Scholarships for Mature Age Students in Australia

Here's something most returning students don't know: a lot of scholarship criteria actively favour mature age applicants.

Not tolerate. Favour.

Work experience, first-in-family status, returning after a break, coming in through a non-standard pathway: these are the exact profiles that many equity and mature age scholarships are designed for. Yet most eligible students never apply, because they assume the money goes to 18-year-olds straight out of school.

It often doesn't. And the application effort is usually modest relative to what's on offer.

Start here: the support already built into the system

Before looking at scholarships, it's worth understanding the financial foundation that already exists for domestic students in Australia.

HECS-HELP allows eligible students to defer all tuition costs and repay progressively through the tax system once income exceeds the threshold, currently $67,000 in 2026. FEE-HELP does the same for most postgraduate coursework degrees. Neither has an age limit.

For most mature age students, the out-of-pocket cost of study is primarily living expenses and course materials, not tuition. That's a significant starting point before you've applied for a single scholarship.

Austudy

Austudy is a government income support payment available to full-time students aged 25 and over, subject to income and assets tests. It's not a scholarship, but it provides fortnightly payments to eligible students who are studying full-time with limited income. Students under 25 may be eligible for Youth Allowance instead.

Both are administered by Services Australia. Checking your eligibility before you start is worth the fifteen minutes it takes.

University-based scholarships

Most Australian universities offer scholarships specifically targeted at mature age, equity, and non-traditional entry students. They vary significantly by institution, but the most common types include:

• Equity scholarships: for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those with disrupted secondary education


• Mature age entry scholarships: for students entering through non-Year 12 pathways, often covering partial tuition or living costs


• First-in-family scholarships: for students who are the first in their immediate family to attend university


• Regional and remote scholarships: for students relocating from regional or remote areas to study


• Course-specific scholarships: many faculties and departments offer awards to attract students into high-demand fields like nursing, teaching, and engineering


• Many scholarships are not heavily advertised and have low application volumes. The effort of applying is disproportionately rewarding relative to the competition. If you meet the criteria, apply.

External scholarships and organisations

Beyond individual universities, a number of external organisations offer scholarships relevant to mature age students:

• Australian Federation of University Women (AFUW): fellowships and scholarships for women pursuing postgraduate study


• Industry and employer scholarships: many large employers in health, education, defence, and the public sector offer scholarships to employees or community members entering relevant programs


• Professional associations: organisations like the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, the Australian Education Union, and various engineering bodies offer scholarships to students entering their respective fields

How to make your application count

A few things that matter more than most people realise:

1. Read the eligibility criteria carefully. Mature age, first-in-family, regional, and equity criteria often overlap. You may be eligible for more awards than you expect.


2. Check for automatic consideration. Some universities automatically consider all applicants for relevant equity scholarships without a separate application. Don't assume you need to do extra work.


3. Use your personal statement strategically. Your life experience as a mature age student is a genuine asset. Articulate clearly why you're returning to study, what you've done since school, and what you plan to do with the qualification. This is where you stand out from a 20-year-old applicant who can't offer the same.


4. Apply broadly, apply early. Many scholarships have low competition. They simply require a well-written application and someone willing to submit it.

The Choosing Your Uni Virtual Expo is a good place to ask universities directly about the financial support available for mature age students, including scholarships, bursaries, and concessions specific to their institution.