AUSTRALIA
Australian Correspondence Schools
private · Founded 1979 · Languages: en
A
In short
Australian Correspondence Schools (ACS) offers flexible, self-paced online and distance education to students worldwide, with practical, hands-on learning and unlimited tutor support. International students can study from anywhere, with course fees ranging from AUD 350 to AUD 2,000+ per module, and no additional living costs.
Key facts
- Type
- Private
- Founded
- 1979
- Students
- 10,000
- International students
- 3,000
- Tuition (intl)
- €1–5k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Australia
Australian Correspondence Schools (ACS) provides flexible, self-paced distance and online education to a global student body. Founded on a philosophy of deep, practical learning by John Mason, ACS offers a wide array of courses designed to provide profound understanding and real-world application, rather than just competency-based training. Students can start courses at any time and study at their own pace, with materials available both online and in hard copy. The institution emphasizes a hands-on approach, with course content regularly updated to reflect current industry standards. Assignments often involve practical application, research, and engagement with real-life scenarios. Unlimited tutor support is a core feature, ensuring students receive personalized guidance throughout their studies. ACS caters to individuals seeking to upskill, transition careers, or pursue personal interests. Its flexible format and practical focus make it a popular choice for adult learners worldwide, with testimonials from students across various countries highlighting the value of its structure and support.
Why study here
- Gain practical, hands-on knowledge directly applicable to real-world scenarios.
- Benefit from unlimited access to expert tutors for personalized support throughout your studies.
- Enjoy complete flexibility with self-paced study and the option to start courses at any time.
- Choose your preferred learning format, with course materials available both online and in hard copy.
- Study a wide variety of subjects, from horticulture and animal care to IT and creative writing, with industry-relevant content.
- Acquire a Statement of Attainment upon completion of each course, recognizing your specialized skills.
Student life
As a distance education provider, student life at Australian Correspondence Schools is centered around flexible, independent study supported by extensive online resources and personalized tutor interaction. While there isn't a traditional campus experience, students engage with their studies from their own location, fitting learning around their work, family, or lifestyle commitments. The online student room, social media channels, and direct communication with tutors foster a supportive learning environment. The focus is on enabling students worldwide to achieve their educational and career goals through accessible and practical learning.
Fees
InternationalIndividual courses typically range from around AUD 350 for short courses to AUD 2,000+ for full 100-hour modules; certificates and diplomas are priced by the number of modules.
HomeAustralian students pay the same published course fees; no government subsidy applies as ACS is a private provider.
LivingAs a fully online provider there are no relocation or campus living costs; students study from home anywhere in the world.
Fees are paid per course or per module, and payment plans are available. There are no separate enrolment or examination fees for most courses.
Admissions
GeneralAccess to a computer with internet access is generally required for online courses. Specific courses, such as ASP.NET, may require prior knowledge (e.g., basic HTML) or software installation (e.g., Visual Web Developer Express Edition).
University scholarships
EOFY Sale15% off sitewide
Accreditation
Accredited by the International Approval and Registration Centre (IARC), Complementary Medicine Association, Study Gold Coast, and Greenlife Industry Queensland. Member of Chartered Institute of Horticulture.
For international students
AustraliaStudent visa & funds
International students need the Student visa (subclass 500), which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a health and character check. Since May 2024 applicants must show financial capacity of at least AUD 29,710 for one year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and around AUD 2,500 for travel. Since March 2024 all applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test.
Working while you study
Student visa holders may work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session — a cap re-introduced in July 2023 — and unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Students enrolled in a master’s by research or a doctoral degree have no work-hour limit at any time. Work must not begin before the course start date.
After you graduate
Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) within six months of completing their studies. In the Post-Higher Education Work stream, bachelor’s and master’s (coursework) holders receive up to two years and master’s (research) or doctoral holders up to three years; regional study and the Australia–India trade agreement can add further time. The general age limit is under 35 at the time of application, rising to under 50 for research-degree holders.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; Group of Eight typically 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT79–100; UG 79–90, PG 90–100
- PTE Academic50–65; UG 58+, PG 65+
Main intakes
FebruaryJuly
Typical living cost
€1,600/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesDepartment of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500) · Study Australia — Student visa (subclass 500) work rights · Study Australia — Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) · IDP IELTS — Minimum IELTS scores for Australian universities · AECC — Cost of living in Australia for international students
Programs
a selectionAustralian Correspondence Schools · Australia
Australian Correspondence Schools - Distance Learning Programs
Australian Correspondence Schools (ACS) offers a wide range of distance education courses, allowing students to study online or via correspondence. The school emphasizes flexibility, enabling students to start immediately and learn at their own pace. ACS provides unlimited support throughout your studies and offers a large variety of courses across numerous disciplines. Their approach focuses on self-paced learning, with assignments that encourage independent research and provide a solid foundation for further study or career development.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Australian Correspondence Schools · Australia
Australian Native Ferns
This course is designed for both amateur enthusiasts and professional growers interested in Australian native ferns. You will learn to identify, propagate, cultivate, and effectively use a variety of native fern species. The program covers the classification system, cultural requirements, and focuses on horticulturally significant species. It is ideal for nursery owners, landscapers, land managers, horticulturists, gardeners, plant collectors, environmentalists, and anyone passionate about Australian flora. The flexible, self-paced online format allows you to study from home at your own pace.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Australian Correspondence Schools · Australia
Bonsai
This comprehensive distance education course teaches you the art of creating and maintaining bonsai, transforming plants into living works of art. You will learn to select suitable plants, understand various styles and techniques for pruning and training, and master the essential horticultural skills needed for bonsai culture. The course is designed for both passionate hobbyists and those aspiring to operate a bonsai nursery professionally. It combines specific bonsai knowledge with fundamental horticultural practices, offering a well-rounded education in this unique field.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
100 mo
Duration
Australian Correspondence Schools · Australia
Courses at ACS Distance Education
ACS Distance Education (Australian Correspondence Schools) offers a wide range of distance learning courses and ebooks. Founded in 1979, ACS focuses on providing flexible learning options for adult students, with courses designed to enhance understanding, awareness, and practical application of the subject matter. Courses are developed to be relevant across different geographical and economic contexts and cater to various learning capabilities. While not strictly vocational or university-level, the courses cover subjects often found in these streams. Many courses are updated regularly to meet high standards and are delivered by affiliated colleges worldwide.
Diploma
Level
—
Tuition
100 mo
Duration
Australian Correspondence Schools · Australia
Flash CS
This course provides an introduction to Adobe Flash CS, a tool used for creating multimedia files, animations, and interactive websites. It is designed for individuals with no prior knowledge of Flash, but requires access to a computer with Flash CS installed. The course covers essential skills from using the Flash editor to incorporating text, images, audio, and video, as well as understanding components and publishing your creations for various platforms like the internet and CD.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
12 mo
Duration
Australian Correspondence Schools · Australia
Pig Husbandry
This course provides a comprehensive foundation in pig husbandry, biology, and production, with a strong emphasis on meeting the daily practical needs of pigs. You will learn essential skills for managing pigs, whether for commercial production, self-sufficiency, or as a hobby. The curriculum covers pig welfare, health and disease management, nutrition, selective breeding, herd management, and various production systems (extensive, intensive, free-range). It also delves into managing boars, sows, litters, and fattening pigs, alongside aspects of farm management like record-keeping.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Australia
full fundingAustralian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia Awards)
ASEAN-Australia Awards Scholarships
Open to citizens of eligible ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste) applying for a master's degree by coursework or research at an Australian university. Applicants need a strong academic record, leadership potential, relevant work experience and English proficiency, and must meet Australian visa and health requirements. Exact terms are set each cycle by the Australian Government.
full
Funding
€120k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingForrest Research Foundation (Minderoo Foundation)
Forrest Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowships
Open to early-career post-doctoral researchers of any nationality and from all academic disciplines. Applicants must be in the final year of their PhD or no more than two years past PhD completion at the time of taking up the fellowship, be proficient in English, and meet the employment-eligibility conditions of the host Western Australian university. Fellows must reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the full term and commit to mentoring Forrest Scholars, undertaking ambassadorial duties and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Melbourne
Hansen Scholarship at the University of Melbourne
Australian citizens, permanent residents or holders of an Australian temporary or permanent protection visa who are enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or IB programme, aged 16-20 at application, with a predicted ATAR of 90+ (or IB equivalent) and demonstrated financial hardship (e.g. a family receiving Centrelink benefits). Asylum seekers are eligible for full fee remission.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingAustralian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Australia Awards Scholarships
Open to citizens of ~30+ eligible developing countries (mostly the Indo-Pacific), who are not married to/engaged to an Australian or NZ citizen, meet academic and English requirements, and commit to returning home for at least 2 years after study. Fields must align with the partner country's development priorities.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Sydney
University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS)
For international students undertaking a postgraduate research degree (a master's by research or a PhD) at the University of Sydney. It covers tuition fees and a living-allowance stipend; applicants need a strong research background and a confirmed place and supervisor for their research project.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Melbourne (School of Computing and Information Systems)
University of Melbourne CIS PhD Scholarship
Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold a Master of Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, apply for the Doctor of Philosophy – Engineering and IT (Computing and Information Systems) programme (DR-PHILEIT), and demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and research potential. A research proposal, a personal statement, and a letter of support from the proposed PhD supervisor are required.
full
Funding
€42k
Max
-18d left
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees for international students at Australian Correspondence Schools?
+
Individual courses typically range from AUD 350 for short courses to AUD 2,000+ for full 100-hour modules. Certificates and diplomas are priced by the number of modules, and payment plans are available. As an online provider, there are no relocation or campus living costs.
How does Australian Correspondence Schools cater to international students?
+
ACS provides flexible, self-paced distance and online education to a global student body. Students can start courses at any time and study from anywhere in the world with materials available online and in hard copy.
What kind of support can international students expect?
+
Students benefit from unlimited tutor support, providing personalized guidance throughout their studies. The learning environment is supportive through online resources and direct communication with tutors.
Are there any specific requirements for online courses at ACS?
+
Access to a computer with internet is generally required for online courses. Some specific courses might need prior knowledge, such as basic HTML, or software installation.
What accreditation does Australian Correspondence Schools hold?
+
ACS is accredited by the International Approval and Registration Centre (IARC), Complementary Medicine Association, Study Gold Coast, and Greenlife Industry Queensland. It is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture.
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