The aim of this paper is to demonstrate how regional students studying online support the sustainability of regional communities. The 'virtual setting’ for this study is Central Queensland University’s online programs related to the built environment. Although heavily industry-focused, these programs include pivotal content that contributes to students’ knowledge of environmental, social and economic sustainability. The part-time online studies have created opportunities for students to remain employed in their regional homes, 'learning while earning', which should mean that money is kept in the regional community, and families maintain their involvement in these regional communities. The local community benefits from residents increasing their education, with immediate impacts on the sustainability of local industries in which those students are employed.