Returning to study can be a positive step forward in your career and personal life, but you might find it hard to adjust - especially if you haven’t been studying for a while.
Reasons for returning to study
Everyone has their own reasons for returning to study.
- You might have practical experience but still need a formal qualification
- You might want to take a new direction in your career
- You might want to pursue a hobby or develop a new skill
- You may not have had the opportunity to study until now
How do I go about returning to study?
VTAC’s Back to the Books guide (new window - scroll down to 'Adults returning to study') is a must-read if you’re thinking about returning to study.
Returning to secondary study
If you haven’t completed Year 12 you can study for your VCE or VCAL at a TAFE institute or Adult Community Education provider. The Department of Education’s Beyond School page (new window) has lots of info on the career and study options available to you.
If VCE or VCAL is the way you want to go, you can download A guide to VCE, VCAL and VET for adults (new window) from the VCAA website.
Returning to tertiary study
If tertiary study is what you're after, mature age students can apply for university and TAFE courses through VTAC as part of the non-Year 12 application process (new window). The application process is a bit different compared to the process that Year 12 students have to go through.
Other study options
There are other study options available to you as well, including distance education, short courses and independent tertiary colleges. To find out more about these options, check out our What are your other options? page.
How to apply
For more about applying for courses, check out our How to apply for a course page.
What sort of difficulties should I expect?
Your experience as a mature age student will depend on your age and how long it’s been since you last studied. The term ‘mature age student’ sounds old, but it means anyone who is over 18 and has been out of formal education for more than a year.
Here are some of the problems that you might face when returning to study:
- You could feel overwhelmed with work, family and other life commitments and find you don’t have much time to study
- You might have some trouble with the coursework or assessment tasks and may need to brush up on your study skills
- You could find it difficult to make friends if you can’t spend time on campus between classes
- You might find it hard to relate to younger students or become frustrated with their lack of interest in their studies
Who can help me?
If you’re feeling stressed or finding it hard to cope you can talk to your course advisor or a counsellor at your university, TAFE or other course provider. Contact your student support services team to find out what kind of help is available.
Many universities and TAFEs have an orientation program specifically for people returning to study. There might even be a student club or society that supports mature age students and organises social events. For example, at Monash University there is a Mature Age and Part-Time Students Association (MAPS).
And finally, the Better Health Channel’s Tertiary studies – mature age students page (new window) also has lots advice on the world of mature age study.
