Six myths about postgraduate study and what they look like in real life
Another degree can be more affordable, flexible and valuable than you might expect
May 14, 2026
If you’ve ever casually thought about postgraduate study and then immediately shut the idea down, you’re not alone. For many professionals, further study can feel out of reach and too hard, with no guarantee of the reward.
The reasons are usually familiar: cost, time, flexibility, relevance.
But when you actually speak to people who’ve gone back to study at the University of Wollongong (UOW) – often while working full-time, raising families, or changing careers – these six common reasons feel a little more like myths.
1. “It won’t really change my career.”
This belief usually comes from seeing study as theoretical or disconnected from real work.
In practice, most postgraduate courses are designed for people already in the workforce with a focus on applied skills, rather than abstract learning. Many students use assignments to solve real workplace problems, build leadership capability, or specialise in a new area that wasn’t covered in their undergraduate degree.
“Most of the teachers I have learned from boast real-world, meaningful, practical experience, and have built their academic perspectives from this,” says Yul, who is studying a Master of Business Administration. “The content is useful and engaging, as it tangibly connects to career and professional development and is not a check-box exercise.”
Long-term outcomes matter too. According to the Graduate Outcomes Survey National Report 2023, UOW postgraduate degree holders earn on average 51.5% more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
Postgraduate courses help students grow their confidence and expertise to move into more senior or specialised roles.
Kasandra, a primary school teacher studying a Master of Education (Interdisciplinary Studies), says, "The course content is going to be hugely useful in my future career. I have learnt more than I could imagine, and there is still so much more information to uncover.”
2. “Postgraduate study is too expensive.”
Understandably, cost is often the biggest concern, whether it’s about the course fees themselves, the possibility of lost income if you have to step away from work to study, or simply the impact of cost-of-living pressures.
Depending on the course and eligibility, government-supported places, university subsidies, and loan options can make study far more accessible than it first appears.
“Getting a Commonwealth supported place has made this affordable and achievable for our family situation right now,” says Kasandra.
At UOW, eligible domestic students can benefit from up to 75% off postgraduate course fees through a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a UOW subsidised fee reduction when they commence their studies in 2026. Additionally, the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) allows students to defer costs to be paid over time, through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
For many professionals, the long-term earning and career benefits outweigh the short-term financial stretch, especially when they realise they can continue to earn and progress while they study.
3. “I don’t have time to study and work.”
Modern postgraduate courses are designed to fit around work and life: part-time study, flexible or 100 per cent online delivery, evening sessions, credit for prior learning or experience, and some courses that are designed to be completed in as little as six months.
Rather than stepping away from work, many students stay employed and apply what they’re learning immediately. For some, work-based course content and the integration of what they are studying with their day-to-day work is what makes postgraduate study feel sustainable and rewarding.
“I was surprised that I am able to study while working and having a family life,” says Carina, a student in the Master of Medical and Health Leadership. “And by the enjoyment it has brought me to learn again.”
"Managing life and study is definitely a juggle, but that’s where the flexibility of UOW shines,” says Master of Public Health student Muhammad. “The teaching staff understand that postgrad students wear multiple hats – whether it’s work, family or other commitments – and they genuinely support us in balancing it all. That makes the journey so much more manageable."
4. “There isn’t a course that really fits me.”
Postgraduate study isn’t about doubling down on what you already know. Across a broad range of disciplines, postgraduate courses can help you upskill with the latest advancements or deepen your knowledge with the latest evidence to kickstart the next phase of your career in your chosen field.
Degrees help teachers move into leadership, health workers expand into policy or specialist care, business professionals step into executive roles, or people from any background pivot into entirely new areas.
"This degree is a game-changer,” says Muhammad. “It’s already helping me pivot towards public health roles where I can influence policy and contribute to big-picture solutions.”
With the ability to tailor courses to specific interests or experiences, postgraduate courses often serve multiple career paths, not just one “typical” student.
For people who feel stuck or unsure about their next step, that flexibility can make a big difference.
5. “If I go back to uni, I’ll be on my own.”
Another common fear is that postgraduate students don’t get the same level of support, especially if they’re studying online or returning to study after a long break.
In reality, postgrad students are often the most engaged, usually balancing work, family and study with the help of tailored academic and wellbeing support. Many report that online study is engaging and welcoming, providing flexibility while ensuring they can connect with teaching staff as needed.
Peer connections matter, too. Students build strong professional networks through group work, discussions, and shared experiences, often across industries and locations.
Support isn’t an added bonus; it’s part of how postgraduate study is designed to work.
Elly Mrad describes her peers in the Master of Social Work (Qualifying) as a close-knit cohort: “It has given me the opportunity to build meaningful connections, network, and form lasting relationships.”
6. “I’ve missed my chance to start”
It’s easy to assume that if you didn’t start at the beginning of the year, you’ve missed the window.
Thankfully, most UOW postgraduate programs offer mid-year intakes while UOW’s Sydney Business School offers three intakes each year, making it possible to start sooner than expected, rather than waiting another 12 months to make a move.
For people who are already thinking about what’s next, that timing can feel like permission to stop putting things off.
If the idea has been sitting quietly in the back of your mind, it might be worth revisiting – not as a big life upheaval, but as a practical next step.