Mature age students form a significant part of the population at university. People return to study to change their career, enhance professional prospects or simply to experience the joys of learning.
On this page:
Choosing a courseGetting into universitySpecial Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)Applying for a courseUseful resources for mature age studentsChoosing a course
Returning to student life may cause major changes in your lifestyle. It can also lead to new connections, knowledge and skills that enhance your future prospects. As a mature age student you may choose to continue in your current field or enter a new field altogether. When choosing a course you should consider:
- Will the course help you achieve your life and career goals?
- Will you receive credits for past studies or industry experience?
- Is the course delivered in a location that is convenient to you?
- Is the course delivered in a study mode - eg part-time or distance learning - that is convenient for you?
For more information see
Choosing a university course.
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Getting into university
Mature age students are assessed for entry into university courses using different criteria from school leavers.
Things such as your life and work experience may play an important role in the assessment. Interviews and aptitude tests are commonly used to assess students for entry into a course.
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Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT)
The
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) assesses competencies that are considered important for success in higher education.
The STAT is a multiple choice test comprised of 70 questions that cover:
- verbal skills (text comprehension and critical thinking)
- quantitative reasoning (mathematical relationships and inferring from data).
All three South Australian universities,
TAFE SA and
Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory recognise the test.
To arrange to sit for the test, phone SATAC on 8224 4000, or 1300 138 440 (local call charge).
For more information on STAT also see
Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER).
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Applying for a course
Submit your application to
SATAC for university and TAFE courses in South Australia and Charles Darwin University (NT) to .
TAFE offers some higher education courses as well as vocational training.
For comprehensive information on how to apply for TAFE and university courses visit the SATAC website:
Each year SATAC publishes an information booklet on university and TAFE courses in South Australia. It also details how to apply for a particular course. Booklets can be purchased from newsagents.
For information on SATAC publications see the
SATAC website.
For links to the websites of South Australian universities see
Choosing a university.
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Useful resources for mature age students
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More information
On this siteUniversity and higher education Student accommodation and livingFinancial assistance, scholarships and grants Housing, land and property Other websitesVictorian Tertiary Admission Centre Queensland Tertiary Admission CentreUniversity Admission Centre Tertiary Institutions Services Centre