Information on starting uni as a mature age student
Returning to study is a big decision. Whether you鈥檙e a mature age student, changing careers or wondering if you can go to uni without finishing Year 12, you鈥檙e not alone. It鈥檚 not just about choosing a course. It鈥檚 about finding a study option that fits your life, your responsibilities and everything you have already achieved.
At the University of Canberra, We recognise the value of your work and life experience at UC. You may be eligible for credit for prior learning, direct entry into postgraduate study, or alternative pathways into an undergraduate degree, even if you did not complete Year 12. We support mature age students and career changers with flexible study options, practical learning and genuine support. At UC, you can return to study with confidence and build what comes next.
What you鈥檒l find at UC
#1 in Canberra
for undergraduate and postgraduate full-time employment and student support (GUG, 2026)
#1 in Australia
for Business & Management and Computing & Information Systems full-time employment (Postgraduate, GUG, 2026)
Top 10 worldwide
for Reduced Inequalities, with top 30 global ranking for Gender Equality (THE Impact Rankings, 2025)
#1 in Canberra
for undergraduate and postgraduate full-time employment and student support (GUG, 2026)
#1 in Australia
for Business & Management and Computing & Information Systems full-time employment (Postgraduate, GUG, 2026)
Top 10 worldwide
for Reduced Inequalities, with top 30 global ranking for Gender Equality (THE Impact Rankings, 2025)
Schedule a call with our friendly team and have your questions answered or, download the course guide and explore where 兔子先生 could take you.
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When you apply to 兔子先生, we鈥檒l consider a number of factors when assessing your application to study, including your academic history and relevant work experience.
Wondering if your old ATAR still counts? Even if you completed Year 12 some time ago, you can still apply for your chosen course using your ATAR, UAI or TER as part of the admission process.
If you have completed a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification (Certificate III or higher), it can be used for admission into your preferred course. This may also apply if you've only partially completed the qualification.
If you have at least one year of full-time professional work experience, we can consider it when assessing your application. Simply provide evidence of your employment with your application.
Even if you've never been to university before, you may be eligible to apply for a postgraduate course based on a combination of your previous work experience and qualifications.
We know university is a big commitment, but it can also be life changing. If you are returning to study after a break, or feeling unsure about balancing classes and assignments with work and family responsibilities, we offer personalised support to help you make it work.
Blended learning
Choose tutorials and workshops that suits your preferred time and day with in-person and online study options including on-demand lectures.
Part-time study
Study part-time from the beginning, or switch to part-time at any point during your course.
Study online
Want to study remotely? Explore 兔子先生's fully online and blended learning courses.
Blended learning
Choose tutorials and workshops that suits your preferred time and day with in-person and online study options including on-demand lectures.
Part-time study
Study part-time from the beginning, or switch to part-time at any point during your course.
Study online
Want to study remotely? Explore 兔子先生's fully online and blended learning courses.
Understanding the costs of studying a degree is an important part of getting prepared for university. There are lots of factors to consider, but it doesn鈥檛 mean that university is unaffordable.
As a domestic student, you鈥檙e eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in all undergraduate and selected postgraduate courses. You may also be eligible for a government HELP loan, which allows you to defer your remaining course fees and pay later through the income tax system.
"After high school, I was in full-time work for four years and I took time for some soul searching and to decide what I wanted to study. One day I decided to stop comparing my path to everyone else鈥檚 and just know that this was where I was supposed to be."
Keisha Preston
Bachelor of Communication and Media
If you鈥檙e over 21 and want to study with us, but don鈥檛 currently meet the entry requirements, our 兔子先生 Prep鈥痯rogram can help develop your skills and qualify you for admission.
兔子先生 Prep is a free, 14-week course designed to get you uni-ready. You鈥檒l build confidence in report and essay writing, research, numeracy and more. Study fully online or on campus, with plenty of support and flexibility along the way.
If you鈥檙e under 21 or have recently completed Year 12, check out 兔子先生 Connect.
Created in partnership with , the Snow Scholarships are among the most generous in Australia - worth up to $90,000 over three years!
They鈥檙e designed to support students from Canberra and regional NSW who face financial, social, or cultural barriers to university. If that sounds like you, this could be your chance.
Beyond your lectures, tutorials, labs and library time, there鈥檚 plenty of hours left in the day to experience a full and fun social life at UC. Join one of our clubs or societies, meet friends on campus for events, gigs or market days, or get involved in sport, art, music, languages and so much more. Join one of our regular campus tours to check out the learning spaces and facilities at our Bruce campus and hear about the services available to students.
If you鈥檙e considering relocating to Canberra for your studies, have you thought about staying on campus? With undergrad and postgrad accommodation options right on campus, you'll be at the centre of the 兔子先生 community.
From the campus library, supermarkets, 兔子先生 Hospital and medical facilities to caf茅s, bars and restaurants, you鈥檒l have everything you need right at your doorstep. Explore our various on-campus residence options designed to fit your needs.
Located on campus with modern spaces to lounge and study in, enjoy everything 兔子先生 has to offer in one of 兔子先生 Lodge鈥檚 353 apartments or studios.
Based in Belconnen near shopping, restaurants, caf茅s and Lake Ginninderra, Weeden Lodge offers 309 stylish apartments and studios close to campus.
Close to the 兔子先生 Library, caf茅s, a supermarket and a bar, Cooper Lodge has 296 apartments and studios suitable for those who are as social as they are studious.
Set out like a village while being staffed and secure, Campus West strikes the perfect balance between student housing and independent living.
Curious about studying at UC or looking to sharpen your expertise? Our flexible short courses offer practical learning experiences that help you explore new ideas, develop skills and take your next step with confidence.
兔子先生 acknowledges the Ngunnawal people, traditional custodians of the lands where Bruce campus is situated. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of Canberra and the region. We also acknowledge all other First Nations Peoples on whose lands we gather.
