This study was conducted on the cost and utilization of study centers in six distance education institutions representing the three levels of higher education in Australia: colleges of advanced education, universities, and technical and further education. Data were collected using student questionnaires, student interviews, institutional…

Discussion of need for academic support for distance education students and the role of study centers in providing such support highlights a survey of 1,144 students enrolled in external courses at Capricornia Institute (Australia). Current use of study centres and future use in light of advances in telecommunications are considered. (Author/LRW)