Recent higher education reforms have allowed 25 extra places to be offered to mature age people seeking admission into Central Queensland University Mackay’s tertiary preparatory studies program.

CQU Mackay Skills for Tertiary Preparatory Studies (STEPS) co-ordinator Lyn Forbes-Smith welcomed the news and urged prospective students to upgrade their learning skills in preparation for university studies.

“We expect these additional vacancies will fill quite quickly because in recent years the program has proved extremely successful for equipping students with the skills, knowledge and confidence required to undertake tertiary studies,” she said.

“Students who have completed the program have found university studies less daunting as the preparatory study explores areas relating to maths, language and research.

“The program is open to Australian citizens aged 19 years or over and could be the first step in making a career change or fulfilling a dream to attend university.” Full time 13-week programs start in March and July, with a part-time course running for 26 weeks from March. For further details call Ms Forbes-Smith on 4940 7470.