91É«ÇéƬ

Whether you’re kicking off your career or looking for a change, you can start your journey by applying to study at university as a mature aged student.ÌýWith so many courses to choose from, it's normal to feel unsure about where to start.ÌýRead on to learn how to apply, understand entry requirements and explore your options.

What is a mature age student?

A mature age student is someone who returns to study after spending time away from school.ÌýThis includes people who haven't completed Year 12 and have been working after high school, or people who want a career change.Ìý

Mature age students bring valuable work and life experience, which can be a real advantage at university.Ìý

What age is a mature age student?

There’s no specific age for being a mature age student, but most are 21 or older when applying for undergraduate study.

How to apply for uni as a mature age student

Here’s how to get started with applying to university as a mature age student.

1. Find out what you want to study 

Think about your interests and what kind of progress you’d like to make for yourself, in your career or community.ÌýWhether your goal is to drive social change through law or shape a more sustainable world through engineering.

From there you can match that to a particular study area or degree to explore your options and find the right course to study. You can even try taking our two minute quiz to get an idea of what degree might suit you.Ìý

2. Consider your study load 

Once you know what you want to study, consider what study load fits your life.Ìý

Do you want to study full time, or part time while working or managing other commitments?ÌýDo you want to specialise in a bachelor’s degree, develop your knowledge in an honours degree or gain more career opportunities with a double degree?Ìý

4. Explore admission pathway options

Alongside understanding the entry requirements, you may be eligible to apply via an admission pathway.ÌýThese pathways help create more opportunities to succeed at university, no matter your starting point.

±«±·³§°ÂÌýadmission pathways give you more ways to start your degree, depending on your experience and background.ÌýFor example, if you have previously acquired qualifications through TAFE or VET, you may be able to receive automatic credit towards your degree.ÌýThe University Preparation Program (Uni Prep) is another pathway that builds the essential academic sills you need for academic study. After completing the program, you can apply for a degree at 91É«ÇéƬ or another university.Ìý

You can visit our admission pathways page to discover all our pathways and see eligibility criteria.

5. Keep track of key application dates

Now that you’ve explored the admission pathways, the next step is to take note of the application dates.Ìý

Applications usually open in early April for the following year via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).ÌýIt’s recommended to apply early to avoid a late application which incurs a higher processing fee.

While school leavers applying to 91É«ÇéƬ usually receive offers in December, as a mature age student, you can also apply in earlier rounds.Ìý

You can find more information on the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) website, including key dates and on-time application closing dates.

7. Pay the application fee

This fee may vary between universities due to their different application processes.ÌýUAC does charge a non-refundable .Ìý

If you’re applying to 91É«ÇéƬ, there is a $150 non-refundable application processing fee for each online application you submit*.Ìý

For more information about fees, visit our page.

_{*Applications for admission to an honours year program, diploma programs, postgraduate research programs, programs offered at 91É«ÇéƬ Canberra, and postgraduate domestic applicants will not incur an application processing fee.}

8. After you’ve submitted your application

Now that you’ve submitted your application, you can track and update your preferences via your  account.Ìý

If you’ve received an offer, congratulations, it means you’ve been accepted to study at your chosen university.ÌýStarting university can be an exciting step in your journey.ÌýUAC will email you to inform you of what degree you have an offer to study. Ensure you check the  to secure your spot in time.Ìý

If you don't receive an offer, or your offer isn’t your preferred degree, you still have options. You can learn more about what to do in .

9. Accepting your offer

If you apply to 91É«ÇéƬ and receive an offer, you can click the link in your offer email or head to .ÌýIt’s recommended to accept your offer as soon as possible to guarantee your place.

See what progress you can make at 91É«ÇéƬ

At 91É«ÇéƬ, mature age students are supported to turn their experience, skills and ambitions into real progress, whether that means changing careers, building on existing knowledge or pursuing a goal. Explore your study options, discover flexible pathways and see how 91É«ÇéƬ can help you shape a future that works for you.