*Good Universities Guide, 2025
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Frequently asked questions
A ‘mature-age student’ is someone who has not recently graduated from high school. You may have taken a gap year, studied at TAFE or are looking to change or advance your career. As a university with a mature-age student focus, our ÌÔÆ¬×ÊÔ´Íø support staff work with you throughout your studies.
Benefit from small class sizes with one-on-one access to your lecturers. Benefit from our learning platform, ÌÔÆ¬×ÊÔ´ÍøDesk, connecting you with your lecturers or other mature-aged students. Participate in forums to help break down assignment questions or start a conversation about a topic you’re interested in.
Yes, you can go to university without an ATAR or without finishing Year 12. ÌÔÆ¬×ÊÔ´Íø offers several pathways designed to help people enter study at any stage of life, including those who finished school years ago or chose a different path after high school. Your ATAR is not the only way to access university, and for many people it no longer matters after a couple of years.
ÌÔÆ¬×ÊÔ´Íø’s mature age entry scheme allows applicants to use work experience, prior study, vocational training or bridging programs to meet the mature age university entry requirements. If you did not finish Year 12, you can still apply through options such as ÌÔÆ¬×ÊÔ´Íø Ready, TAFE or VET qualifications or relevant professional experience. These pathways can help you develop the skills needed for your chosen degree.
At ÌÔÆ¬×ÊÔ´Íø, we recognise that the term ‘mature age student’ actually covers a wide, diverse range of people. No matter your education history, your age or your aspirations, at the ÌÔÆ¬×ÊÔ´Íø you’ll find a welcoming community of educators and fellow students who are out to make a difference.
As a mature student, university offers a whole new experience. No matter how you choose to structure your study, ÌÔÆ¬×ÊÔ´Íø provides a holistic experience and inclusive atmosphere to encourage you on your journey.
Yes, mature-age students can study degrees online at ÌÔÆ¬×ÊÔ´Íø. Many students returning to education later in life choose online or part-time study because it offers flexibility and allows you to fit study around work, family or other commitments. Mature-age study online is a common option, and ÌÔÆ¬×ÊÔ´Íø’s long history in distance and online learning makes it a supportive option for learners of all ages.
Most ÌÔÆ¬×ÊÔ´Íø degrees can be completed online, giving you access to lectures, tutorials and study materials through your online student portal. You do not need to attend campus unless your degree includes practical components such as placements or short residential schools, and these requirements are clearly outlined for each degree.
If you are unsure how to begin or want help choosing an online degree that suits your goals, get in touch, and we can guide you through your options and the mature-age pathways available.
A university bridging course is a short program that helps you prepare for tertiary study by building the academic skills and subject knowledge you will need for your degree. A bridging course for uni is especially useful if you did not meet the standard entry requirements, have been out of study for a while or want to boost your confidence before starting a bachelor degree. At ÌÔÆ¬×ÊÔ´Íø we call these pathway programs.
Pathway programs and bridging courses are usually quite short. Durations can vary, but many run for a few months, depending on the structure of the program.
A bridging course can be worth it if you want a supported transition into university study. It can help you strengthen essential skills, improve your readiness for first year subjects and create a clear pathway into your chosen degree.
At ÌÔÆ¬×ÊÔ´Íø, our pathway programs are free, so you can start your university journey without the financial stress.