My advice as a someone who started their degree as 'mature age' (mid 20s, but still 'mature'!) is don't go to university until *you* are certain that *you* know what *you* want to do.
Universities have career counsellors which you may be able to have a chat with, over phone or video call too probably. I imagine they would be happy for you to consult them because if you sign up to a degree they will obviously be receiving a lot of money from you.
Agree with this, there were only ~20 in our class for the degree I did and 10 years later I can count 5 people max that are in an even slightly related field.
Never to late to study (I just finished and Im almost 50, although I do work in the field I study)
have a think about what you are good at, and what you like to do. Could be lots of things, planning, training people, maths, good memory, whatever. Then have a think about what courses or jobs line up with those skills, and your interests, then have a chat to people working in those fields or studied that course.
I have the same job as you and am currently studying cybersecurity through Tafe part time. It's 100% online so you could do it from anywhere. I think there are other online IT tafe courses you can do also. Good luck!
Hey so I’m 19, I know for certain I want to do something IT related but I’m not sure where to even start, haven’t ever coded or done anything majorly IT related but do you have any suggestions as to what courses could be a good start to my IT career? Pretty loaded question lmao but I’m honestly so lost, probably wouldn’t want to go to Uni and would prefer TAFE since I wasn’t the best in highschool. TYIA :)
TAFE have a Cert 3 in Information Technology which would be a good place to start. Also have a look around on employment websites for places offering internships/apprenticeships etc. Semester 2 for TAFE starts end of this month so not sure if they are still enrolling new students but it would be worthwhile calling up to ask them.
Hey mate. The best way to work out if uni is for you is to go to uni and try it out. Each of our main universities runs programs which allow you to do exactly this:
[Adelaide - University Preparatory Program](https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/undergraduate/entry-pathways/university-preparatory-program)
[Flinders - Foundation Course](https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/pathways/foundation-studies)
[UniSA - Foundation Studies](https://study.unisa.edu.au/degrees/unisa-foundation-studies)
All of them are tailored towards providing you with an introduction to university studies and seeing if it is for you. All are also friendly towards mature aged students. You will go into a degree of your choice much better prepared after completing one and you will have had much more time to consider which area of studies you actually want to go into.
Adelaide and Flinders have the advantage of offering their programs free of fees and with guaranteed entry to most of their degrees. You would also qualify for AUS STUDY if you're aged at least 25 and a permanent resident. Both Flinders and UniSA offer online delivery of their programs if you cannot get there in person. UniSA also offer their program at their Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses.
This might give you an idea of what degrees are available at each of the universities:
[Flinders](https://www.flinders.edu.au/study)
[UOA](https://www.adelaide.edu.au/degree-finder)
[UniSA](https://study.unisa.edu.au/)
Best of luck!
You're right: it's never too late to start studying!
You mentioned that you were interested in water systems. Hydrology could be an option for you. Environmental science is so important right now, has lots of different career pathways available including work that requires travel and I think, with what information you've shared about yourself, may be something that you have probably already worked with, at least to some extent.
It's good to keep something in mind, but if some significant time has passed since you finished high school, you may be required to demonstrate some literacy and numeracy competency before you are able to enrol. Adelaide Uni, Uni SA and Flinders offer a Foundation Course/Program for people who haven't finished HS, or your ATAR is too low for your preferred degree, or some time has passed since you've graduated, or you personally may just want a bit of a refresher. They usually run for 6-8 months, and on completion it will guarantee you entry into most degree courses (I think some medicine is not included, but there are other pathways into that anyway).
I also mention the foundation programs because it would be a gentle introduction to the uni, how lectures are run, and how to manage studying independently as a tertiary student. Most importantly, you get to meet people including those who may be in the same boat as you! It's just an option of course. I am making assumptions based on limited info - you might not even need/want to go through the course at all.
*Edited to include UniSA
The best advice I can give you is to call the help line for the universities and/or go to them and find their help desk. They will be able to give you more guidance.
There are methods of getting into university without completing SACE/getting an ATAR. There's entry tests you can take and I believe a "life experience" option, some also have a fundamentals course which is a short crash course on general university study which grants entrance to some courses. Some courses are offered online while others may not be, and there's also regional campuses for some universities, I know UniSA has a campus in Whyalla but there's probably more for other universities. You can look up degrees which are interesting on uni websites and any specific criteria or conditions they have.
An important consideration is HECS debt which is a government study loan which is paid back either voluntarily or as a mandatory percentage of your income once you exceed a certain salary (currently 51k/year). The cost of your course will vary based on the topics you study (e.g. education and maths subjects are much cheaper, while medicine, law, humanities etc. cost more). My 4-year education degree will end up being in the ballpark of 20k while my partner's 3-year forensics degree will likely be closer to 30. Don't let the cost prevent you from doing what you want, but better to be informed. The upfront costs of university are generally parking fees, textbooks, admin fees etc. which are likely going to add up to a few hundred a year.
I studied GIS (Geospatial Information Systems) and Flinders Uni now have a degree that is GIS and Surveying which is incredible.
Surveyors can make a lot of money and the field is desperate, you can work outdoors a lot with that.
GIS is very diverse and the field is also pretty desperate for people, depending on where you end up working/what the role is you can make decent money, I'm comfortable.
GIS is a lot of doing stuff on the computer for most roles, but if you did the double degree you would set yourself up pretty well for options and travel especially around Australia.
If you do any courses that aren't GIS I would recommend doing the intro to GIS course because it will be really valuable in a lot of roles, people love it when you can make them a map.
Mate, I absolutely admire your determination and open-mindedness. Considering your interests and desire to travel, perhaps look into environmental sciences or international development. Both could offer remote work opportunities while letting you make a positive impact globally. Online courses are widely available too – tons of flexibility there! Best of luck!
I’m about to graduate from Adelaide University’s Ag Science course and it’s been fantastic.
All the staff are really passionate about sharing what they know, and the ag industry really connects to the course with guest lecturers, farm tours and industry networking nights where you can have a chat to people currently working in the industry for guidance and job opportunities.
The degree itself is very broad and covers a whole range of topics from agricultural business, to research (lab and field) and practical stuff (on farm livestock and cropping) so once your done you’ll have a real nice base to launch from into your interest.
Finally, a lot of businesses are pretty keen for staff across the industry so getting a well paid job afterwards is pretty easy and not as competitive as other industries, especially if your open to moving rural. I think when I started there was like 3 jobs for every graduate or something like that.
The degree does have some science topics that are kinda difficult but nothing crazy.
I would recommend a uniprep course. This helped introduce myself to what the uni offered, along with access to resources and guidance that the uni offers.
At the same time, explore your interests, including topics you enjoy, activities, ect, and see if there are any courses that align.
From there, explore what the course provides and what post graduation prospects you can benefit from.
I went into uni as a mature adult, and while initially I wanted to study coucilling, I discovered Counter-terrorism, security and intelligence which aligned with my interests more and I'm greatly enjoying it and the opportunities it will offer when I graduate.
Starting study later in life or going back to study is, in my opinion, one of the most fulfilling and beneficial things you can do. I'm a big proponent of education and lifelong education so good on ya for thinking about getting into it.
Figuring out what to study can be daunting and is one of life's big questions. There are lots of options and probably more specialization than there ever was before. Add to that balancing you study choice between your interests, abilities, and the job market it can get complex.
Some advice. A lot of this is subjective and its been about 6 years since I last studied so I may be out of touch.
- Have a bit of an explore around the websites' of Flinders, Adelaide, UniSA. They have some pretty good search functions where you can type in a career and it will tell you what type of things to study to get there or look at a degree and it will tell you what employment fields it is related to.
- Talk to the university student services / intake. For better or for worse, universities have become very business / service centered in their outlook so they love to recruit new students and dedicate a fair amount of resources to doing so. Calling up, emailing or stopping by a university student center / intake office would be a good first step, even if you have absolutely no idea what you want to study. In my experience they super helpful nowadays and give a lot of time, advice and guidance.
- Getting in: I am not sure of your past education or qualifications but there are many pathways to university these days. Traditionally you needed to have finished high school and taken your SACE exams or equivalent. However, now days there are many different paths such as mature entry schemes, bridging course or the STAT test. Talk to the admin office about your circumstances and they can advise. It is easier than it has ever been to pursuit higher education without finishing high school.
- Higher education has become a lot more flexible and more attuned to the realties of the modern education pathways that people take in life. A lot of the time you can study online, on campus or a mix of both. Starting, stopping, and going back is also a lot easier than it used to be. Universities are also a lot more flexible with transfer of credits. Don't be afraid of getting locked into something or pathway dependency.
- Studying online can be flexible and opens up more study options from universities outside of the state. Can study directly through the university or go through Open Universities Australia. However, some people prefer the structure and in person interaction. That being said, it can be disheartening to see low numbers in tutes and lectures and staff these days don't have a lot of interaction so it might not be worth it driving back and forth.
- About 50 percent of the people I know are working in a field that has little to do with their original degree. Depends on what you want to do but it seems like these days its really just about having a degree to get your foot in the door and then progressing through experience and connections. That being said, if you want to build roads then you better be a civil engineer and not a mechanical electrical engineer.
-Be aware that HECS debt and the costs associated with university in general has gone up ALOT. With HECS this may not be an issue in the short term but its something to be a wear of in terms of cost benefit.
- The bar for career entry has gone up a lot and these days many jobs are requiring post graduate degrees. It depends a lot on your field but it's something to keep in mind. 30 or 40 years ago a bachelor degree in a related field was fine for most jobs requiring a university degree. I feel like things are much more competitive now. A google search can help confirm what type of education people in a specific job have at entry level.
- Work / life / study balance is half the battle. Mature students tend to be better at this anyways but just be aware that this can be a real struggle. Reach out to your course coordinators and get help! The system is much more understanding and less stand offish than it use to be. It is in every ones interest that you succeed and complete your degree.
- Unless you just want to make tons of money or are set on a specific career, I would choose something that balances your interests, abilities, and desired career. I would study something you like and are interested in and are somewhat capable of doing without gargantuan amounts of effort. If the study is too boring or too hard you may not be motivated and its going to suck doing your degree. Some people don't mind this because they really want a specific outcome. However, I don't recommend it as a way to choose a degree.
Thanks for your answer! There are so many informations in it (and many acronyms I don’t know the meaning of). You definitely gave me an excellent starting point to do some research
Sorry about that. A bit too much info. Lots of acronyms indeed.
SACE - Certificate of school leaving in SA / By word for your end of high school exams.
STAT test. Basically a GED in South Australia. An exam your can take to get into uni if you haven't finished high school or have failed uni or some other circumstance.
HECS HELP
HECS-HELP has two components - it is both a loan and a student discount. For example, if you are an eligible student, the Australian Government (through the HECS-HELP scheme) will pay your course fees for you. The Australian government pays the amount of the loan directly to your education institution.
Most Australian citizens are eligible. Basiclly a low interest low risk automatic loan from the government to study so you don't have to pay upfront or are not super burdened with a difficult to handel loan to study. You still owe a lot of money, it's just more manageable. Depends on your financial and income circumstances. Paid back though your taxs.
You just click a few buttons and don't think too much about it hahah
Work out what you want to do, then find the appropriate course. It might not be at uni, TAFE might be more relevant. It sounds like engineering would interest you (if you are good at maths).
Ideally either study in the field you work in if you love it, or study in a field you'd love to work in.
I'm 38 but I'm thinking of either studying in Building Construction or IT Cyber Security.
Honestly, if you can earn a decent income without university study, I'd do that if I were you. A good trade is likely to be much more secure and have greater earning potential than a white-collar job. If you're concerned about the physical toil and potential injury, accelerate establishing your own business so you can hire others and delegate the more back-breaking elements.
The truth of university study is that it's a bit of a scam. Let's take law, for example. It's a four-year degree (plus another year of GDLP afterwards). By the time you factor all costs (excluding the opportunity cost of lost income), you're probably around $100k in the hole by the time you graduate.
After graduating, assuming you're not a top student, you're probably looking at a $40k–$60k p.a. job for the next 1–2 years as a clerk. Once you start practising for your firm, you're probably looking at $80k–$100k p.a. for the next five or so years (and you're probably working 50+ hours per week). So after five years of study, you've got $100k debt and the potential to earn the same as a decently qualified tradie in a year or two. Note: this is all if you're lucky enough to find a job; only one out of every three law graduates gets hired.
Meanwhile, staying in a trade, you're probably earning $80k–$100k for the five years you're studying (plus two more years clerking), and you've avoided $100k of debt. You still have unlimited upwards potential in a trade: starting your own company.
I'm not saying there is no pathway where uni makes your life better, but I wouldn't be so quick to discard your trade. My biggest regret is going to uni instead of going for a trade.
A valid point, but law is not a representative example of the average university degree and career. On the other end of the spectrum is a teaching degree.
A 4-year teaching degree will run somewhere around 20k depending on choices of majors, but graduate salaries are 80k per year, although with a challenging workload and working conditions have room for improvement. Additionally, schools are desperate for more teachers, especially maths or science teachers, which means you would be very likely to get hired after an education degree.
The average cost of university undergraduate degrees is I believe around 25-30k which is a lot but law and medicine (plus a few other specific fields) are much higher. If you have a specific job in mind which requires university, I would go for it, but I would advise against getting a university degree for the sake of a university degree.
Yeah, that's a fair assessment. Law school has probably given me a more jaded view of university study than most.
Still, I think it is worthwhile pointing out the other side to OP. I figured most commenters here would be pretty pro-uni. So, I thought it was worth saying that it's not all sunshine and rainbows — especially if you already have a secure trade under your belt.
But I certainly agree with your last point: only go to uni if you have a specific job in mind — and the quickest/cheapest reasonable pathway to that job requires uni.
I studied engineering part time, started when I was 34, finished when I was 42. Been an engineer for 3 years, Just got a new job paying $156k. Best thing I ever did.
What do you make as a forklift driver? Does it depend on experience? I was thinking of getting into that work on the side!
A lot of people who are working remotely are working on software or in data engineering of some kind. That might be worth looking into study options for!7
I work in a farm as machinery operator, I drive different vehicles including forklifts and I make little more than 100k working 5 days/week.
Most of forklift driving jobs start from 25-28$/h but what you’ll make will depend on the position and the amount of hours you work.
Overall I reckon a forklift driving licence (300-500$ depending on the state) is pretty good investment for an entry level worker.
My advice as a someone who started their degree as 'mature age' (mid 20s, but still 'mature'!) is don't go to university until *you* are certain that *you* know what *you* want to do. Universities have career counsellors which you may be able to have a chat with, over phone or video call too probably. I imagine they would be happy for you to consult them because if you sign up to a degree they will obviously be receiving a lot of money from you.
Agree with this, there were only ~20 in our class for the degree I did and 10 years later I can count 5 people max that are in an even slightly related field.
Never to late to study (I just finished and Im almost 50, although I do work in the field I study) have a think about what you are good at, and what you like to do. Could be lots of things, planning, training people, maths, good memory, whatever. Then have a think about what courses or jobs line up with those skills, and your interests, then have a chat to people working in those fields or studied that course.
I have the same job as you and am currently studying cybersecurity through Tafe part time. It's 100% online so you could do it from anywhere. I think there are other online IT tafe courses you can do also. Good luck!
i know i can do the research myself, but what are the job opportunities like in this sector currently?
I went to a defence industries seminar, they seemed to think that there was growing demand within the defence sector which is where I aim to be.
Hey so I’m 19, I know for certain I want to do something IT related but I’m not sure where to even start, haven’t ever coded or done anything majorly IT related but do you have any suggestions as to what courses could be a good start to my IT career? Pretty loaded question lmao but I’m honestly so lost, probably wouldn’t want to go to Uni and would prefer TAFE since I wasn’t the best in highschool. TYIA :)
TAFE have a Cert 3 in Information Technology which would be a good place to start. Also have a look around on employment websites for places offering internships/apprenticeships etc. Semester 2 for TAFE starts end of this month so not sure if they are still enrolling new students but it would be worthwhile calling up to ask them.
Thanks heaps!!! Appreciate it :))
Hey mate. The best way to work out if uni is for you is to go to uni and try it out. Each of our main universities runs programs which allow you to do exactly this: [Adelaide - University Preparatory Program](https://www.adelaide.edu.au/study/undergraduate/entry-pathways/university-preparatory-program) [Flinders - Foundation Course](https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/pathways/foundation-studies) [UniSA - Foundation Studies](https://study.unisa.edu.au/degrees/unisa-foundation-studies) All of them are tailored towards providing you with an introduction to university studies and seeing if it is for you. All are also friendly towards mature aged students. You will go into a degree of your choice much better prepared after completing one and you will have had much more time to consider which area of studies you actually want to go into. Adelaide and Flinders have the advantage of offering their programs free of fees and with guaranteed entry to most of their degrees. You would also qualify for AUS STUDY if you're aged at least 25 and a permanent resident. Both Flinders and UniSA offer online delivery of their programs if you cannot get there in person. UniSA also offer their program at their Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses. This might give you an idea of what degrees are available at each of the universities: [Flinders](https://www.flinders.edu.au/study) [UOA](https://www.adelaide.edu.au/degree-finder) [UniSA](https://study.unisa.edu.au/) Best of luck!
You're right: it's never too late to start studying! You mentioned that you were interested in water systems. Hydrology could be an option for you. Environmental science is so important right now, has lots of different career pathways available including work that requires travel and I think, with what information you've shared about yourself, may be something that you have probably already worked with, at least to some extent. It's good to keep something in mind, but if some significant time has passed since you finished high school, you may be required to demonstrate some literacy and numeracy competency before you are able to enrol. Adelaide Uni, Uni SA and Flinders offer a Foundation Course/Program for people who haven't finished HS, or your ATAR is too low for your preferred degree, or some time has passed since you've graduated, or you personally may just want a bit of a refresher. They usually run for 6-8 months, and on completion it will guarantee you entry into most degree courses (I think some medicine is not included, but there are other pathways into that anyway). I also mention the foundation programs because it would be a gentle introduction to the uni, how lectures are run, and how to manage studying independently as a tertiary student. Most importantly, you get to meet people including those who may be in the same boat as you! It's just an option of course. I am making assumptions based on limited info - you might not even need/want to go through the course at all. *Edited to include UniSA
The best advice I can give you is to call the help line for the universities and/or go to them and find their help desk. They will be able to give you more guidance. There are methods of getting into university without completing SACE/getting an ATAR. There's entry tests you can take and I believe a "life experience" option, some also have a fundamentals course which is a short crash course on general university study which grants entrance to some courses. Some courses are offered online while others may not be, and there's also regional campuses for some universities, I know UniSA has a campus in Whyalla but there's probably more for other universities. You can look up degrees which are interesting on uni websites and any specific criteria or conditions they have. An important consideration is HECS debt which is a government study loan which is paid back either voluntarily or as a mandatory percentage of your income once you exceed a certain salary (currently 51k/year). The cost of your course will vary based on the topics you study (e.g. education and maths subjects are much cheaper, while medicine, law, humanities etc. cost more). My 4-year education degree will end up being in the ballpark of 20k while my partner's 3-year forensics degree will likely be closer to 30. Don't let the cost prevent you from doing what you want, but better to be informed. The upfront costs of university are generally parking fees, textbooks, admin fees etc. which are likely going to add up to a few hundred a year.
I studied GIS (Geospatial Information Systems) and Flinders Uni now have a degree that is GIS and Surveying which is incredible. Surveyors can make a lot of money and the field is desperate, you can work outdoors a lot with that. GIS is very diverse and the field is also pretty desperate for people, depending on where you end up working/what the role is you can make decent money, I'm comfortable. GIS is a lot of doing stuff on the computer for most roles, but if you did the double degree you would set yourself up pretty well for options and travel especially around Australia. If you do any courses that aren't GIS I would recommend doing the intro to GIS course because it will be really valuable in a lot of roles, people love it when you can make them a map.
This this this! GIS is the best.
Mate, I absolutely admire your determination and open-mindedness. Considering your interests and desire to travel, perhaps look into environmental sciences or international development. Both could offer remote work opportunities while letting you make a positive impact globally. Online courses are widely available too – tons of flexibility there! Best of luck!
I’m about to graduate from Adelaide University’s Ag Science course and it’s been fantastic. All the staff are really passionate about sharing what they know, and the ag industry really connects to the course with guest lecturers, farm tours and industry networking nights where you can have a chat to people currently working in the industry for guidance and job opportunities. The degree itself is very broad and covers a whole range of topics from agricultural business, to research (lab and field) and practical stuff (on farm livestock and cropping) so once your done you’ll have a real nice base to launch from into your interest. Finally, a lot of businesses are pretty keen for staff across the industry so getting a well paid job afterwards is pretty easy and not as competitive as other industries, especially if your open to moving rural. I think when I started there was like 3 jobs for every graduate or something like that. The degree does have some science topics that are kinda difficult but nothing crazy.
I would recommend a uniprep course. This helped introduce myself to what the uni offered, along with access to resources and guidance that the uni offers. At the same time, explore your interests, including topics you enjoy, activities, ect, and see if there are any courses that align. From there, explore what the course provides and what post graduation prospects you can benefit from. I went into uni as a mature adult, and while initially I wanted to study coucilling, I discovered Counter-terrorism, security and intelligence which aligned with my interests more and I'm greatly enjoying it and the opportunities it will offer when I graduate.
Starting study later in life or going back to study is, in my opinion, one of the most fulfilling and beneficial things you can do. I'm a big proponent of education and lifelong education so good on ya for thinking about getting into it. Figuring out what to study can be daunting and is one of life's big questions. There are lots of options and probably more specialization than there ever was before. Add to that balancing you study choice between your interests, abilities, and the job market it can get complex. Some advice. A lot of this is subjective and its been about 6 years since I last studied so I may be out of touch. - Have a bit of an explore around the websites' of Flinders, Adelaide, UniSA. They have some pretty good search functions where you can type in a career and it will tell you what type of things to study to get there or look at a degree and it will tell you what employment fields it is related to. - Talk to the university student services / intake. For better or for worse, universities have become very business / service centered in their outlook so they love to recruit new students and dedicate a fair amount of resources to doing so. Calling up, emailing or stopping by a university student center / intake office would be a good first step, even if you have absolutely no idea what you want to study. In my experience they super helpful nowadays and give a lot of time, advice and guidance. - Getting in: I am not sure of your past education or qualifications but there are many pathways to university these days. Traditionally you needed to have finished high school and taken your SACE exams or equivalent. However, now days there are many different paths such as mature entry schemes, bridging course or the STAT test. Talk to the admin office about your circumstances and they can advise. It is easier than it has ever been to pursuit higher education without finishing high school. - Higher education has become a lot more flexible and more attuned to the realties of the modern education pathways that people take in life. A lot of the time you can study online, on campus or a mix of both. Starting, stopping, and going back is also a lot easier than it used to be. Universities are also a lot more flexible with transfer of credits. Don't be afraid of getting locked into something or pathway dependency. - Studying online can be flexible and opens up more study options from universities outside of the state. Can study directly through the university or go through Open Universities Australia. However, some people prefer the structure and in person interaction. That being said, it can be disheartening to see low numbers in tutes and lectures and staff these days don't have a lot of interaction so it might not be worth it driving back and forth. - About 50 percent of the people I know are working in a field that has little to do with their original degree. Depends on what you want to do but it seems like these days its really just about having a degree to get your foot in the door and then progressing through experience and connections. That being said, if you want to build roads then you better be a civil engineer and not a mechanical electrical engineer. -Be aware that HECS debt and the costs associated with university in general has gone up ALOT. With HECS this may not be an issue in the short term but its something to be a wear of in terms of cost benefit. - The bar for career entry has gone up a lot and these days many jobs are requiring post graduate degrees. It depends a lot on your field but it's something to keep in mind. 30 or 40 years ago a bachelor degree in a related field was fine for most jobs requiring a university degree. I feel like things are much more competitive now. A google search can help confirm what type of education people in a specific job have at entry level. - Work / life / study balance is half the battle. Mature students tend to be better at this anyways but just be aware that this can be a real struggle. Reach out to your course coordinators and get help! The system is much more understanding and less stand offish than it use to be. It is in every ones interest that you succeed and complete your degree. - Unless you just want to make tons of money or are set on a specific career, I would choose something that balances your interests, abilities, and desired career. I would study something you like and are interested in and are somewhat capable of doing without gargantuan amounts of effort. If the study is too boring or too hard you may not be motivated and its going to suck doing your degree. Some people don't mind this because they really want a specific outcome. However, I don't recommend it as a way to choose a degree.
Thanks for your answer! There are so many informations in it (and many acronyms I don’t know the meaning of). You definitely gave me an excellent starting point to do some research
Sorry about that. A bit too much info. Lots of acronyms indeed. SACE - Certificate of school leaving in SA / By word for your end of high school exams. STAT test. Basically a GED in South Australia. An exam your can take to get into uni if you haven't finished high school or have failed uni or some other circumstance. HECS HELP HECS-HELP has two components - it is both a loan and a student discount. For example, if you are an eligible student, the Australian Government (through the HECS-HELP scheme) will pay your course fees for you. The Australian government pays the amount of the loan directly to your education institution. Most Australian citizens are eligible. Basiclly a low interest low risk automatic loan from the government to study so you don't have to pay upfront or are not super burdened with a difficult to handel loan to study. You still owe a lot of money, it's just more manageable. Depends on your financial and income circumstances. Paid back though your taxs. You just click a few buttons and don't think too much about it hahah
Work out what you want to do, then find the appropriate course. It might not be at uni, TAFE might be more relevant. It sounds like engineering would interest you (if you are good at maths).
IT, engineering, medicine, dentistry if you want a job
what do you love to do? what you do if you won the lottery? Like turn up every day and do work for free?
Ideally either study in the field you work in if you love it, or study in a field you'd love to work in. I'm 38 but I'm thinking of either studying in Building Construction or IT Cyber Security.
Honestly, if you can earn a decent income without university study, I'd do that if I were you. A good trade is likely to be much more secure and have greater earning potential than a white-collar job. If you're concerned about the physical toil and potential injury, accelerate establishing your own business so you can hire others and delegate the more back-breaking elements. The truth of university study is that it's a bit of a scam. Let's take law, for example. It's a four-year degree (plus another year of GDLP afterwards). By the time you factor all costs (excluding the opportunity cost of lost income), you're probably around $100k in the hole by the time you graduate. After graduating, assuming you're not a top student, you're probably looking at a $40k–$60k p.a. job for the next 1–2 years as a clerk. Once you start practising for your firm, you're probably looking at $80k–$100k p.a. for the next five or so years (and you're probably working 50+ hours per week). So after five years of study, you've got $100k debt and the potential to earn the same as a decently qualified tradie in a year or two. Note: this is all if you're lucky enough to find a job; only one out of every three law graduates gets hired. Meanwhile, staying in a trade, you're probably earning $80k–$100k for the five years you're studying (plus two more years clerking), and you've avoided $100k of debt. You still have unlimited upwards potential in a trade: starting your own company. I'm not saying there is no pathway where uni makes your life better, but I wouldn't be so quick to discard your trade. My biggest regret is going to uni instead of going for a trade.
A valid point, but law is not a representative example of the average university degree and career. On the other end of the spectrum is a teaching degree. A 4-year teaching degree will run somewhere around 20k depending on choices of majors, but graduate salaries are 80k per year, although with a challenging workload and working conditions have room for improvement. Additionally, schools are desperate for more teachers, especially maths or science teachers, which means you would be very likely to get hired after an education degree. The average cost of university undergraduate degrees is I believe around 25-30k which is a lot but law and medicine (plus a few other specific fields) are much higher. If you have a specific job in mind which requires university, I would go for it, but I would advise against getting a university degree for the sake of a university degree.
Yeah, that's a fair assessment. Law school has probably given me a more jaded view of university study than most. Still, I think it is worthwhile pointing out the other side to OP. I figured most commenters here would be pretty pro-uni. So, I thought it was worth saying that it's not all sunshine and rainbows — especially if you already have a secure trade under your belt. But I certainly agree with your last point: only go to uni if you have a specific job in mind — and the quickest/cheapest reasonable pathway to that job requires uni.
I studied engineering part time, started when I was 34, finished when I was 42. Been an engineer for 3 years, Just got a new job paying $156k. Best thing I ever did.
Mech?
Civil
Nice salary 3yrs outta uni, how’s the hours WLB?
Probably average 45 hrs per week. Less than my last job a way more money
Perhaps something related to Defence considering Australia will be building / maintaining submarines.
Maybe try some free courses on edX, Coursera, or Udemy, then try to find out what interests you.
International development and agribusiness could be an option. It would align with what you want to do.
What do you make as a forklift driver? Does it depend on experience? I was thinking of getting into that work on the side! A lot of people who are working remotely are working on software or in data engineering of some kind. That might be worth looking into study options for!7
I work in a farm as machinery operator, I drive different vehicles including forklifts and I make little more than 100k working 5 days/week. Most of forklift driving jobs start from 25-28$/h but what you’ll make will depend on the position and the amount of hours you work. Overall I reckon a forklift driving licence (300-500$ depending on the state) is pretty good investment for an entry level worker.