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Mature Age Entry Scheme

The Mature Age Entry Scheme is an avenue for entry into the University of Sydney for people of at least 21 years of age who would not normally qualify for admission.

This is a step-by-step guide to help you determine if you are eligible for Mature Age entry and how to go about qualifying and applying for Mature Age admission to the University of Sydney.

Before you continue

  • Choose your university course/s - you need to identify the course (eg, Bachelor of Arts) you hope to enter at the University. Go to the Future Students section and do a search. Browse the menus there for information about costs, etc. Make sure the attendance pattern of your chosen course suits you (almost all University of Sydeny degree courses are daytime only, some are part-time daytime). Preparation courses, however, are mostly part-time.
  • Download the Mature Age Entry brochure (PDF). Go straight to page 9 of the brochure. Make sure your desired course is available under the scheme. Keep the brochure for future reference.

How do I achieve Mature Age entry?

Open your Mature Age Entry brochure on pages 5-8 and find the course/s that you wish to enter at the University of Sydney. Alongside each university course (or group of courses) you'll find the preparation course requirements for that university course.

Mature Age preparation courses

Mature Age preparation courses are the key to Mature Age entry at the University of Sydney. By completing the required preparation course you will gain the 'qualification' with which you are able to apply for Mature Age entry, provided you do not already hold 'qualifications' that entitle you to be considered for standard admission. Note that age alone will not qualify you for Mature Age entry, and that the value, for admission purposes, of your existing 'qualifications' (if any) does not change with age.

Here is the list of preparation course providers:

Once you have determined the preparation course you need to complete, you should contact the relevant provider and enquire about enrolling in the preparation course.

Applying for University admission

Almost all undergradute (bachelor degree) students commence university with the Semester 1 (January) intake. To be considered for admission in January, you need to apply in August/September of the previous year. If you are currently undertaking your preparation course at this time, you apply on the basis of your expected preparation course results (like HSC students).

Information on application procedures is in the Future Students section of the University website.

Entry standards for Mature Age entry

Admission to all undergraduate courses at the University of Sydney is competitive. Since the number of places for new students each year (the quota) is exceeded many times over by the number of applicants, offers of admission go to applicants in descending order of their results until the quota is reached.

Mature Age entry scheme applicants are considered individually by the faculties to which they apply. No pre-determined levels of results (from preparation courses) are used. However, the general rule is that a university course with a high UAI cut-off score (for school-leavers) will require a high level of achievement (in the preparation course) from Mature Age applicants. When you apply for university admission, you will be able to list up to nine course preferences. If you are applying for high-demand courses, you should consider entering a preference or two for other courses, in case you do not meet the higher-course standard.

You may not need Mature Age entry

Your existing school (and other) results may be sufficient to allow you to apply for standard admission now. Your results from school, TAFE and/or previous university attempts are always valid for undergraduate admission. You can contact us for further information.

You may not qualify for Mature Age entry

You cannot use the Mature Age Entry Scheme if you already have any of the following:

  • a UAI score of 70.00 or more from the NSW HSC exam (or equivalent)*
  • a completed TAFE (or accredited private college)* diploma (or advanced diploma)
  • a university* attendance record of one or more full-time years (or equivalent)

* contact us for confirmation or clarification

If you have achieved any of the above, the University considers you to have demonstrated an ability to undertake university level study now. The Mature Age Entry Scheme is designed to assist people who have not demonstrated that ability.

You should contact the to confirm that your academic history excludes you from using the Mature Age Entry Scheme and to discuss your admission options and pathways to enter the course/s of your choice.