Study as a mature student

If you’re currently caring for children, parents or other loved ones, you’ve likely developed strong skills in communication, problem-solving and empathy, to name a few. Apply your diverse skillset to any number of career paths with flexible study at JCU.

Balance study around other commitments with:

• Online and part-time study options across many JCU degrees
• Academic support that’s available on-campus and online, including JCU Learning Advisors
• Discounted meal options in Townsville, Cairns and Mackay through the Study Buddy Program.

Discover how JCU students and alumni have navigated competing responsibilities while completing their degrees. For Edwina, options at JCU’s Mt Isa campus helped empower her to become a nurse, while Bachelor of Arts alumni Rosanna was inspired by her son to create an innovative solution for finding lost children.

JCU is here to help make study work for you. Find your future by exploring our courses or contacting our Future Students advisors for specialised advice.

Career pivots are becoming more popular than ever as modern workers seek to maximise flexibility, lifestyle and the benefits of modern tech.

Be empowered to diversify your skillset and become more adaptable in the workplace. At JCU, we work to incorporate your previous experience into your learning and see your career as a lifelong journey.

• Well-equipped facilities such as Science Place, the Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) and simulated clinical environments. You’ll hone industry-relevant skills aligned to your career goals
• Credit for Prior Learning options that mean your work experience could save you time on your degree
• A dedicated Careers and Employability team to connect you with employers and work experience opportunities
• Strong connections with industry, assisting you to increase your network with ease.

Many JCU graduates chose further study because they were searching for a different path. For Kit, postgraduate study enabled a transition from teaching that still kept the best parts of the job, while Shannon’s values and commitment to care moved with her into undergraduate nursing.

Every stage of your life is full of opportunities to learn. However, when it’s been a while since you were in the classroom, it’s natural to wonder if uni is for you.

At JCU, we’re ready when you are. With us, uni isn’t just for after high school. Our mature students benefit from smaller class sizes that give you the confidence to ask questions and learn from your peers. You’ll find that our vibrant community is made up of people of all ages and experiences, where you’ll learn in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Tackle uni courses at any age with resources such as:

• Pathway programs where entry to uni is based on your experience and know-how
• A fee-free enabling course,* JCU Prep, where you can build study skills and academic confidence
• Student Mentors to guide you through being a first-year student
• Learning Advisors who are available online or in-person to provide assessment feedback and study support.

At JCU, we know first-hand that it’s never too late to see where a uni degree can take you. Stanley found his passion later in life, after finding the connections between his degree and his previous profession, while former chef Matthew found both camaraderie and a new career as a first-time uni student.

*Students are only required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSA Fee).

Expand your learning at a uni focused on practical skill building. You’ll benefit from courses that focus on real-world scenarios. You may even find you learn as much from your fellow classmates as you do from the textbook.

Access tailored resources designed to increase your capabilities:

• Postgraduate classes taught by experienced academics and industry professionals, for the perfect mix of theory and practice
• Online and part-time learning options to ensure your studies work around your life, not the other way around
• Strong industry connections and networking opportunities to ensure you aren’t just upskilling in the classroom
• Course progression that allows you to finish with a Graduate Certificate or continue on with a master’s degree.

Whether you study on-campus or online, our courses are designed to mix theory and practice for maximum effect. Just ask Richard, whose desire to keep learning saw him move from accountancy into research in his 60s, while Raechelle’s Social Work studies helped her apply new approaches within her original field.

The future is now, and we’re ready to equip you for it. If you’re eyeing off a promotion, or looking for a role with more responsibility, then JCU is ready when you are.

Achieve your long-term goals by upskilling through an undergraduate or postgraduate course. Learn from those in the know, with many lecturers enjoying long careers in their chosen industry before joining our team.

Progress your career through JCU, with resources that include:

• Accredited courses focused on industry-relevant knowledge and skills
• Flexible learning options such as part-time and online study, lecture recordings and 24/7 online study support access
• Networking opportunities with fellow students, lecturers and JCU’s industry partners
• An expert Careers and Employability team who can assist with interview techniques, resume writing and career opportunities.

At JCU, you’ll often find yourself studying alongside fellow professionals. Discover how a Graduate Diploma helped Judy progress from nurse to parenting program coordinator, or follow Tori’s journey after completing an MBA, which facilitated her career progression and led to new workplace perspectives.

If you’re a mature student who has never studied before, you can explore your options within undergraduate study. This level of study includes diplomas and bachelor’s degrees.

If you have previously completed an undergraduate degree, you may be eligible for postgraduate study. Depending on the level of depth you want, you may choose either a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or master's degree.

You also have the option to apply for an undergraduate degree in a different field than your existing one.

Many JCU courses are available for online and/or part-time study.

Online learning gives you the flexibility to study around your existing commitments. You will benefit from immersive and dynamic e-learning environments. Engage and connect with your peers, lecturers and fellow industry professionals virtually. Course content is available 24/7, so that you can choose where and when you study.

Part-time study means you won’t need to dedicate as much time to study each week, as you’ll be completing fewer subjects. Focus on one or two knowledge areas at a time and build your capabilities on the timeline that works for you.

JCU can provide you with a range of different assistance, depending on your needs. Academic support is available through our Learning Advisors and Peer-to-Peer learning. A range of Health and Wellness resources are available on our campuses and online, such as AccessAbility for those with a disability, neurodivergence or permanent health condition; counselling services; and Safety and Wellbeing information. Financial support, such as advice on fees, scholarships and government assistance, is also available.

Yes, you may be able to shave time off your degree through our Credit for Previous Study process. Credit is often available for formal learning such as courses or degrees and informal/non-formal learning such as work experience, which can help you complete your course in a shorter timeframe.

Fee subsidies are available through a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), which is essentially a student place on a select university or higher education course which is heavily subsidised by the Australian Government. The majority of undergraduate courses are Commonwealth supported as are a growing number of postgraduate courses. If your course is not listed as Commonwealth supported, you will be required to pay full tuition fees, however you may be eligible for other financial assistance.

Eligibility: To be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place on an available course you must be an Australian citizen and complete at least one unit of study contributing to your course of study whilst residing in Australia. Permanent visa holders (including those on humanitarian visas) and New Zealand citizens are also eligible for Commonwealth Supported Places and again, must reside in Australia, but for the entire duration of their studies.

To learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places please visit the Australian Government’s Study Assist website.