Our History

Choosing an online school is a big decision, and you've got plenty of options. But Open Colleges brings a depth of Australian heritage and experience that's truly unmatched. For over 120 years, as Australia's most established remote-learning organisation, we've been committed to delivering life-changing distance education. Taught by passionate industry experts, our century-long history isn't just a number - it's a testament to our proven impact on countless lives.

A Century of Adaptability: Open Colleges' Enduring Legacy

Back in 1921, as a newly registered Australian company, we pioneered remote learning in Australia by sending out workbooks and receiving assignments through the mail. We've experienced an extraordinary evolution since then!

Our century-plus history isn't just about longevity; it's a testament to our resilience and proactive adaptation. Where other institutions have disappeared, we've continuously reinvented ourselves to remain at the forefront, equipping Australians with skills for today's and tomorrow's job market.

Who we were - our surprising history

2000 - 2024
By 2001, ICS Australia was renamed Thomson Education Direct. In 2007, Thomson Education Direct became part of academic publishing company Cengage Learning, and its name changed to Cengage Education.
Then in 2010, Cengage Education was acquired by the Nexus Education Group Pty Ltd.
And in October 2011, we embarked on the next exciting phase in its evolution as Open Colleges.
It’s now 2024, and we are still adapting to our student’s needs. This year, we introduced our new custom-designed learning platform, OpenSpace.
1990 - 2000
ICS developed the very first learning CD ROMS with pre-loaded course material in the early 1990’s. Gone were the days of sending out large booklets by post!
Soon enough, ICS saw the potential for online learning. They created their first website in 1995 and announced that its first online courses would be released very soon. Students embraced the concept of online learning like never before with more and more people gaining access to internet connections and personal computers.
1970 - 1980
With the introduction of color TV back in the 1970’s came a huge demand for service technicians. For the first time in history, we started offering courses in the new and exciting world of Electronics!
1921 - 1970
We weren’t always known as Open Colleges. When we were first registered as an Aussie company in 1921, we were called ICS: International Correspondence Schools. Back then, we sent our students their workbooks and assignments in the mail, and they posted them off to gain their qualifications.