Studying as a Mature Aged Student: 5 Simple Tips to Help you!
PUBLISHED16 July 2025
WRITTEN BYAllison Roos
Going back to study can feel like a big step, especially if you’ve been out of formal education for a while, are juggling work or family responsibilities, or are considering a career change. But you’re not alone!
A mature aged student is typically someone over 18 who has been out of full-time education for more than a year. Whether you’re switching careers, upskilling, or pursuing a long-held passion, it’s never too late to learn.
To help you make a smooth transition back into study, we’ve compiled 5 simple, practical tips to support your journey.
CHOOSE FLEXIBLE STUDY OPTIONS
Look for a course provider that understands your lifestyle and commitments. Many mature-aged students benefit from online, self-paced courses. These let you learn on your own schedule and potentially complete your course faster.
Bonus Tip: The more flexible your course, the easier it is to maintain work-life-study balance.
Build A Supportive Network
Starting something new can be intimidating, but surrounding yourself with support makes a huge difference. Connect with fellow students, seek advice from trainers, and don’t be afraid to lean on friends and family.
Ask a friend to proofread your assignments or brainstorm ideas with you, and having someone to bounce off can boost your confidence and performance.
MASTER TIME MANAGEMENT
Preparation is key! Use a calendar or planner to map out your study schedule and align it with your personal and work commitments.
Stay ahead by listing key deadlines and setting mini goals along the way. This structure will help you stay focused and avoid last-minute stress.
EMBRACE NEW TECHNOLOGY
Technology can be a huge help in keeping your studies organised – and you don’t need to be tech-savvy to benefit.
Here are a few easy-to-use tools that many students love:
- Google Calendar – to schedule study time and keep track of deadlines
- Google Docs or Microsoft Word – for writing and collaborating on assignments
- Notes apps (like Apple Notes or Evernote) – for jotting down ideas or key points
- To-do lists (like Todoist or even a simple paper checklist!) – to stay on top of tasks
Tip: Your Canvas student portal also includes tools for tracking assessments, communicating with trainers, and accessing resources. Get familiar with it early on to make study smoother!
KNOW YOUR WORTH
As a mature-aged student, you bring valuable life experience, resilience, and transferable skills to your learning journey.
Don’t compare yourself to younger students – your unique perspective and real-world experience are assets that set you apart.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
At Kirana Colleges, we support learners of all ages to reach their goals. Whether you’re looking to start a career in aged care, community services, or another rewarding field, our flexible online courses and dedicated trainers are here to help you succeed.
Explore our courses and find your perfect fit today: View Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I’m a mature-aged student. How can Kirana Colleges support someone like me?
Absolutely! At Kirana Colleges, we understand that returning to study can be a big step, especially when balancing family, work, or other commitments. That’s why our courses are delivered online, giving you the flexibility to study when and where it suits you best. Whether you're most productive in the evenings or early mornings, you can learn at your own pace and in your own time.
Q: Are there any support services to help mature-aged students adjust to studying again?
Yes, we offer a range of support services tailored to your needs. Through our partnership with AccessEAP, you have access to a 24/7 counselling hotline and up to three complimentary counselling sessions (in-person or via Skype).
You’ll also have the support of our dedicated student support team, who are here to help you with course navigation, study advice, and any general enquiries throughout your learning journey.
Q: How many hours should I dedicate to study each week?
If you're studying full-time, we recommend allocating around 15-20 hours per week to coursework and assessments. Setting aside regular time each week will help you stay on track and progress steadily toward your qualification and career goals.
Q: Do I need computer skills to study online?
Yes, you’ll need basic computer skills to get started. This includes being comfortable using email, browsing the internet, and navigating our online learning platform. Don’t worry, our team is here to help if you need support getting set up.
Speak to one of our Course and Careers Advisors
if you have any further questions!
Schedule a Time
Pick a time: lunchtime, after the kids are in bed, anytime. We’ll call you back.
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