Student Highlights
From dream to reality

Born in South Africa, Michael moved to Australia four years ago. After deciding to make a huge life and career change, Michael began looking for alternative entry pathways to university.

“I had been out of high school for over 10 years and that meant that I needed to find alternative routes into university,”

With an interest in space and robotics, a field he always thought was out of reach, Michael took the chance to study Open Foundation.

“I always had a deep interest in space and robotics and decided I was going to study Mechatronics Engineering and turn those interests into a career instead of just something I read about or watched on YouTube,” he said.

Deciding to pursue Open Foundation as an entry pathway, Michael was confident of the competitive advantage this support would provide him in the pursuit of his dream career.

“Open Foundation was one of the few possible routes that I had available to access university. The courses the program offered and the study modes really aligned with not only my lifestyle but with the degree I was hoping to enrol in,” he said.

“Completing Open Foundation gave me the confidence I needed to go into university knowing I had the knowledge and skills to take on the challenge of a university degree,” he said.

Reflecting on the flexibility, Michael was able to study a combination of online and on campus courses over the span of the program. This allowed him to continue to balance life, study and work as he progressed into his bachelor’s degree.

“The flexibility of being able to do that was so important to me, I needed to make it work with my life and schedule, and that flexibility allowed me to do that. It was really beneficial getting to know the university campus and getting a feel for sitting in a lecture theatre before actually starting my degree too,” he said.

Throughout his Open Foundation experience, Michael was inspired by the people, the university life, and the interest his academics showed in their students.

“Being able to work in a team with some great people, that are now good friends has been such an experience. Getting the chance to take something we’re really interested in and passionate about and turn it into a reality has been such a great opportunity,” he said.

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Michael Rafferty

After finishing high school and not knowing what to do, Michael Rafferty moved across the world and started fresh, with a supportive opportunity to achieve what he always thought wasn’t possible.

Open Foundation was one of a few possible routes that I had available to access university. The courses offered and the study modes really aligned with not only my lifestyle but with the degree I was hoping to enrol in.