Whether you're looking to upskill, make a career change, complete your VCE or study for the first time since high school, stepping into university life can be challenging.

With a broad range of courses, flexible study options, and excellent support services, Victoria University (VU) is a great choice for mature-age students.

Now is the perfect time to pursue studies – from anywhere. Our online real-time and self-paced delivery, supplemented by in-person classes where needed or possible, allows us to delivery first-rate learning, no matter the external circumstances.

With smaller virtual classes and our lecturers’ open-door policy, we are here to support you as you achieve your qualification remotely.

Apply now

Find your course and apply now. Many of our programs are available for entry at multiple times during the year.

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Time for what matters with flexible study

As a mature-age student, we understand that your commitments outside of study can demand a lot of your time. That's why the VU Block Model gives you the flexibility you need to fit uni around your busy life.

Instead of juggling multiple deadlines at once, VU Block 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.

If you would prefer to study online, we also offer a range of single units, certificates, diplomas and postgraduate courses that can be completed entirely online.

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"My path to where I am today was long, diverse and often interrupted with family commitments; but it did not deter me from reaching my goal."

“I worked while studying and every day was a new learning experience. After completing both my VCE and an Advanced Diploma at VU, I’m now undertaking a Bachelor of Laws while working as personal assistant to high-profile lawyer.” - Marco Man, Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice 22276VIC, Bachelor of Laws

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“I’ve been out of school for eight years now, so I was expecting uni to be pretty overwhelming. But with VU Block Model it hasn’t been at all."

"I only have to be at uni three days a week. And I can do the rest of the work at home with my kids. The Block Model has allowed me to be at home, go to work, and provide for my family. It’s so well organised, I also have a bit of time to myself too.” - Asmahan Ellilly, Bachelor of Education Studies

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Broad range of courses to choose from

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 at Victoria University Polytechnic.

These courses can also offer a pathway to studying an undergraduate degree.

Browse short courses and Victoria University Polytechnic courses.

Undergraduate degrees

VU offers undergraduate bachelor 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.

Browse undergraduate courses.

Postgraduate courses

If you’ve completed an undergraduate degree or are already in the workforce, postgraduate study can help you become more specialised.

We now also offer a range of postgraduate courses entirely online, so you'll be able to qualify faster as you fit study around your schedule:

Browse all postgraduate courses.

Credit for your skills & 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 completion of your course, based on past study, work and life experience.

Related

Discover courses at VU Open Day

Register now to attend Open Day and experience campus life.

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Meet our mature age students

Balancing work, life & study

There was respect for the fact that students had worked in the sector for many years, and it was acknowledged that everybody had something to offer to the learning process.

Tina Beltramin — Graduate Certificate in Management
Tina's story
From engineering to enlightenment

I chose to study counselling at VU - I knew I'd get hands-on experience. I was able to develop training materials to create a 'Mindfulness for Professional Effectiveness' workshop. I now deliver this to all of Ford's Australian employees.

Phillip Chen Yi Mei — Master of Counselling
Phillip's story
From early school leaver to university teacher

My goal in returning to study was to be an example for my children and change the future for my family. VU was accepting, flexible, listened to me and had empathy for my needs. I was offered social and financial support and even counselling sessions.

Lannie O'Keefe — Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Nutrition and Food Sciences)
Lannie's story

Support services

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 numerous scholarships each year to support students at all course levels.

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