January 16, 2026 — 5:00am
Summer Johnstone is among the growing number of adult students embarking on university education in Queensland this year. At 19, she is set to begin a dual bachelor’s degree in architecture and construction management at Griffith University, joining over 17,500 adult-entry students across the state in 2026—a figure that continues to rise annually.
The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre recently announced its second and largest round of university course offers, bringing positive news to nearly 14,000 students statewide. Since the rollout of Queensland university offers began in late 2025, approximately 48,700 applicants have been accepted into various courses, with mature-age students making up about 36 percent of this cohort.
Understanding the Adult Student Demographic
Adult students, defined as those not entering university directly from high school and typically aged 21 or older, are increasingly choosing higher education. For some, like Johnstone, the gap between high school and university is shorter, especially for those who did not receive an ATAR. Johnstone shared her motivations, stating, “I wanted to be certain on what I was going to do … I just wanted something to be a passion.”
Others, like 21-year-old Jeremy Hauter, are making significant career changes. Hauter left his job as a security technician to pursue a bachelor of pharmacy. Reflecting on his past career choice, Hauter said, “The reason I chose my original career option as a tradesman was when I was in high school, I was told I wasn’t good enough to go into university and study medical science.”
Hauter’s experience highlights a common theme among adult students: the pursuit of a more fulfilling career path. “I worked every weekend, I was travelling constantly, I wasn’t able to go see my family, and I was ridiculed constantly by my employers,” he explained, noting that these factors contributed to his decision to change careers.
Trends in Course Selection and University Offers
Health-related degrees are the most popular among adult students, with 6,261 individuals pursuing studies in this field. The University of Queensland has issued the largest number of offers, particularly for its bachelor of engineering with honours. However, the Queensland University of Technology’s bachelor of business is the most commonly offered course for adult students, followed by a bachelor of arts at UQ and the online tertiary prep pathway at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
“Year-on-year, the number of adult-entry students at Queensland universities has remained between 35 and 38 percent, with the actual number steadily increasing.”
From 2024 to 2026, the overall number of applications rose by about 12 percent, equating to 2,500 more adult applications compared to three years ago. Additional places for courses starting in the first half of the year are expected to be available until late February, providing further opportunities for prospective students.
Implications and Future Outlook
The increase in adult student enrollment reflects broader societal trends towards lifelong learning and career adaptability. As the job market evolves, the demand for higher education among mature-age students is likely to continue growing. Educational institutions are responding by offering more flexible and diverse study options to accommodate this demographic.
Experts suggest that this trend could lead to a more skilled and adaptable workforce, capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing economy. Universities are expected to play a pivotal role in supporting adult learners through tailored programs and resources.
As Queensland universities continue to adapt to these changes, the emphasis on providing accessible education for all age groups remains a priority. This shift not only benefits the individual students but also contributes to the overall economic and social development of the region.
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