Mature-age study proves popular at UQ

Mature-age study proves popular at UQ

Mature aged students are a vital part of the university community, according to University of Queensland Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Trevor Grigg.

"Older students bring with them a wealth of life and work experiences that add a valuable dimension to their tertiary studies," he said.

"The University appreciates the difficulties mature age students often face in combining study with work, family and other commitments, and is continually working towards increasing the flexibility of its programs to suit.

"For example, at our innovative new UQ Ipswich campus, where all courses are offered through flexible delivery, students have a wide range of options to organise their learning and classes to suit their needs. This makes study much more accessible for everyone."

University Courses and Admissions manager Claron Driscoll said that while many mature people were unsure of how to bridge the gap to tertiary study, "it often isn't as hard as it seems."

"Basically, every applicant needs two things - first, the prerequisite subjects which are required for entry to the particular course and an entry score that is competitive enough to get a place in the course," she said.

"What many people don't realise is that you don't need to come straight from school, or even have finished school to have these entry requirements."

She said some options for mature aged applicants, those aged 21 years or more, included completing up to four subjects through External Senior studies, sitting the Special Tertiary Admissions Test, or completing the Certificate of Adult Tertiary Preparation.

To find out more about mature age entry to courses offered at the University of Queensland, contact University Courses and Admissions (telephone 07 3365 2203).

Media: For further information, contact Professor Grigg, telephone 07 3365 7366, or Ms Driscoll, telephone 07 3365 1979