After establishing yourself in the workforce, a return to university may seem daunting, but successfully balancing work, study, and personal life is achievable. Each year, around half of our new graduate students are mid-career professionals wanting to change careers or upskill.
What is a mature-aged student?
If you are over 23 when you complete your course application, you are considered a mature-aged student. At the University of Melbourne, the average age of a professional returning to study is 34, and around a quarter are over 40.
Going back to university as a mature-aged student or a working professional
Real-world experience gives you an advantage when pursuing a masters or graduate degree (also known as a postgraduate degree). Here are just some benefits of going back to study as a mature-aged student or a working professional.
Advantages of being a working professional
- You have better developed time management, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- You have industry knowledge and experience and can recognise how an idea can be applied in the real world.
- You have an established professional network, which can give you access to mentors, real-world data, research partnerships, and career opportunities.
- You have experience communicating, collaborating, and presenting your work.
- You have a fully developed prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain responsible for impulse control that doesn’t finish developing until your mid-to-late twenties. You are quite literally more mature and a better decision-maker.
Tips for balancing work and graduate studies
Balancing work and study is a juggling act, but it's manageable with the right approach and tools.
Know what to expect
Attend one of our future students events, such as the Graduate Study Expo, held twice a year in March and September, and chat with faculty representatives and current students. You will receive personalised advice and use this knowledge to plan ahead.
Apply for study leave
If the graduate study you’re planning to undertake is relevant to your current role, you may be eligible for study leave (in some cases, your workplace may even offer paid leave). Have a conversation with your employer about your leave entitlements.
Apply what you're learning
Where possible, use real work challenges for your assignments. Think about how you can apply what you’re learning to solve a current workplace problem. This approach saves time and demonstrates initiative.
Reduce your study load
Nearly half of the working professionals pursuing a graduate degree with us study part-time. Reduced study load and online learning options will help you fit your study around work and other commitments. Stop 1 Course Planning team can help you plan your course and study load.
The biggest thing for me was accepting that I couldn't do everything at once. I went part-time with my PhD during COVID, and that really helped. It gave me the space to do quality work in both areas rather than spreading myself too thin. Reducing my study load actually made it easier to accomplish my academic goals because I could be more focused and intentional with my research time.
ReubenPhD Candidate, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences
Resources and support services
The University of Melbourne offers one of the most comprehensive student support networks in Australia. You will have access to a wide range of services.
Student Support – a wide range of services, including health and well-being, financial support, and accommodation.
Academic Skills – workshops and resources to help set you up for academic success.
Counselling and Psychological Services – free, confidential psychological support.
Murrup Barak – support for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student community.
Student Equity and Disability Services (SEDS) – ongoing academic support for students with disabilities, health conditions and other eligible commitments.
Students who are parents
We offer several services designed to help you balance family, caregiving, and educational commitments.
Childcare
Current students can access long-day care and kindergarten programs for their children through Early Childhood Education Services.
Parents rooms
Private spaces are available on campus for breastfeeding, diaper changes, and caring for babies.
Additional resources for parents
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) offers baby-changing facilities, family-friendly study spaces, and access to support, information, and resources for parents.
As a working mother, it meant juggling many competing priorities whilst studying and the university offered flexible class options and staff were always approachable, supportive, and willing to assist.
Nafisa YussfMaster of Public Health