RETURNING TO STUDY

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?

There are different things to consider when returning to study, depending on what level of study you plan on returning to.

Returning to Secondary Study

If you haven’t completed Year 12 you can study for your VCE or VCAL at a TAFE institute or Learn Local organisation. 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 Return to Study: A guide to VCE and VCAL (new window) from the VCAA website.

Returning to Tertiary Study

If you want to do tertiary study after a break from studying - e.g., to work or to travel - mature age students can apply for university and TAFE courses through VTAC in the same way that Year 12 students can. The fees for non-Year 12 applicants differ a little, but the application proces is otherwise largely the same.

You're considered a Non-Year 12 applicant if you're not currently enrolled in any VCE, Australian Year 12 or International Baccalaureate studies in Australia or New Zealand.

For more about applying through VTAC, check out our VTAC page.

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 check out our Other Options page.

How to Apply

For more about applying for courses, check out our How to Apply for a Course page.

What 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.

For queries regarding pathways from introductory courses that can prepare you for taking on accredited qualifications and get you ready for work or further study, you can also contact your closest Learn Local organisation – they can talk to you about the courses available and help you come up with a plan of attack. 

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. 

Good luck!

Links

Beyond School The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has lots of info on the post-school career and study options available.

VCAA - Return to Study: A guide to VCE and VCAL The Victorian Curriculum Administration Authority has a helpful downloadable booklet about returning to secondary study.

VTACThe VTAC website administers applications for tertiary education placement, and provides a wide range of information on tertiary courses available in Victoria, and how the tertiary application process works.