Questions to ask when choosing an online course to study:

1. If I don't complete the course within a specified time, do I need to pay additional fees.
2. What's the minimum experience (years) and qualifications of the teachers?
3. How often are course notes/texts updated?
4. How many experts collaborate to produce the course notes?
5. What is involved to change course or withdraw?
6. How can I get extra help from a teacher if I need it?
   
   Some colleges will give answers you like. YOU MIGHT BE SUPRISED HOW MANY DON'T
   
   Here are our answers:
   1. If I don't complete the course within a specified time, do I need to pay additional fees?
   
   No extra fees. When you enrol; with ACS, you can take as long as you need to complete a course.  If you need to take a break, we ask you to let us know; but we’ve had people restart a course after months or even years.  We rarely charge extra fees  to restart, unless it has been a very long time and we were never asked for a deferment.
   
   2. What's the minimum experience (years) and qualifications of the teachers?
   
   Our academics who write course materials and mark papers have at least 5 years of industry experience and 3 years of academic training before undertaking training with us in developing and delivering distance education. Almost all have university and post grad qualifications. Many vocational colleges do not keep to as high standards.
   
   3. How often are course notes/texts updated?
   
   Course materials are reviewed continuously and within days, whenever an issue is detected and raised by staff or students. In addition, a broader review of all courses is undertaken every 3 years or less.
   
   4. How many experts collaborate to produce the course notes?
   
   Every course has at least 3 different experts from two or more different countries initially work on it to ensure minimal chance of bias, and maximum opportunity for balanced. Necessary information is in the course notes. In contrast, we are aware that many vocational colleges and universities will often engage one individual to deliver a course using course notes which they develop. This may work well if the teacher is outstanding but if not, the course can be more problematic.
   
   5. What is involved to change course or withdraw?
   
   We allow anyone to swap to a different course, without a time limit if they have not submitted their first assignment. Even if they have, a swap can still be organised without too much fuss. Withdrawals are offered for a 7 day, no questions asked period.
   
   6. How can I get extra help from a teacher if I need it?
   
   We guarantee access to academic support at any stage while studying if needed. There is no additional fee for that extra help. This is often not the common experience elsewhere.