Many online courses still have weekly deadlines, scheduled live tutorials via video, and fixed assessment due dates. The difference is you’re not commuting to campus multiple times a week. Some programs offer hybrid or blended models, where most content is online but you attend campus occasionally for intensives, exams, or practical sessions.

Location matters too. In-person study usually requires you to live within commuting distance of campus, or relocate entirely. Online study lets you enrol from anywhere in Australia—or even overseas in some cases. This opens up options for regional students, people with mobility challenges, or anyone who can’t easily access a physical campus.

The trade-off is discipline. Without a set class schedule, it’s easy to fall behind in online study. You need to be self-motivated and proactive about setting your own routine. In-person classes provide external accountability—if you skip, your absence is noticed. Online, you’re largely responsible for keeping yourself on track.

Assessment types

Assessment methods can differ depending on the study mode, though this varies by institution and course type. In-person courses often include in-class tests, supervised exams, group presentations, and hands-on practical assessments. You might be marked on participation during tutorials, or complete lab work that can only be done on campus with specialised equipment.

Online courses tend to rely more heavily on written assignments, online quizzes, discussion forum participation, and video presentations you record and submit. Exams, when required, might be proctored online using webcam supervision, completed at an approved testing centre, or replaced entirely with alternative assessments like case studies or portfolios.

Practical or vocational courses—think nursing, trades, or laboratory sciences—can’t avoid hands-on assessment entirely. Even if the theory component is online, you’ll usually need to attend campus or an approved workplace for practical assessments. Some providers partner with local employers or training centres to reduce travel, but if your course involves clinical placements, workshops, or physical skills testing, expect some face-to-face requirements regardless of the overall delivery mode.

Group work also looks different. In-person students often collaborate in real time during class or meet up outside scheduled hours. Online students typically coordinate via video calls, shared documents, and project management tools. Both require teamwork skills, but online collaboration demands more proactive communication and digital literacy.

The flexibility of online assessments can be a double-edged sword. You might have more time to research and refine your work, but you also need strong time management to avoid last-minute panic. In-person assessments, while more rigid, provide clear structure and immediate feedback opportunities.

Student experience comparison

The day-to-day experience of being a student changes significantly between modes. On campus, your social life and study life overlap. You meet classmates before lectures, form study groups over coffee, and bump into people between classes. There’s a sense of belonging to a physical community, access to campus facilities like libraries and computer labs, and the ability to ask questions face-to-face immediately after class.

Online students miss out on this incidental social contact. You can still connect with peers through discussion forums, group projects, or course-specific social media groups, but it requires more effort. Some people find this isolating; others appreciate the ability to engage on their own terms without the pressure of constant social interaction.

Your study environment is entirely your responsibility when learning online. You need a reliable internet connection, a suitable workspace, and the self-discipline to log in regularly without the external prompt of a campus commute. On the upside, you can study in your pyjamas, take breaks whenever you need, and fit learning around your life rather than the other way around.

Support services exist in both modes, but how you access them differs. Campus students visit student services in person, drop into lecturers’ office hours, or use physical libraries and learning spaces. Online students access the same support digitally—video appointments with advisers, virtual library services, and email or chat-based academic help. The support is there, but you need to be comfortable seeking it out remotely.

Time commitment can feel different too. On-campus students spend hours each week commuting and attending scheduled classes, but their study time outside these hours might be less because they’re absorbing content in real-time lectures. Online students save commuting time but need to allocate more hours for independent learning, watching recorded content, and staying on top of deadlines without the structure of weekly classes.

The sensory experience matters too. Campus life offers change of scenery, physical movement between locations, and the energy of being around other learners. Online study happens wherever you are—often the same desk, day after day. For some, this is comfortable and focused. For others, it feels monotonous.

How employers view both options

One of the most common concerns about online study is whether employers will value it as much as an on-campus qualification. The short answer: if the course is accredited, employers generally don’t care how you studied—they care about what you learned and whether you can do the job.

In Australia, qualifications are regulated by bodies like ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) for vocational courses and TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency) for higher education. If your course is accredited by the relevant authority, the qualification itself is recognised equally regardless of delivery mode. Your certificate or degree doesn’t specify whether you studied online or on campus.

What matters more to employers is the reputation of the institution, the relevance of your qualification to the role, and your ability to demonstrate practical skills. If you’ve completed a reputable online course and can articulate how your learning applies to the job, most employers won’t question your study mode.

That said, some fields still require in-person components for professional registration or licensing. Teaching, nursing, trades, and other hands-on professions typically mandate practical placements or supervised hours that can’t be completed entirely online. Even in these cases, the theoretical components can often be studied remotely, with in-person requirements limited to essential practical training.

Employers increasingly recognise that online study requires strong time management, self-motivation, and digital literacy—all desirable workplace skills. If anything, successfully completing an online qualification while working or managing other commitments can be a selling point during job applications.

For more information about government-recognised qualifications and how they’re regulated, visit StudyAssist.

Which mode is right for you?

There’s no universally “better” option—only what works for your circumstances. In-person study suits people who value structure, prefer face-to-face interaction, and can commit to a fixed schedule and location. Online study works for those who need flexibility, live remotely, or are balancing study with work and other responsibilities.

Consider your learning style, available time, location, career goals, and whether your chosen field requires practical assessments that must be done in person. Many students also start in one mode and switch later, or choose blended programs that combine the best of both.

Ready to explore your options? Browse online courses or compare different study modes across a range of fields on CareerFAQs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from online to on-campus study, or vice versa?

Many institutions allow students to switch between online and on-campus study modes, especially if both options are available for your course. You’ll need to check with your provider about their specific policies, as some courses may require you to reapply or meet different entry requirements. Credit transfer for completed units usually carries over regardless of how you studied them, provided the content is equivalent.

Do online courses cost less than on-campus courses?

Tuition fees are often similar between online and on-campus programs, particularly for accredited qualifications. The cost savings with online study typically come from avoiding expenses like commuting, parking, campus amenities fees, and relocation. Some online providers offer more competitive pricing, but always compare the total cost including materials, platform fees, and any compulsory in-person components before deciding.

Will my qualification certificate show that I studied online?

No. In Australia, official qualification certificates and transcripts do not specify whether you completed your course online, on campus, or through a blended format. Your testamur (graduation certificate) lists your qualification, institution, and completion date—not your study mode. Employers see the same credential regardless of how you studied.