Mature Study

Welcome! This website is designed for mature age people with disabilities and/or medical conditions considering tertiary education at TAFE, university or Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). The website provides information on all aspects of tertiary study in Australia. Tertiary study can be defined broadly to include any formal education that comes after secondary schooling. For example study at TAFE, RTOs and university including apprenticeships and traineeships with TAFE or a Certificate, Diploma or Degree course at an RTO or university. Examples of the information contained on this website include:

• National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO)
• gaining a place
• alternate entry pathways
• choosing a course
• planning your career
• financial assistance
• modes of study
• scholarships
• preparation and bridging courses
• disclosing your disability and/or medical condition
• study supports and accommodations
• employment after graduating
• student services
• disability staff at tertiary institutions
• access plans

Undertaking tertiary study can be life changing and can introduce you to new ideas and challenges. It can also impact upon your time and finances so it is important to plan for these in advance. This website can assist you by providing the tools and resources to undertake the following:

• assess the impact of your disability on different elements of tertiary study
• evaluate your current skills and knowledge
• identify tertiary courses that meet your personal and career goals
• make sensible course choices
• ask the right questions and speak to the right people
• identify different modes of study
• identify any financial support you may need while studying
• provide information about your rights and responsibilities
• identify any study supports, accommodations or resources
• contact disability staff about the services available to students with disabilities

This website also includes a number of interactive features to assist you find out more about tertiary study, contact the correct people and ask the right questions. These features include:

• a series of interactive worksheets
• disability fact sheets
• information sheets
• case studies of former and current students
• video snippets of students and disability staff talking about tertiary study

The mature study website has been developed by the University of South Australia with funding from the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST). To find out more information specific to your State or Territory refer to Your State - found under http://www.adcet.edu.au/Mature/State_and_Territory_Information.chpx