Mature Students: University Dreams And Realities

Returning to education as a mature student can be a daunting prospect, but it's a chance to develop new skills and career options – and you'll be far from alone in your endeavours. Each year, thousands of mature students go to university or college, bringing with them a wealth of life experience and knowledge that can enrich discussions and add depth to assignments.

Mature students are usually defined as anyone going to university or college after a period of time out of full-time education, typically those who are over 21 at the beginning of undergraduate studies or over 25 at the start of postgraduate studies.

Mature students can go to university without traditional qualifications

Mature students can, and do, go to university without traditional qualifications. In fact, around a third of undergraduates are mature students, and each year, thousands of mature students enrol at universities and colleges.

Universities and colleges welcome students from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and there are many ways to experience higher education. For mature students, this could mean exploring a subject they find interesting, progressing in their career, or taking on a new challenge.

Mature students are usually defined as those over 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the start of postgraduate studies. Many of these students already have significant work experience and decide to pursue a qualification to advance their careers. Others may have few or no previous qualifications.

Entry requirements vary by university and course, and while most courses will have set requirements, universities accept a wide range of qualifications and students from different backgrounds. Some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience, while others may require an Access to Higher Education course, NVQs, BTECs, or other work-based qualifications.

If you don't have traditional qualifications, your work experience and the skills you've developed can still be considered. Many universities will be flexible about their entry requirements, so it's worth contacting admissions teams and academic staff to discuss your specific situation.

Additionally, if you've been out of formal education for a while or don't quite meet the entry requirements, you can consider an Access to Higher Education course. These are typically one- or two-year programmes that can help prepare you for your return to study and can even result in your Advanced Learner Loan being written off upon completion of a subsequent higher education course.

Remember, your unique experiences and perspectives as a mature student can enrich discussions, offer valuable insights, and add depth to your assignments.

Mature students can apply for funding

In the UK, students from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland can apply for Tuition Fee Loans to cover undergraduate course fees. There is no age limit on this type of funding, and the loan is paid directly to the university or college. Additionally, students from England, Scotland, and Wales can apply for Maintenance Loans and Grants to help with living costs such as food, accommodation, and travel. These are means-tested and based on household income. Students from Northern Ireland can apply for a similar Maintenance Grant and, if eligible, a Special Support Grant.

For students studying in Scotland, the Scottish Government pays the yearly course fee on their behalf. Scottish students studying elsewhere in the UK may apply for a Tuition Fee Loan.

Postgraduate funding is also available, although the application process may not be as straightforward as for undergraduate funding. Funding for postgraduate study includes students loans and grants, as well as scholarships and bursaries.

Students with children or other dependants may be able to access additional support. For example, in the UK, additional funding options include the Parents' Learning Allowance, Childcare Grant, and Adult Dependants' Grant.

Mature students who are experiencing financial difficulties may also be able to apply for a Student Assistance Fund to help with costs such as books, rent, food, childcare, travel, and utility and medical bills.

In Ireland, mature students can apply for funding through the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) scheme. Full-time students studying an approved course can apply for a student grant, while those studying certain part-time undergraduate courses can apply for the part-time fee scheme. Postgraduate funding is also available for approved courses in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Mature students can enrol in online courses

There are several ways to enrol in online courses as a mature student. Many universities offer online undergraduate and postgraduate courses, which can be found through a simple online search or by visiting university websites directly. It is important to research the entry requirements for your chosen course and university, as these can vary. Some universities may require specific qualifications, while others may accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience.

If you do not meet the entry requirements, there are still options available. For example, you could consider completing an Access to Higher Education (HE) course, which can help prepare you for university-level study. These courses are typically one or two years long and are designed for adults seeking to enter higher education. Additionally, some universities may offer standalone undergraduate subjects that do not have entry requirements, allowing you to get a taste of university-level study before committing to a full degree.

When applying for online courses, it is essential to highlight any relevant work experience and skills you have gained outside of formal education. Many universities value this real-world experience and will consider it during the admissions process.

Online learning can be a great way for mature students to gain new qualifications and develop their careers, offering flexibility and the ability to study from anywhere.

Mature students can apply for undergraduate courses

Mature students can and do apply for undergraduate courses, and they make up around a third of undergraduates. There are many reasons why someone might choose to enter higher education later in life. For some, it's about developing new skills and improving career options. For others, it's about exploring a subject they find interesting or rewarding, or changing direction and taking on a new challenge.

The term 'mature student' usually refers to anyone starting university or college after a period of time out of full-time education, typically meaning students who are over 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the beginning of postgraduate studies. Many mature students balance their studies with work or caring responsibilities.

Entry requirements vary between universities and colleges, so it's important to check with the institution. While some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience, others may require an Access to Higher Education course or other work-based qualifications. It's worth noting that some universities will be flexible about their entry requirements, so it's always a good idea to get in touch and discuss your specific situation.

If you don't have traditional qualifications, there are alternative routes to gaining entry to undergraduate courses. For example, you can take an Access to Higher Education course, which is designed to help adults prepare for higher education. These are typically one- or two-year programmes that can specialise in various subjects. Another option is to study with the Open University, which is open to everyone regardless of qualifications.

When applying, remember to highlight how your prior experience, employment, and training have helped you develop unique skills and strengths that will be beneficial to your studies.

Mature students can apply for postgraduate courses

Mature students can absolutely apply for postgraduate courses. In fact, many universities consider anyone over the age of 21 or 25 to be a mature student, and there are thousands of mature students who go to university each year.

If you already have a bachelor's degree or at least five years of professional experience in your field, you could be suited to a postgraduate qualification like a graduate certificate, graduate diploma, or master's degree. These advanced university courses will help you develop skills for your next career move.

If you have past work or study experience, you may be able to claim recognition of prior learning and skip subjects you're already familiar with—which means you'll graduate faster. You'll need to provide evidence of this experience, such as an academic transcript or letter from your employer. It's worth checking with your university to understand their specific requirements.

You can apply for postgraduate courses through UCAS or by contacting the university directly. Course entry requirements vary, so be sure to check with the university or college. Some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience, while others may require an Access to Higher Education course or other work-based qualifications.

Don't worry if you don't have traditional qualifications, as your work experience and the skills you have developed can still be considered. Many universities will be flexible about their entry requirements, so it's always worth discussing your specific application with admissions teams and academic staff.

Remember to use your personal statement to highlight how your prior experience, employment, and training have helped you develop unique skills and strengths that you can bring to your studies.

Frequently asked questions