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Online learning courses

Online learning is an increasingly popular study choice for international students. Many students are now considering online study as a good option if they want to pursue an education at a world-renowned university abroad, but can't or don't want to move overseas for whatever reason.

Historically referred to as distance learning courses, online learning provides international students with access to a greater variety of universities, without the added cost, stress and logistics of moving abroad, which is not a possibility for everybody.

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Highlighted online learning courses from universities worldwide

There are hundreds of online learning courses from around the world available to browse on StudyLink.com

Applied Financial Mathematics University Certificate

Distance and Independent Studies Center, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), Germany Germany

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Blood Component Transfusion GradCert

Swansea University United Kingdom

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Psychology Postgraduate Diploma

University of Derby Online Learning United Kingdom

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Public Governance, Management and Policy (online master) Master Degree

Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB), Erasmus University Rotterdam Netherlands

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Museology New Media and Museum Communication Master Degree

IULM University of Milan Italy

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Education MA

University of Derby United Kingdom

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International Dispute Resolution (Queen Mary Online) LLM, PG Dip, PG Cert

Centre for Commercial Law Studies, Queen Mary University of London United Kingdom

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Masterclass Identity in Web3 Certificate

Howest University of Applied Sciences Belgium

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The benefits of online learning

There are ample reasons that students are choosing to study for bachelor's and masters degrees online. With the increase in popularity, universities have made improvements to their distance course offerings.

Here are some of the top reasons to choose online learning:

  • Save money - online degrees are usually cheaper than their on-campus counterparts, and you will also be saving on any moving and living expenses you would have otherwise incurred
  • Flexibility - many online courses are normally run extremely flexibly. You might have some fixed class times, but outside of that, you are in charge of your learning, meaning that you can learn around your work or family responsibilities. As well as this, your campus can be anywhere that you have a computer and an internet connection
  • Access to tutors - many universities offer one-to-one sessions with your tutor, meaning you can ensure that you are getting the most out of your education experience
  • On-campus graduation - even though you study online, most universities will still hold an in-person graduation ceremony that you can choose to attend. If you do attend, this is a great opportunity to meet your tutors and fellow students.

Entry requirements

The course entry requirements will differ at each university, and will likely include previous study requirements, and language requirements. You will need to provide proof of these, in the form of grade transcripts, recommendation letters and test scores.

The more generic requirements usually include an up to date laptop, computer or tablet (your course might have specific requirements for technology hardware and software), and a strong and reliable internet connection. If you have any questions about specificities, speak to the university that offers the course you are interested in.

Tuition fees

As mentioned above, online learning tends to be a cheaper option for international students. Not only are online courses normally cheaper, but you will also make considerable savings by not having to pay for visa applications, travelling, moving, and any future living expenses.

More information about studying online

Institutions offering online courses

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