Mature age students
Who is a mature age student?
A mature age student is any student that is not a current school leaver. If you were not completing Year 12 when you applied to study at Western Sydney University you are considered a mature age student.
Returning to learning booklet
Top tips from mature age students
The 'Top Tips' guide provides tried and tested advice from mature age students. They have shared their best advice on how to get the most out of uni.
Returning to learning can be can be quite overwhelming, especially if you have had a significant break from education. To help you prepare we have a range of free workshops available. Just visit the Study skills workshop page to find one that suits you.
We have two workshops specifically designed for mature age students. The Returning to Learning workshop runs before the University teaching session begins, and is designed for students returning to learning after a significant break from education. The Returning to Learning and Introduction to E-Learning are both available as online resources, which are available all year round so you can complete them at your own pace.
If you are interested in attending these workshops you can register online, go to the Study skills workshop page for more details and to apply.
The University Library runs tours at the beginning of each session. The library is one of the most useful resources available to you during your studies and it is important to understand how to find that key text or online journal article, so you should go to one if you can.
Visit the library tours webpage to see when the next tour is on at your campus library.
MATES is about providing first year students with the opportunity to be connected with students further along in their study journey. MATES about helping students to make social networks and acquire knowledge and skills to help them settle into life at university.
If you are interested in being involved visit the MATES webpage or email mates@westernsydney.edu.au.
CareerHub is your gateway to Careers' services. Search for jobs, book in to career events and access career and job application information all in one place. This free service is available to all current Western Sydney University students and recent graduates. All you need to do is go to the CareerHub login page (opens in a new window) and enter using your current WesternAccount details.
If you are seeking an international experience then take a look at our Going Global webpage for the ultimate international job seeker's guide.
How many mature age students are there at Western Sydney University?
Our student population is diverse, with students from a wide range of age groups and backgrounds. Almost two thirds of our undergraduate students are 21 and over, and around one quarter are 25 and over. No matter what age you are, there are definitely other students like you at the University.
How many hours will I spend at university?
As a full-time student on campus you should expect to spend 12–16 hours each week in lectures or tutorials. These classes may run at any time between 8am and 9pm, Monday to Friday. Practical courses will require out of hours involvement and some courses will require off campus placements. You will also need to spend time preparing for class, reading, working on assignments and studying for exams. As a general rule, full-time study is similar to a full-time job, around 40 hours per week. If this sounds like too much on top of your other demands like work and family, you may consider studying part-time.
How long are the teaching sessions?
Most undergraduate degrees are taught in two sessions – the Autumn Session from late February to June and the Spring Session from late July to November. The University also offers an optional Summer Session from December to February, during which students can study additional units if they're available.
How much will my course cost?
All undergraduate courses at Western Sydney University are Commonwealth Supported (unless you're an international student). This means your tuition fees are subsidised by the government, giving you a lower rate of fees to pay. If you're an Australian citizen, you may defer your fees through a HECS-HELP loan. Fees vary depending on which course you study – visit the fees webpage for more information.
Are there any other costs?
There are additional costs associated with studying, including:
- textbooks - total costs each session can range from around $500–$1200, depending on your course
- study materials or equipment - costs vary depending on your course e.g. a nursing uniform or first aid certificate
- Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) - this fee has recently been introduced across all Australian universities and goes straight towards student focused programs and facilities (if you're an Australian citizen, it can also be deferred like your tuition fees)
- travel - parking permits are required to park on campus. If you are travelling by public transport you may be eligible for a travel concession (discounted travel). For more information visit Getting to Uni.
Is there financial support available?
Yes. We have a variety of scholarships on offer each with different criteria. To see if you're eligible and to apply visit the Scholarship webpage. Once you start your studies, if you experience financial hardship you may be eligible for a University Student Loan, Student Grant, textbook or food vouchers. Visit The Student Welfare Service webpage for more information. Assistance is limited though so it's important that you consider all the costs associated with coming to uni and how you can manage financially before you start your course.
Do I need to have computer skills?
At Western Sydney University we use blended learning, which means learning takes place both face-to-face and online (e-learning), even if you are studying on campus. To make the most of your studies you will need a basic level of computing skills and access to a computer with the internet. Some of the ways you will experience online learning include:
- using your Western Sydney University student email
- enrolling and registering for tutorials
- accessing course content and recorded lectures
- submitting quizzes and assignments online
- participating in discussion boards
If you're worried about it, the Introduction to E-Learning online workshop is a great way to get up to speed and feel comfortable using Western Sydney University online systems and e-learning tools. There is also IT support available on campus, over the phone (02 9852 5111), via email, as well as online chat and self help in the MyIT Portal . Computers are available for student use in the libraries and the computer labs. Computer labs are located on each campus and are accessible 22 hours a day, seven days a week.
What support is available once I start uni?
At Western Sydney University we have a great range of support and free services to make your transition to university as smooth and easy as possible. To view the full range of available services visit the Services and facilities webpage.
At Western Sydney University we do not have any specific entry process for mature age students. Your application will be assessed on at least one of the following criteria:
- Your secondary school result or Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR), Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER), University Admissions Index (UAI) or equivalent.
- Studies that you have undertaken since leaving school e.g. Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Certificate III or above at TAFE, a private or community college, or prior university studies (minimum two units).
- Your result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
- Your work experience, which must be at least one year full-time paid employment.
Each criteria (that you provide on your application) is given a rank out of 100 and we will use the highest rank you have to assess your application.
For more information about applying as a mature age student, please contact our Course Information Centre on 1300 897 669 or study@westernsydney.edu.au.
Prospective student queries
If you are a prospective student with any queries in relation to applying as a mature age student, please contact our Course Information Centre on 1300 897 669 or study@westernsydney.edu.au.
Current student queries
If you are a current student with any questions about your study or enrolment, please contact Student Services Hub.
Mature age student Katriona describes her university journey
Mature age student Antonio describes his university journey