The world's oldest graduate will earn his degree from Southern Cross University today

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.

Today he retains that title with his fourth degree. He undertook his first degree in dentistry in 1936.

Mr Stewart says much has changed over the years, not least of all, the technology.

"I realised I had to be reasonably literate with the computer," he said.

"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.

"Up here university students are mostly in holiday gear, or at least smart-casual."

Secrets to study success

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.

"There's a lot of surprise but I think the fact that I've done what I've done has been an encouragement to a lot of people, particularly older people and say baby boomers to do the same," he said.

A teacher's praise

Southern Cross University lecturer, Doctor Sonia Brownie, says she did a double take when she first saw an enrolment application with a date of birth of 1915.

"When I initially saw his application for enrolment I trotted back down to the student liaison team because I saw the date of birth 1915 and I said for them to check that he indeed was a man well into his senior years," she said.

She says Mr Stewart studied mostly by correspondence online and is excellent at time management.

When Mr Stewart is not studying he is assisting in the local community technology centre, walking, gardening, fishing and, up until last year, was playing golf.

Keeping active

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.

"When you do graduate it's not just sufficient to say well I've gone so far, I feel that you need to continue learning," he said.

Next week and beyond, the 97-year-old plans to take it very easy and relax with friends and family, including his 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

One thinks he's at least earned that right.