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Taking on higher education study can be a big step, especially when you’re already a professional, working full-time and in the swing of your career. But it’s also a step that can lead to big things: career growth, new opportunities and the satisfaction of expanding your professional knowledge.
This guide helps you figure out the details of our learning options, and which one is the better path for your learning in three easy steps.
Step 1. Ask yourself: what’s my learning style?
Even the best education program won't work if it doesn't fit your learning style, your schedule, and your life. So, the first step in pursuing further education in tax is to work out how you learn best.
To do this, we recommend asking yourself two key questions:
1. How do I learn best?
You might think you know the answer already, but if the last time you undertook serious study was your university undergraduate degree, the answer might be different now. As a busy working professional, you might have less focus to dedicate to study. You might benefit from more external guidance to help keep you on track, or you might prefer to be left to organise your own learning experience how it suits you.
2. How much time can I dedicate to study?
Open your calendar and be realistic about how much time you really can dedicate to further study. Between family commitments, work meetings, life admin, hobbies and social gatherings, there may be less than you think. There are two things to consider here: how many hours a week you can put towards study and for how long can you dedicate that time?
Step 2. Understand your learning options
At The Tax Institute, we offer a range of Australian tax programs and subjects, designed and delivered by renowned tax experts to advance your tax career or formalise your professional expertise.
Each subject and program is available 100% online, supported by a subject-matter expert Convenor and a Subject Co-ordinator to help you stay on track, and available in either Intensive or Distance learning. So, what does that mean?
Distance Mode (12 weeks)*
- Perfect if you're balancing work, family, and a busy life while studying.
- You get 12 weeks to absorb complex tax concepts, work through challenging problems, and let your understanding deepen naturally before you tackle the final online exam.
- All the material and the outcomes are the same,
- You have more time to absorb the material and a more flexible study schedule.
Intensive Mode (6 weeks)*
- Ideal if you have a part-time job or are ready to fully immerse yourself and dedicate most of your time to study.
- Fast-paced and requires more dedicated focus than Distance learning.
- You’re packing the same material and the same outcome into half the time, there’s less flexibility to balance life and study.
- The trade-off is that you’ll be finished and upskilled much quicker.
Summary: difference between Distance and Intensive Learning
Distance study mode | Intensive study mode | |
Duration: | 12 weeks* | 6 weeks* |
Delivery: | 100% online | 100% online |
Recommended: | 15+ hrs of learning per week | 20+ hrs of learning per week |
Final online exam: | Yes | Yes |
Convenor support: | Yes | Yes |
*Note: CTA3 Advisory runs on a different schedule and is only delivered in two 14-week study periods per year.
Step 3. Enrol in your program and get started!
Once you’ve assessed the best way for you to learn and understand the options available to you, it’s time for the fun part – getting started!
Check out our timetable and choose from three study periods each year to suit.
Top tip from us: the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll make progress in your career and see the benefits of the extra study you’re undertaking.
We understand that taking on extra study can be a big step. We’re here to make it easy for you. Get in touch today to discuss your options and eligibility by calling 1300 829 338 or submitting an enquiry online.