Returning to study later in life while juggling work, family and personal responsibilities can feel daunting.

But it's also an opportunity to rediscover yourself, unlock new career paths and pursue long-held dreams.

Charles Darwin University is designed for you, even if it has been a few years since you last thought about university. We anticipate and address the challenges you face, offering flexibility and support to ensure your journey to a degree is successful.

You’re also not starting from scratch, but with an advantage. The life experience, skills, and clear purpose you've gained are qualities we value and nurture. At CDU, we empower you to transform your experience into academic excellence and eventually, a rewarding career.

CDU may even recognise any formal and informal learning gained outside of university, and the work and life experience you’ve accumulated, using it to help you complete your qualification faster.

Flexibility is everything

With decades of experience in online and distance learning, many courses can be studied anytime, anywhere – a game changer for those managing work, home life or other commitments.

You can also choose between full-time and part-time study, tailoring your workload to suit your lifestyle.

Bachelor of Education student Wendy started her degree at 41 while raising a family. The ability to study online and stay organised made all the difference.

Her experience is an example of how CDU's flexible study options empower later-in-life students to succeed without putting their lives on hold.

Support designed for mature-aged students

If you didn’t jump straight from high school to university, switching the brain and work-life balance back into learning mode might be a difficult adjustment.

That’s why CDU offers dedicated support services tailored to mature-aged students. From academic support, online tutoring, and assistance with study skills to counselling and financial advice, there’s help available every step of the way.

Karita, a Bachelor of Nursing student, found returning to study challenging, but her support from CDU’s Faculty of Nursing helped her thrive.

The advantages of experience

Skills like time management, problem-solving and critical thinking, sometimes honed over years, can give mature-aged students like you an academic edge.

You’re also more likely to have a clear sense of career goals and be driven to achieve them. This motivation can make you a highly sought-after graduate.

Yvonne, who returned to study aged in her late 30s, is a perfect example. She used two CDU degrees to forge a new career in emergency and disaster management.

Finding the balance

We understand everyone’s life is unique, which means there is no magic formula for fitting study into an already busy schedule.

Look to other students’ experiences for inspiration on how to find what works for you.

Michelle, a busy mum who completed a nursing degree online, and Ruth, a former academic who balanced part-time study with work while earning her Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, both prove it can be done.

Why students with life experience thrive at Charles Darwin University