Mature students make up a sizable portion of our community here at Durham College (DC), and they’re as unique as the life experiences that have brought them to our campus.
DC is committed to providing mature students with everything they need to achieve academic success and launch their new careers with confidence.
“When you're coming out of high school, school can be more exploratory and light hearted. But when you have a family to support, or you have to take time off work, it’s a heavy decision,” said Melinda Kelly, Senior Student Recruitment Officer. “It’s important to show mature students how we’re going to get them to their goals and their final career destination. We want to arm them with the information they need to make the right decision.”
Whether you’re returning to school after a gap year or preparing to re-enter the workforce after raising a family, you need unique support as you prepare for your post-secondary journey. With that in mind, we’ve launched a series of Mature Student Webinars designed specifically to give you the information you need about returning to school, paying for your education, overcoming challenges to excel in your studies, and much more.
These virtual sessions are held every other Wednesday, from 6 to 7 p.m. and are hosted by members of our Student Recruitment team. To register, visit our Mature Student website and check the calendar for the next scheduled session; we’ll rotate them, so don’t worry if you miss one. Attend all six, and you’ll learn the following lessons; and lots more!
How to choose your future career
You can’t begin your journey until you know your destination. Together, we’ll figure out how to align your education with your career goals. By sharing effective research strategies and career planning resources, we’ll get you pointed in the right direction.
Members of our recruitment team will be on hand to answer your questions, and you can also schedule a one-on-one appointment with them to learn more about the program that interests you and map your next steps with confidence.
How to finance your education
We’ll walk you through the financial aid process and help you find the best option for funding your education. DC has $5 million in scholarships, bursaries and awards available, with many of them specifically tailored to mature students. In addition, we’ll cover OSAP, external scholarships and employer-sponsored funding opportunities.
We’ll also share practical tips for managing your finances while in school.
How DC will support you
No matter how long you’ve been out of school, you can succeed in your post-secondary studies, and we’re here to help.
You’ll learn all about our extensive support services, from peer tutoring, academic support and advising to health and wellness. Workshops are available on a variety of topics, from essay writing to nutrition.
By making sure your experience is flexible and accessible, you’ll be able to focus on your studies and achieving your goals in and out of the classroom.
How to overcome unique challenges
School can feel overwhelming, especially if you haven’t been a student for a while. We’ll address a number of the challenges mature students face, including time management and shoring up your academic confidence.
Whether you need help juggling family, work, and school or need some tips for getting back into student mode, our experts will give you actionable strategies and resources to help you succeed.
How to find a program that fits your schedule
Life is busy, and our flexible learning options are designed to reflect that. We’ll help you find the program that works for you, whether it’s in-person, hybrid or fully online.
Whichever program you enroll in, you’ll have our support in making the most of it. From DC’s online learning platforms and modules to academic supports available for remote learners, you’ll learn to excel in any study format.
How to get credit for your prior learning and life experience
Your previous education or work experience could give you credit toward your program at DC! We’ll explain how to transfer credits and leverage the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process to fast-track your education.
You’ll learn what types of credits are eligible for transfer and how to submit documentation, as well as examples of skills and knowledge that qualify for PLAR.
To learn more about how DC can help you fulfill your goals and register for one of the upcoming webinars, visit our Mature Student website. Have questions? Email us at recruitment@durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.3126.
Brittany Andrey was ready for the excitement and challenges of the world of academics after a break. Despite initial nerves, Brittany quickly found her footing in Durham College’s (DC) Autism and Behavioural Sciences (ATBS) graduate certificate program and discovered a passion that would propel her toward a rewarding career in the field.
“I hadn’t been in school for a couple years before starting the program, so I was a little nervous in the beginning,” she shares. “But those nerves quickly faded as I began learning and becoming more passionate about the field.”
Brittany credits her instructors for easing her transition back into student life and helping her build meaningful relationships along the way. “I learned so much from my wonderful instructors and made some really great friends.”
Since completing her credential, Brittany is thriving in her new role as an Educational Assistant and Academic Strategist, supporting students at DC — a role that has given her an opportunity to put her skills into action. When reflecting on how DC prepared her for this career, Brittany points to the invaluable guidance she received from her instructors and the hands-on experience she gained during her field placements.
“Being taught by professionals in the field helped prepare me a lot. They were always willing to answer questions, give advice, and share their experiences. This was also my first time completing field placements, and getting the chance to practice the skills we learned in a real-world setting was key to preparing me for the workforce.”
Brittany’s enthusiasm for learning doesn’t stop with her recent accomplishments. With a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology already under her belt, she’s looking ahead to exploring the fascinating overlap between the fields of forensic psychology and behavioural sciences.
For those considering the ATBS program, Brittany offers encouraging advice: “It’s okay if you don’t know much about autism or don’t have experience with neurodivergent folks. This program prepares you and provides you with the necessary skills to work in the field.”
Every year, DC celebrates thousands of career-ready graduates. Read more grad stories and how DC has helped them thrive.
At Durham College (DC), we understand that the decision to return to school is not taken lightly. Finances, academic performance and employability are all likely on your mind. But know that you’re not alone – more than 60 per cent of DC students come with work and life experience and not directly from high school – so we know exactly what you need to succeed.
We’re here to support you and want to address three of the most common concerns we hear about most from mature learners to put your mind at ease and inspire you to take action toward this exciting new chapter.
“I don’t know if I can afford to return to school.”
We know that one of the biggest worries for mature learners is the cost of returning to school. You might wonder how you’ll manage tuition, books, and other expenses. Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to education, so at DC, we’re proud to offer more than $5 million in scholarships, awards, and bursaries to our students each year, based on factors such as academic performance and financial need. Many mature learners are eligible for specific support, and our team will work with you to create a financial plan that fits your budget.
Our Financial Aid and Awards office is here to help you navigate your options and find a solution tailored to suit your individual needs. From finding and applying for bursaries and scholarships to gaining flexible on-campus employment, their guidance and support is invaluable.
Looking for inspiration? Check out this mother-daughter duo, who together, found Financial Aid to be a cornerstone of their time at DC.
“I’m worried I won’t be able to keep up with my studies.”
If it’s been a while since you last stepped into a classroom, lab, or shop, you might be concerned about meeting academic requirements or keeping up with coursework. Don’t worry — DC offers several options to help you succeed, including a free Academic Upgrading program, which is designed to help mature learners refresh their skills in subjects like math, English, and science.
In addition, our Student Academic Learning Services (SALS) team is comprised of dedicated on-campus professionals who are ready to assist you through one-on-one appointments, group tutorials, workshops, and online resources to help boost your grades.
Read more about how SALS is ready to support you from your first day of class to graduation.
“I want to know I’ll get a job in my field after graduation.”
Employability is often top of mind for mature learners. You want to know that your investment in education will lead to tangible career opportunities.
Our data tells us that nearly 90 per cent of DC grads are employed within six months of graduation. This is because our programs are developed with employability in mind and to ensure students graduate career ready. We work directly with industry partners to ensure that our curriculum reflects the skills and knowledge employers are looking for. With experiential learning opportunities infused within program learning outcomes, you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience that sets you apart in the job market.
DC provides on-campus Job Fairs, program-specific networking opportunities with employers and alumni events tailored to assist you in landing your dream job. Also, the Career Development office offers workshops, resume writing assistance, and access to a free online job portal, exclusive to DC students and alumni.
At DC, we believe that it’s never too late to pursue your goals – and we’re here to help you reach them. Connect with our Student Recruitment team today to launch your future career!
A college education is an investment in your future, but returning to school may feel overwhelming. We are here to help ease any financial concerns or questions you may have and help you navigate all the financial support options available to students and set you up for success.
Apply for OSAP
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs-based program. It is available to full-time students as well as part-time students who are enrolled in an OSAP-approved program. More information about how to apply, deadlines to apply and options for part-time student, is available online.
Access scholarships, bursaries and awards
There is a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and awards available to help students fund their education. Scholarships are awarded to students who have achieved academic or personal excellence or both. Bursaries are based on financial need. Neither require repayment.
Criteria for bursaries vary and students may qualify for some bursaries without receiving OSAP. Students can apply for all bursaries and awards using the General Bursary Application form. For students starting in January, applications open in the second week of January and close February 20. For more information about applying, contact Financial Aid.
Get hired on-campus
Whether it’s working part-time during the school year or full-time during the summer, on-campus jobs are designed to support students in financial need while providing career-related opportunities. Options include the DCWorks program for domestic students who show financial need, IWorks for international students, summer employment programs and Peer Tutoring for students who excel in their programs.
Students who work on campus receive a competitive wage and valuable work experience. They must apply and go through the hiring and interview process to be selected for a job. Email DCstudentemployment@durhamcollege.ca with any questions about on-campus employment.
Not sure where to start? Reach out to the Financial Aid and Awards Office and take the next step to achieving your educational goals.
Whether you’re seeking to enhance your current skill set or to pivot into a new industry, a Durham College (DC) graduate certificate offers a path to success by empowering you with skills tailored to today’s job market.
They’re designed for students who have a university degree or a college diploma, or in some cases relevant industry experience, and want to find a focused career path or advancement in their current field.
Explore DC’s wide-range of graduate certificates that provide a concentrated and in-depth exploration of specialized subjects with programs in the areas of health and social services, business, IT, science and engineering and media and communications.
As the world of work changes, DC continues to respond by launching new programs based on real-world demand and the jobs of tomorrow.
Explore new programs like Clinical Bioinformatics which meets the rising demand for specialized professionals in the fields of genomics and proteomics who can use industry-based software to analyze biological data to identify disease-related biomarkers and assess drug effectiveness.
Our new Public Relations graduate certificate is accessible to students from a broad range of academic backgrounds who are interested in learning how to share critical messages through engaging writing, online content creation, special events and fundraising campaigns. Whether you’re interested in working in sports, fashion, music, healthcare or the non-profit section, succeed by mastering the art of communicating in today’s digital age.
The best time to move forward towards a new or upgraded career is now. Durham College (DC) is ready to support you in the New Year with more than 60 career-driven programs in IT, science and engineering, business, hospitality, culinary, healthcare, social work, community services, skilled trades, media, art and design and more.
What are some of the programs available in January?
Trying to decide what to take? Our fundamentals programs, such as Business Fundamentals, are two-semester certificates which give you a solid foundation in the field while exposing you to a variety of career pathways and further areas of study.
Where should I start?
Explore all of DC’s market-driven programs to narrow your focus based on your interests. Connect with our student recruitment team, who will help you learn more about DC programs, show you around campus with a tour or arrange a virtual appointment.
What if I don’t have the right qualifications?
Find out more about academic upgrading so you can pursue the career of your dreams. Upgrading courses are tuition-free, and qualified learners can access funding for daycare and transportation costs. Learn more about registering and speak to one of our student advisors during a Steps to Success webinar.
Commit to yourself in the New Year and join us on campus! You belong at DC.
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