Rise of mature age students attending Gold Coast universities

When Annette McCormick had her first day at university she thought she’d be the oldest in her class — that was far from the truth.

Gold Coast 38-year-old Annette McCormick - who spent a decade working in retail and having two children - has decided to follow her university dreams.

The Palm Beach mum is one of a growing number of mature age students flocking to tertiary education.

She is at Southern Cross University, doing a Bachelor of Education to become a teacher.

Three quarters of domestic students studying at SCU’s Gold Coast campus are mature age, defined as aged 20 and older.

Ms McCormick, now in her third year, said she enrolled in the degree after looking for primary school options for her son, who has autism.

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Annette McCormick and Gabriella Wayne are just two of hundreds of mature age students at SCU. Picture Glenn Hampson

“At the time I realised many teachers may not have had much experience with disability,” she said.

“I thought my experience as a mum of a child with additional needs was something I could bring to the table as a teacher.

“I was nervous when I started, I thought I would be the oldest in the class, but there are a few mature age students and it’s lovely.

“I’ve got different people I study with younger than me, older than me. I’ve been in group activities that are straight out of high school, I’ve never felt out of place.”

Deputy Vice Chancellor and Dean of Education Professor Nan Bahr said the average student age at SCU had shifted from 20 to near 30 years old.

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Both women are studying a Bachelor of Education. Picture Glenn Hampson

“Some students continued to work full or part-time to support their families and responsibilities, while others dive headfirst into study to complete it in the shortest time frame.

“We’re finding an increasing number of workers on the Gold Coast are choosing to study here in the city where they want to live and work, revitalising the Gold Coast economy in the process, rather than moving interstate.”