Mature Students: University Applications And You

Applying to university as a mature student is a great way to develop new skills and career options. Mature students make up approximately a third of the undergraduate student population in the UK, and the number is growing. The term 'mature student' usually refers to anyone starting an undergraduate course aged 21 or over, or a postgraduate course aged 25 or over. If you're thinking of applying to university as a mature student, you'll need to provide evidence of your ability to study at the appropriate level, as well as any relevant experience related to your course. This could include your employment history and any qualifications you've already taken. Universities accept a range of qualifications and will often consider your work experience and the skills you've developed, even if you don't have formal qualifications.

Application process for mature students

Applying to university as a mature student is a great way to develop new skills and career options. In the UK, mature students make up approximately a third of the undergraduate student population.

Research Your Options

Before you start your application, it is important to carefully consider what, where, when, and how you want to study. Your personal circumstances and ambitions are important factors when making these choices. It is worth checking what options are available in your subject area of interest. You might be planning to live at home and commute, or perhaps you are thinking of moving away to study. You will also need to decide whether to study full-time or part-time.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary, so check with the university or college. Universities accept a range of qualifications and students from different backgrounds. They will often list entry requirements for the most common qualifications, but they will accept many more qualifications than those listed, so if you have different qualifications, contact the university to discuss your application. They may also consider your work experience and the skills you have developed.

Application Deadlines

If you are applying for a full-time course, you will need to apply for courses online through the UCAS website. For flexible and part-time courses, you would apply directly to the universities and colleges.

Application deadlines vary depending on the course and institution. For example, for 2025 entry courses at Oxford, Cambridge, or most medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry courses, the deadline was 15 October 2024 (18:00 UK time). For all other undergraduate courses for 2025 entry, the deadline was 29 January 2025 (18:00 UK time).

The Personal Statement

The personal statement is a reflective essay that demonstrates your enthusiasm, knowledge, and suitability for your chosen subject. It can take a long time to write, so leave yourself plenty of time. Be enthusiastic and outline the relevant skills and experience you have acquired from employment, studying, and other experiences to date. Reference any voluntary work and explain the transferable skills you have acquired, such as time management, organisation, and communication.

References

You will be asked for a reference as a standard part of filling out your UCAS application.

Student Finance

You may be able to apply for student finance as a mature student. The amount you get depends on your family situation and the type of course you are doing, and you may get extra help if you have children.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for mature students can vary depending on the university or college, so it's important to check with the specific institution you're interested in attending. However, here are some general guidelines and options to consider:

• Professional Qualifications or Work Experience: Some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience in lieu of traditional entry requirements. This is a great option for mature students who have been working in a particular field and want to further their education in that area.
• Access to Higher Education Courses: If you don't have the necessary qualifications, you can consider taking an Access to Higher Education course. These courses are designed to prepare students who don't meet the standard entry requirements for university-level study. They can provide a pathway to higher education for mature students and help develop the necessary skills and knowledge.
• NVQs, BTEC, or Other Work-Based Qualifications: In some cases, universities may accept other types of work-based qualifications, such as NVQs or BTECs. These qualifications can demonstrate your practical skills and knowledge in a particular field.
• Open University: The Open University is unique in that it has no entry requirements and is open to everyone. You can search and apply for courses directly through the Open University, and there are no qualifications needed to start your studies.
• Foundation Years: If you've been out of education for a prolonged period, some universities may require you to complete a foundation year before starting your degree. Foundation years are designed to help students develop the necessary academic skills and can be a good way to ease back into education after a break. However, completing a foundation year will extend the time and cost of your qualification.
• Flexible Entry Requirements: Many universities have more flexible entry requirements for mature students, especially those who didn't study formal modern qualifications. They may consider older qualifications or alternative qualifications, or they may focus on your employment history and work experience when making their decision.

It's important to note that the definition of a mature student can vary, but it generally refers to anyone starting an undergraduate course aged 21 or over, or a postgraduate course aged 25 or over. Mature students often have different priorities and considerations when choosing a university course, such as fees, part-time options, and accommodation.

Funding and scholarships

Mature students can apply for the same student loans and maintenance loans as younger students. The amount of funding you receive depends on your family situation and the type of course you are taking. You may get extra help if you have children.

In England, eligibility and the amount of funding you can receive depends on factors such as whether this is your first undergraduate degree, whether you are studying full- or part-time, and your nationality.

If you live in England, you may be able to apply for extra financial support, including a Childcare Grant and/or a Parent’s Learning Allowance. There may also be other benefits or tax credits that you are eligible for. The student finance team at your university will be able to help you understand the full scope of what’s available and assist with your applications.

There are different eligibility criteria for mature students applying for student finance in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

If you are over 25 years old or have been financially independent from your parents for three or more years, you are considered a mature student. If you are under 59 years old, you can get the same package of support as all other undergraduates, but your household income will be assessed based on your or your partner’s income, not that of your parents.

If you are 60 or over when you start your course, you can only get a loan for tuition fees and not living costs.

If you already have a degree, you are not entitled to apply for a government loan, except for specific vocational subjects such as teaching, social work, medicine, healthcare or dentistry. Funding a second degree can be harder, but there are thousands of smaller charities and trusts in the UK that offer grants for educational or welfare purposes. Each one will have its own specific criteria, and you will need to identify those for which you might be eligible.

There are also an increasing number of scholarships and grants for mature students, mostly for first-time students. The Blackbullion Funding Hub is the UK’s largest collection of scholarships, including some from top companies such as Amazon and Nationwide that come with mentorship and job opportunities.

• Mature Students Scholarship: £3,000 for students over the age of 25 studying at Goldsmith’s College, University of London
• Access Entry Mature Students Bursary: Worth £1,000 per year for each year of full-time undergraduate study to students at Royal Holloway over the age of 21 at the commencement of their studies, who have a household income of £25,000 or less
• Women Careers Foundation: Applicants should be females over 21 years old (although younger applicants taking courses in music or dance are considered) and must be a citizen of the United Kingdom. Applicants must apply in writing by post
• Yorkshire Ladies Council for Education: For women from Leeds and Yorkshire, over the age of 21, who have a place at a British University and are unable to finance it themselves

Don’t forget, just because you are a mature student, it doesn’t mean that you might not be eligible for some of the other scholarships which are not specific to a course or university and could be an additional source of income for you.

Accommodation

There are different types of student accommodation available, each with pros and cons to consider.

Halls of Residence

Owned and operated by the university, halls of residence are often reserved for first-year students and are usually located on campus. They are very convenient and, consequently, extremely popular. Most universities will reserve accommodation in halls for new students and may even guarantee a room for first-year students, provided they apply in time. According to the Which? University Student Survey 2019, 40% of the 3874 students surveyed were living in university halls of residence.

Private Halls of Residence

Private halls are similar to university halls but are owned by private companies, although some work in partnership with universities. They won't be on campus but may be in the town or city centre, close to shops and nightlife. They are purpose-built, so they have great facilities, and most bills are included in the rent. In private halls, you'll be living with other students, but they may attend different educational institutions, bringing a diversity that many find attractive. The Which? survey found that 7% of students take this option.

Shared House or Flat

Most university cities have a large stock of privately rented housing. The Which? survey showed that 23% of students live in privately rented accommodation, while 5% live near their university in a house or flat they or their family owns.

Living at Home

Although for most students, the experience of university would not be complete without living away from home, some choose to live at home while studying. The Which? accommodation survey found that 24% of university students live at home or with their family while studying. While for some, this is a personal choice, many are forced to live at home due to budget constraints. It's a particularly popular option for students who can commute into cities like London due to the high cost of accommodation.

Applying for Accommodation

The exact process of applying for student accommodation varies from university to university, so it's important to check the website of your chosen institution carefully.

• You accept your academic offer.
• You decide on your preferred accommodation (usually several choices, ranked in order).
• You submit your application, stating any special requirements.
• The university allocates you a room and sends an accommodation offer.
• You read the T&Cs, accept the offer, and create a legally binding contract.

It's a good idea to start researching accommodation options as early as possible to give yourself the most options and ensure you're ready to make decisions quickly if required.

Things to Consider

• Budget: Student accommodation varies in cost, and the maximum non-means-tested maintenance loan from Student Finance England may not cover your rent, let alone your other living costs. You may need another source of income, such as part-time work, contributions from family, or savings.
• Location: Consider whether you want to be on campus or in the city centre.
• Catered or Self-Catered: Shared spaces like kitchens are great for sparking friendships and are where most parties happen.
• Contract Length: Tenancy contracts vary in length between term-time only to a full year.
• Special Requirements: If you have any special requirements, such as a disability or medical condition, be sure to state this in your application so that your needs can be prioritised.

Mature Students

While shared halls of residence are the most popular option, particularly for first-year undergraduates, mature students may prefer the independence and control of renting a private house or flat, either by themselves or with other students. This option can also be more suitable if you are balancing your studies with work or caring responsibilities.

Additional Considerations for Mature Students

• Socialising: Living in halls of residence provides a great opportunity to make lots of new friends, which may be an important consideration if you are returning to education after a break. In private accommodation, it can be harder to meet people.
• Bills and Landlord: In private accommodation, you'll need to organise more bills yourself and liaise directly with the landlord.
• Location: With private accommodation, you can choose the exact location, opting for somewhere right in the town or city centre or close to campus.
• Deposit and Guarantor: For most types of student accommodation, you will need to provide details of a guarantor (someone who will pay your rent if you are unable to) and pay a deposit, usually refunded at the end of the contract minus any damage or outstanding rent.

Support for mature students

The university or college that offers you a place will have every confidence in your abilities, and each course provider will offer some form of support. Before you start your application, it is important to consider any support you might need to make a smooth transition and succeed in your studies, and to factor this into your research.

For example, if you have children, perhaps on-campus or local childcare facilities are an important requirement. Many universities will offer on-site childcare facilities, and you may be able to access additional support from the course provider, including financial support, such as hardship funds or budgeting advice, and academic support to manage deadlines and workload.

If you require Blue Badge parking, or support relating to a learning difficulty, speak to student support services for more information about what facilities and support the university or college can provide.

Give yourself time to settle in and adapt to student life, as it can be challenging balancing new commitments alongside your existing ones. It could be worth exploring programmes to help students sharpen their study skills, which are often offered by universities and colleges to assist in acclimatising to degree-level study. Check what’s on offer with your chosen university or college’s student support team.

When you arrive, check if there is a welcome event planned for mature students, or any clubs or societies that you could attend. They’re a great opportunity to meet other students who are in a similar position to yourself.

If you are responsible for providing unpaid care to a family member, partner, or friend, you may be able to receive extra support during your studies, including financial help, and support with managing your workload and deadlines.

If you are concerned about how you will fit studying around your work or family commitments, research what support is available. The university’s website should have all the details you need. Most universities will offer things like childcare facilities on campus, and most have dedicated mature student support officers as part of their students’ union to provide emotional and practical support if you're struggling. Some universities also have family-sized accommodation in halls.

Frequently asked questions