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Mature students bring a wealth of life experience and diverse perspectives to our community. At Durham College, we welcome students with a range of education and experiences, and we are here to support you on your post-secondary journey. Whether you are returning to school after a break, transitioning into a new career, or pursuing education for personal growth, Durham College is committed to providing the resources and opportunities for your success.

What is a Mature Student?

A mature student is anyone over 19 who does not attend high school full-time. This may include:

  • Those without an Ontario Secondary School Diploma pursuing post-secondary studies
  • High school graduates who took an educational break
  • Individuals with work experience seeking career advancement
  • Graduates with post-secondary credentials

Whatever path brought you here, Durham College is ready to support you with programs and resources tailored to your goals.

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Follow stories of mature students

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April 11, 2025

Cybersecurity expert Randy Baret on how Durham College’s graduate certificate helped him launch his career in Canada

For Durham College (DC) alum and cybersecurity professional Randy Baret, earning a Cybersecurity graduate certificate in 2023 was a pivotal step in launching a successful and rewarding...

February 4, 2025

Flexible diploma format helps mature student attain higher pay in her field

Angela Gillis had a very specific reason for going back to school: to make an extra $4 an hour. That’s not insignificant given that she’s...

January 17, 2025

Single mom finds multiple career pathways through Durham College

Tori Dimytruk is in career exploration mode. Last year she completed her Firefighter – Pre-Service Education and Training certificate in aid of her long-term goal of becoming...

January 17, 2025

Durham College grad returns to school to deepen her skills and widen her career pathway

Sarah Smale was already a Durham College (DC) alumna, graduating from the Paralegal program in 2008, when she decided to return to school at age...

December 10, 2024

Yash Sawant is part of the AI revolution

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the world every day, and students like Yash Sawant are embracing it and the multitude of career opportunities it offers....

Did you know?
Mature student Spotlight
More than 60% of DC students are over 24.
Mature student Spotlight
More than 14 support services are here to help you thrive.
Mature student Spotlight
We offer a variety of delivery models to fit your needs.
Mature student Spotlight
You can attend DC without a high school diploma!
Mature student Spotlight
More than $5 million in scholarships, awards and bursaries are available to DC students.
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2025-2026
Full-time Program Guide

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Durham College 2025 Viewbook