Whether you've just returned from a gap year, are looking to upskill or make a career change, or have never been to uni before, stepping into university life can be challenging.
With a broad range of courses to choose from, flexible study options, and various student support services, Victoria University (VU) is a great choice for mature-age students.
No matter your circumstances, you'll find thousands of other students just like you at VU.
As a mature-age student, we understand that your commitments outside of study can demand a lot of your time.
That's why we've developed our First Year Model - with your needs in mind, so that you get the flexibility you need to fit uni around your busy life.
Instead of juggling multiple deadlines at once, our First Year Model lets you focus on one unit at a time. And with classes for most units available morning, afternoon or evening, it's easy to tailor a timetable that suits you.
Find out more about our exciting First Year Model.
The model applies to students at our Melbourne campuses, commencing the first year of a bachelor degree in 2018.
Once you move into second year and beyond, our range of flexible study options will help you reach your study goals while still meeting your personal and work commitments.
The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is a senior secondary school qualification which can prepare you for the workforce or study at an undergraduate or TAFE level. VCE at VU is offered through our TAFE division, Victoria University Polytechnic. It is the same VCE course offered in secondary schools, but is specifically tailored for adults returning to study.
If you don’t have the time to commit to a full degree, or simply want to upskill or reskill in a particular field, you will find lots of course options at Victoria University Polytechnic.
Our TAFE division offers courses at all levels of study, from trade pre-apprenticeships through to graduate certificates in management and more.
Browse short courses and Victoria University Polytechnic courses.
VU offers undergraduate bachelor degrees across a large range of disciplines. Bachelor degrees can prepare you to enter the workforce with the skills required for a specific career path.
VU is known for offering industry-relevant curriculum, which means you will be well-prepared for your future workplace of choice.
An undergraduate degree can also offer a pathway to postgraduate study or research.
Browse undergraduate courses.
If you’ve completed a bachelor degree or been in the workforce for a number of years, postgraduate study can help you gain more specialised skills in your area of interest.
You’ll be supported to develop the expertise required to progress in your career, or gain the skills you need for a career in academia or research.
Browse postgraduate courses.
We recognise the valuable skills and life experience that you may already have when you return to study. We can credit academic, professional or life skills that are determined to be equivalent to the skills that would be covered in specific units in the course you plan to take. This means you may be able to complete your course in a shorter time.
"As a mature-aged student who hadn’t studied for nearly 10 years, it was difficult to get back into mainstream education.
VU was willing to give me a chance – they saw something in me that other universities did not. The staff were always happy to help in any way they could. The University played a major part in helping me find success in the career that I wanted."
"Studying at VU helped me redirect my career and get a substantial qualification in a non-clinical field in aged care services. The flexible delivery of my course meant my study could adapt to my changing work situation.
I took a gamble with my first job as a carer in residential aged care… and I loved it! I am now undertaking my PhD at VU, looking into support for older people with depression."
To help you succeed as a mature-age student, we offer a large range of student support services such as on-campus childcare, academic development, disability support, career counselling and more.
We also offer more than 500 scholarships each year to support students in TAFE, undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
VU’s support services were invaluable. As part of my Master of Teaching (Primary), I had to pass a maths test ... so I attended free lunchtime workshops
Call us on 1300 VIC UNI and one of our friendly staff will assist, or you can submit a question online to our support team.
