Australian students prioritise career-aligned credentials as AI skills become ‘essential’, new report finds

• 73% now believe they need credentials beyond a bachelor's degree (up from 66% in 2024)

• 84% say generative AI skills are critical for workplace success (up from 61%)

• Interest in micro-credentials has doubled, up from 25% to 53% in one year

• But only 32% report that universities are integrating AI into the curriculum "most or all of the time"

Universities positioned to capture growth as student priorities evolve

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, 28 January 2026: Australia’s online learners are rethinking what they want from higher education, and traditional degrees are no longer the only measure of value. 

According to The 2025 Voice of the Online Learner report, released today by Risepoint, students are increasingly prioritising short-form, flexible credentials that offer faster, more targeted pathways to career advancement.

Based on responses from 1,801 Australians enrolled in or considering online programs, the 2025 report shows a decisive shift in student expectations, driven by cost-of-living pressures, evolving workforce demands, and the rapid rise of generative AI. For higher education institutions, this represents a clear opportunity to expand offerings and strengthen engagement with lifelong learners.

The research reveals significant shifts in student attitudes and behaviours. 73% of students believe they need credentials beyond a bachelor's degree to improve career prospects, up from 66% in 2024. Interest in alternative credentials has surged, with 56% now willing to pursue industry-recognised certifications, up from 34% in 2024, and 53% open to short online certificates and micro-credentials, up from 25% in 2024. Additionally, 60% believe they can attain a promotion with a 4-subject graduate certificate rather than a full master's, up from 43% in 2024.

Students increasingly see their online degrees as career-relevant, with 85% agreeing that their online degree is significant in helping them achieve career goals, up from 76% in 2024. The rise of artificial intelligence has become a defining factor, with 84% agreeing that generative AI skills are critical in the contemporary workplace, up from 61% in 2024, and 85% now use generative AI tools as a learning tool, up from 69% in 2024. However, only 32% report that their university integrates AI technologies into the curriculum most or all of the time, highlighting a significant gap between student expectations and institutional delivery.

These findings indicate strong momentum behind stackable, outcome-driven credentials. Rather than replacing traditional degrees, these credentials are reshaping the broader higher education value proposition, offering institutions new ways to meet learner needs and support national skills development.

"Australian students are telling us exactly what they need: faster, more affordable pathways to in-demand skills, particularly in generative AI," said Terry Burkitt, VP Education Services, APAC, Risepoint. "The increased appetite for micro credentials isn't about replacing traditional degrees. It's about meeting students where they are. Universities that respond with stackable, career-connected credentials will capture this growing market."

The AI skills gap represents a critical challenge for universities. While 84% of students recognise generative AI as essential for workplace success and 85% are already using AI tools as a learning tool, only 32% report that their university is integrating these technologies into the curriculum. This disconnect is driving students to seek alternative credentials that offer the practical, workforce-ready AI skills their degrees may not provide.

With 81% of students saying guaranteed career outcomes, such as a $15,000 to $20,000 promotion, would significantly influence their enrollment decision, the connection between education and career progression has never been more important. Today’s learners are making more deliberate decisions about where and how they study, prioritising institutions that offer a clear return on investment. While affordability (83%) and flexibility remain key drivers, students are increasingly focused on whether a qualification will deliver tangible professional outcomes - be it advancement in their current role, higher earning potential or improved employability in a job competitive market.

Risepoint’s research offers evidence-based insights for education leaders and providers. Risepoint partners with over 100 universities globally to co-design flexible, affordable, online programs that support institutional growth and student success.

ENDS

Risepoint is a global education partner helping universities provide high-quality, affordable, workforce-ready online programs. With nearly 20 years' experience and more than 100 university partners globally, Risepoint specialises in meeting the needs of working adults through flexible, career-connected learning.

In partnership with universities such as La Trobe University and the University of the Sunshine Coast, Risepoint enables the delivery of award-winning online programs. The approach supports academic-led course development while helping institutions scale online learning, streamline delivery, and improve student outcomes.

Allie Cracknell
02 9688 3325 | 0415 294 910
[email protected]