Mature-age students
Study that fits your life – not the other way round
Life is full – work, family, commitments. And if you're planning on fitting study into the mix, you need more than just a timetable that you have to slot your life into.
At VU, we offer flexible study options that help you balance it all while moving towards your goals. Whether you're returning to study, changing careers, or building on experience, you’ll be able to explore flexible, practical options to match your schedule – and what you want your future to look like.
With a unique learning model, hybrid course delivery, hands-on placements, global study opportunities and tailored student support, VU gives you the freedom to shape your study around your life – and the confidence to succeed on your own terms.
Choose when and how you learn
Undergrad and postgrad courses with the VU Block Model®
Find balance with our VU Block Model, as you focus on one subject at a time and choose from multiple different start points across the year. You’ll learn in small, interactive classes, with personalised support that’s built around you.
Designed for focus and flexibility, our VU Block Model lets you complete one subject every four weeks – so you’re not juggling multiple deadlines, and have time for all the important things in your life.
Hands-on training at VU TAFE
Get straight into the workforce or start a pathway to further study with our industry-connected TAFE courses. Choose from areas that are in hot demand with employers like health, construction, cyber security, early childhood and more – and many available with no tuition fees to pay, through Free TAFE.
You'll learn in state-of-the-art facilities, gain real-world experience and graduate with skills that employers are after right now.
Study online your way – with full support
For ultimate flexibility, we also offer self-paced and real-time classes across a range of single units, certificates, diplomas, degrees and postgrad options that can be done completely online. Whether you’re fitting study around shift work or family life, our online courses are designed to be as versatile as you.
Credit for your skill & past study
We recognise the valuable skills and life experience that you may already have as a mature student. We can credit academic, professional or life skills that are determined to be equivalent to skills that would be covered in specific course units. This means you may be able to complete your course in a shorter time.
Use our credit calculator to get an idea of credits you may be eligible to receive towards the completion of your course, based on past study, work and life experience.
Your course options, unpacked
1. Short courses, certificates & diplomas
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 shorter course options.
These courses can also offer a pathway to studying an undergraduate degree.
2. Undergraduate degrees
VU offers undergraduate bachelor’s degrees across a large range of disciplines. These can prepare you to enter the workforce with the skills required for a specific career path. A degree can also offer a pathway to postgraduate study or research.
3. Postgraduate courses
If you’ve completed an undergraduate degree or are already in the workforce, postgraduate study can help you become more specialised.
VU now offer a range of postgraduate courses entirely online such as a Graduate Certificate in Business and a Graduate Certificate in Nursing, so you'll be able to qualify faster as you fit study around your schedule.
