Mature Student in Australia

[BiscuitBeast]

Hello,

I'm relocating with my family in March to Melbourne; DH, DS (4years) and DD (2yrs). This move is career progression for DH.

I've been a SAHM just over a year now. I have every intention of returning to work, however, I want a career change and want to study for a degree.

Has any mature (35 years old, so mature in the educational sense) expat with a young family successfully studied? Was it financially doable?

I have no family/friends in Melbourne so would rely heavily on nurseries etc. I wouldn't look at starting studying until
Next year once DS has started school to try ease the financial stress.

Could you study with a UK university as a distance/online student? Could solve the international student fees issue

I would really think about what you wanted to do career wise before deciding between Uni/TAFE. Most TAFE courses are trade oriented and will be meaningless for professional roles, relevant courses are more add-ons once you are in a professional role that required a uni qualification to achieve if that makes sense. For instance I have a degree, 2 masters degrees (to specialise within my field) and 2 tafe add-ons which were just to give me the edge on paper for promotions. They were some sort of certificate in management and certificate in business. They would be useless as base professional quals though.

The short answer to how do international students afford tertiary study is very very easy. Have your exceedingly wealthy Chinese family pay for it. Doesn’t cause them to blink. They are also eligible to buy real estate whilst an international student. So again family pumps in a few million for a residence. Then with an Aust degree and lots of money to show the govnt they easily gain permanent residency at the end of studying. Then are eligible to retain property (which they would have had to sell if finishing study and not permanent residents). And that’s also why our real estate has skyrocketed. During last 10yrs we are now only one of 3 original people left in our street. All rest who have come in and replaced original occupants are international students from China who then stay on. Property has risen to 5 times value during that time (multi-million now). No way my kids will be able to purchase anything.

Should add i’m In Sydney.

Just wanted to add to the incorrect information above. Permanent Residents do not get HECS help, but pay the same amount as an Australian student (just upfront).

Just a thought but you could book to speak to a career advisor once you get here. OH saw one at TAFE who even made an three way phone conference with the local university to discuss study pathways. It was free and helpful.

Queen Mary university in London has ties with Melbourne university. You may be able to do a degree at QM with a year abroad in Australia at the end of that fits your time scales.

Apologies, I've been absent with a migraine these past few days.

Thanks for all the feedback, it is very helpful to hear all opinions and experiences, however differing.

I'm looking into a complete change of career. I've spent the last decade investigating homicides and major crimes.

I'll have a look into what benefits a 457 visa comes with.

I've had a look at the OU and there is a potential degree that I could study from Australia.

You really should look at whether you or your husband qualify for a Permanent Residence visa. The so called “golden ticket” is the 189 Skilled Independent Visa
You can still get this even if you don’t intend to stay forever. It gives you much more flexibility (not tied to an employer) and better financial benefits on childcare and education. If you’re under 45 and your or your husbands occupation is on the list, add up your points and see. It takes longer than a 457 but well worth it.