January 16, 2026 — 5:00am
Summer Johnstone, embarking on her university journey this year, represents a growing trend in Queensland. At 19, she has chosen to delay her professional entry until at least 27, pursuing a dual bachelor’s degree in architecture and construction management at Griffith University. “I wanted to be certain on what I was going to do … I just wanted something to be a passion,” she explained, noting that many of her peers rushed into courses only to switch midway through the year.
Johnstone is part of a significant cohort of more than 17,500 adult-entry students in Queensland universities in 2026, a figure that continues to rise annually. This increase was highlighted when the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre announced its largest university course offer round, bringing good news to nearly 14,000 students across the state.
Rising Numbers of Mature-Age Students
Since the start of the university offer season in late 2025, approximately 48,700 applicants have been accepted into courses, with mature-age students making up about 36 percent of this group. Adult students, typically over 21 and not entering directly from high school, are redefining the university landscape in Queensland.
For some, like 21-year-old Jeremy Hauter, the decision to return to education marks a significant career shift. Hauter left his job as a security technician to pursue a bachelor of pharmacy. “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,” he shared, reflecting on his journey.
“March to April 2024 is when I realised that this career [in security] was not for me,” Hauter said.
Challenges and Motivations
Hauter’s experience highlights the challenges many face in their initial career choices. The demanding environment of his former workplace contributed significantly to his decision to pursue a new 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 recounted, describing the anxiety that loomed over his career.
Hauter is among 6,261 adult students pursuing health-related degrees, the most popular field across all age groups. The steady increase in adult-entry students, ranging from 35 to 38 percent of total enrollments each year, underscores a broader trend of career reassessment and lifelong learning.
Implications for Higher Education
From 2024 to 2026, overall applications to Queensland universities surged by about 12 percent, translating to 2,500 more adult applications this year compared to three years ago. The University of Queensland led in the number of offers, particularly for its bachelor of engineering with honours. However, for adult students, the most popular courses were Queensland University of Technology’s bachelor of business, followed by the University of Queensland’s bachelor of arts, and the University of the Sunshine Coast’s online tertiary prep pathway.
This trend reflects a growing recognition of the value of higher education in career advancement and personal fulfillment. As more adults seek to redefine their professional paths, universities are adapting to meet the diverse needs of this demographic.
By the Numbers: “Year-on-year, adult-entry students at Queensland universities have consistently comprised 35 to 38 percent of total enrollments.”
Future Prospects and Challenges
The ongoing increase in adult student enrollment presents both opportunities and challenges for universities. Institutions must continue to offer flexible learning options and support services tailored to mature students, who often juggle academic commitments with work and family responsibilities.
As additional course places are expected to be offered until late February, the focus remains on accommodating this dynamic and growing segment of the student population. The evolving landscape of higher education in Queensland suggests a promising future for adult learners seeking to enhance their skills and pursue new opportunities.
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