The world’s oldest university graduate is proof that you are never too old to learn.

Allan Stewart, 97, will graduate from Southern Cross University today with a Master of Clinical Science.

But it’s not his first graduation. Mr Stewart earned a place in the record books when he graduated with a law degree at the age of 91.

Mr Stewart lives independently and also acts as a carer for a friend.

He says he thinks about each day and what he wants to achieve and says that gives him focus and purpose.
Mr Stewart says he likes to think he’ll hang up his academic robes after today but says he gets bored and will never rule out a return to the books.Today he retains that title with his fourth degree. He undertook his first degree in dentistry in 1936.

He says it’s one of his paradigms to keep the mind and body active.

“I’m a great believer from a health point of view, as you are ageing, to make sure you have sufficient exercise of the mind and sufficient exercise of the body,” Mr Stewart said.

Mr Stewart says you are never too old and it’s never too late to study.

“I was more or less self-taught but with experience I was able to handle that and I found that was the only way to do a university degree at my age.”

The graduate has also noticed a distinct difference in the apparel of the students.

“We had to wear very conservative clothing in those days,” he said.