50-Year-Old Iraq Refugee Is The Oldest Person Sitting Their HSC This Year

Hekmat Alqus Hanna, a 50-year-old refugee from Iraq, is the oldest student sitting their HSC exams this year.

Before moving to Australia in 2012 with his family, Hekmat worked as a medical doctor for 17 years. 

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 50-year-old said, "I want to do advanced medical science at UNSW, but I need an ATAR of 96. 

"I'm doing my best but I don't know if my marks are good enough. I hope I can do better in the HSC." 

Hekmat, his wife and three children, lived peacefully outside of a village near the city of Mosul, which is now an Islamic State stronghold. It wasn't until 2010 that his family began to receive death threats, SMH reports.

After moving to Lebanon for a couple of years, their family was accepted to come to Australia as refugees.  

Unfortunately, in Mr Hanna's case, he was unable to prove his previous studies and degree to the Australian Medical Council, and so, he has to repeat his degree. 

Even though this should mean the 50-year-old will pass with flying colours, being a professional in the past, he said he's still very nervous. 

"I'm nervous about my exams because I'm not doing as well as I used to," he said. 

"All my life I was first in school but I'm older in age now and my memory is not like it was, and I have responsibilities." 

Hopefully, this is the push you need if you think it's too late to go back to study... imagine having to do what you've already done, all over again! 

We're sending the best of luck to Hekmat for his upcoming exams!