January 16, 2026 — 5:00am
Summer Johnstone is embarking on her university journey this year, joining a growing demographic of adult students in Queensland. Despite being 19, Johnstone, who is starting a dual bachelor’s degree in architecture and construction management at Griffith University, represents a broader trend of mature-age students making up a significant portion of university enrollments. “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 paths mid-year.
The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre recently announced its largest round of university course offers, bringing good news to nearly 14,000 students across the state. Since the rollout began in late 2025, approximately 48,700 applicants have been accepted, with mature-age students—those typically 21 or older—comprising about 36 percent of this group.
Rising Numbers and Changing Demographics
Adult students, like Johnstone, often take non-traditional paths to higher education. While she didn’t receive an ATAR, her decision to pursue higher education aligns with a broader trend. The number of adult-entry students in Queensland universities has consistently ranged between 35 and 38 percent, with actual numbers steadily climbing. From 2024 to 2026, overall applications rose by about 12 percent, translating to 2,500 more adult applications this year than three years ago.
Jeremy Hauter, a 21-year-old former security technician, is another example of this shift. Leaving behind his previous career, Hauter is now pursuing a bachelor of pharmacy at Griffith University. “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. The environment at his former workplace, characterized by constant travel and a lack of personal time, contributed to his decision to change paths.
Popular Courses and Institutional Trends
The University of Queensland led the pack in terms of total offers, particularly for its bachelor of engineering with honours. However, for adult students, the Queensland University of Technology’s bachelor of business was the most commonly offered course. This was followed by the University of Queensland’s bachelor of arts and the University of the Sunshine Coast’s online tertiary prep pathway.
In 2026, 6,261 adult students are pursuing health-related degrees, the most common area of study across all age brackets.
Additional course placements are expected to be made available through late February, providing further opportunities for prospective students.
Implications and Future Outlook
The increase in adult student numbers reflects broader societal changes. Economic shifts, career dissatisfaction, and the desire for personal fulfillment are driving more adults back to the classroom. Experts suggest this trend will continue as universities adapt to meet the needs of diverse student populations.
According to education analysts, universities may need to offer more flexible learning options, such as online courses and part-time study, to accommodate adult learners juggling work and family commitments. This evolving landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for higher education institutions.
As Queensland universities continue to see a rise in adult student enrollments, the focus will likely shift towards enhancing support systems and resources to ensure these students succeed. The trend underscores the importance of lifelong learning and the dynamic nature of education in an ever-changing world.
