Lulu, my sister returned to FT uni study after being a single SAHM for awhile, and she was able to access some return to study schemes (one was called the JET scheme) through ?Centerlink - anyway there were additional payments available through the system over and above plain old Austudy - worth researching. Ring your state women's information line and they might be able to put you in touch with some local study assistance schemes. No doubt it will be difficult financially, but the longer you put it off the more your own resources will be drained. Think of it as improving your life in the medium term (that's how my sis and I both completed our study - keeping an eye on the prize)!

Also think laterally about abundance and income. Do you have a room in your home that you rent out to another (mature aged) student for some additional income?

Also, do you actually have to sit a STAT test - haven't you already done some undergrad study...you may be able to apply on the strength of the study you have already done and don't forget to apply for transfer of credit for any skerrick that you can (including all the experience you have had working with your dad). I'm sure he'll have some ideas on how to help with your application.

Good luck, if you decide to go down this road - a long one but worthwhile on many levels!