Is going back to university worth it? Here are some key factors to consider

If you’re thinking about studying, you might be asking yourself these questions: Should I go back to university? Am I too old or too far down my current career path? What are the benefits and drawbacks?

While university was once considered a secure pathway to a successful and financially rewarding career, today’s cost-of-living pressures and rapidly evolving job market mean that the pros and cons of tertiary study must be carefully considered.

Along with earning a recognised degree, university education brings many benefits. These include acquiring professional skills and knowledge, developing a broader understanding of the world and networking to create valuable connections for future opportunities. However, these come with costs – time, energy and of course, money.

Let’s take a dive into the key factors that should be taken into account when making this important life decision.

Why consider returning to university?

There are many reasons people choose to return to university at different stages of their lives and careers. If you're considering further education, here are some common reasons why it might be the right choice for you:
 

• Formalise your experience: Turn your work or business knowledge into a recognised qualification.

• Advance your career: Gain the credentials needed to move into senior or leadership roles.

• Increase your earning potential: Open doors to positions with better pay and more flexibility.

• Pursue a passion: Finally chase the dream career you've always wanted.

• Build on your studies: Continue your learning journey by pursuing a master's degree after your undergraduate studies.

Whatever your situation and stage in life, a university education can certainly open a world of opportunities.

Level up your career

A postgraduate degree can improve your career prospects and open doors to promotions or exciting new roles. In addition to having a recognised advanced qualification on your resume, pursuing university studies allows you to develop skills and expertise that provide a competitive edge. These include specialised knowledge, leadership capabilities and transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication and teamwork.

Employment rates for those with advanced degrees are strong and consistently improving. The latest Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS) shows that around 85% of those with a postgraduate degree are employed full-time within four to six months of program completion.

Salary prospects and growth are also excellent for postgraduate degree holders, with the GOS showing median annual salaries of over $96,000.

UNSW rates strongly in both of these aspects. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, UNSW is ranked #1 in Australia for employment outcomes, standing out within the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) leading Australian universities for full-time employment four to six months after graduation.

UNSW is also recognised for producing the country’s highest-earning graduates, with average salaries of $130,000 three years after degree completion.

Stay ahead of the curve

The world of work is rapidly evolving and constant change has become the norm. According to the World Economic Forum, the job landscape will likely be drastically different in the future and will continue to undergo rapid change. As workplaces adapt to disruptive factors such as AI technologies and the climate crisis, workers need both adaptability and new skills to flourish.

Within this environment, many professionals are re-evaluating their current workplace conditions, particularly aspects like flexibility and job satisfaction. Their aim is often to achieve a better work-life balance or engage in more meaningful work.

University study can also help you stay relevant and adapt to the evolving demands of various industries, while equipping you to seize new opportunities through:

• updated, innovative knowledge and skills

• access to new developments in fields such as technology, healthcare and business

• fostering cross-sector skills such as adaptability, problem-solving and collaboration

• exposure to a culture of research and innovation

• building skills in continuous and lifelong learning.

UNSW consistently ranks as one of the world’s top 20 universities and excels in areas such as research, international engagement and sustainability, which are all critical to addressing these evolving global challenges. It’s the ideal environment to build skills and knowledge that will help you stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing world of work.

Build your professional network

Networking isn't just important for career success; it's absolutely fundamental. Research suggests that around 70% of job opportunities are secured through personal connections, referrals and direct outreach, rather than traditional avenues such as job advertisements and recruitment agencies.

Studying at university can help build your professional connections via:

• mentoring from academics and tutors with strong industry connections

• building links with students and alumni networks within your field and beyond

• participating in internships and industry projects

• attending in-person and online networking opportunities such as conferences, industry presentations and expos

• joining relevant industry associations and community groups

• networking online through platforms such as LinkedIn.

Renowned for its strong industry links, UNSW Online provides many opportunities to gain real-world experience and connections, through industry-led programs, projects and internships. In addition to building relationships, these help to develop your networking skills, boost your confidence and can also be a lot of fun.

Achieve personal growth

University study is about more than just professional development; it's a powerful catalyst for personal growth. While your career path often offers significant fulfilment, higher education uniquely broadens your perspectives, cultivates diverse new interests and enables you to forge invaluable social connections through:
 

• joining student clubs – social, sports, health, creative activities and volunteering

• building friendships with staff and students from different study areas

• taking programs in new fields to broaden your worldview

• accessing mental health and wellbeing support

• attending career fairs, guest lectures and university events that open your mind to new and different possibilities.

UNSW’s student organisation, Arc, provides access to over 300 clubs as well as health and wellbeing resources. These include many online programs to encourage the involvement of online students.
 

Factors to consider before going back to university

There are many benefits to be gained by going back to university, but let’s look at several factors to consider before committing to this pathway.

Financial considerations

The most significant expense involved in university study is tuition fees. These vary depending on your chosen degree, as well as your elective courses and may be adjusted based on any recognition of prior learning.

Financial aid is available for tertiary tuition fees under government programs such as FEE-HELP. This scheme provides loans for eligible full fee-paying domestic students studying at approved tertiary institutions to cover all or part of their fees. Repayments are only compulsory once you start earning above a minimum threshold, but can also be made voluntarily at any time. FEE-HELP is available for many UNSW Online programs.

Other study expenses include:

• study materials and equipment such as stationery and computers (students generally will not need to purchase textbooks as readings are provided within course materials)

• study-related travel costs are optional for UNSW Online students – they are not required to come to campus, however they may choose to attend events if they wish

• optional membership fees, such as student unions and professional or industry organisations

Time commitment and work-life balance

Given that returning to university generally involves balancing study with other work, personal and family commitments, it’s vital to consider how you can fit this into your busy lifestyle while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Flexible online learning is an ideal choice for many, offering the ability to study on your own schedule, eliminate time wasted on commuting and adjust your workload to suit your needs. You also won’t have to miss out on the university experience either, as dedicated support staff and advanced digital tools ensure you stay fully connected with your teachers, peers, and social networks, fostering both engagement and community.

If you decide online study is right for you, it's highly recommended to study at a recognised university with expertise in providing top-quality online learning experiences and student support, like UNSW Online. Some advantages of choosing UNSW Online include:

• 100% online study with no on-campus attendance

• an achievable study load of 15-20 hours per week for many programs

• a world-class online learning environment accessible from any device, any time

• six study blocks or hexamesters per year. Each hexamester runs for seven weeks with some orientation time beforehand. You study one course per block, offering balance and flexibility with life's other commitments

• student engagement via online drop-in sessions with lecturers and staff, student forums and virtual meetups.

Choosing the right program

University study involves a significant investment of time and resources, so it’s important to choose the program that’s right for you. As well as meeting personal and career goals, your study path should provide strong employment and salary prospects that are aligned with current industry demand and resilient to changes in the job market. It should also ensure that you gain innovative knowledge and skills in your field, along with excellent industry networks.

UNSW Online provides advanced degrees in high-demand fields such as cyber security, data science, analytics and financial technology, as well as programs in established areas like management, human resources and applied finance. Taught by leading industry experts, these qualifications can be pivotal for both career advancement and transitions.

Accessibility and support services

Balancing a busy lifestyle with academic pursuits requires a robust support system. Student and academic support services are crucial for fostering successful student outcomes and ensuring that online education is accessible to a wide range of people.

UNSW Online provides several outstanding support services for all aspects of study, which can be accessed online and via virtual consultations. These include:

• Student Success Advisors: Each student has a dedicated advisor who provides personalised advice about university life, including study skills, wellbeing and financial management.

• Academic Skills: Access to workshops, courses, self-study resources and individual support to build academic skills such as critical thinking, writing and note taking.

• Career Success: An online resource powered by advanced AI tools to help students build their careers, including career planning, resume and LinkedIn optimisation, interview skills, salary negotiation and a database of internship and job opportunities.