Savanna Hoffman
If you're thinking of applying to university as a mature student, you're not alone. Around a third of undergraduates are mature students, and many universities welcome applications from mature students. A mature student is usually defined as someone who is 20 or 21 and older at the start of their course and who has not studied at the post-secondary level. The application process for mature students is generally the same as for other students, but there may be additional requirements, such as an academic reference or admissions test. Some universities may also offer pathway programs for applicants who do not meet the standard admission requirements. Mature students may also have access to financial support, including scholarships, awards, and bursaries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a mature student | A student who is 20 or 21+ years old at the start of their course and who normally hasn't studied at the post-secondary level. |
| Application process | The application process for mature students is generally the same as for other students. However, some universities may require an additional application or profile. |
| Application deadlines | Deadlines vary depending on the university and course. For example, for 2025 entry courses at Oxford, Cambridge, and most medicine, veterinary medicine/science, and dentistry courses, the deadline is 15 October 2024 (18:00 UK time). |
| Application requirements | Requirements vary depending on the university and course. Some universities may require academic references, admissions tests, and written work. Mature students may not always have traditional qualifications but can demonstrate their academic potential through work experience, life experiences, or other qualifications such as Access to HE diploma courses. |
| Funding | Mature students can apply for funding and scholarships, with amounts depending on family situations and course types. |
| Support | Many universities offer support and resources specifically for mature students, including personalized academic support, societies, and guidance on adjusting to returning to education. |
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What You'll Learn
Application deadlines
University of Toronto
Full-time degree applicants who are not current Ontario high school students apply using the OUAC-105 Application, while applicants intending to study part-time use the Part-Time Application. The University of Toronto also offers pathway programs for applicants who do not meet the published admission requirements for their target academic program. These applicants may become eligible for admission to some academic programs through these pathway programs.
University of Oxford
The University of Oxford requires a UCAS application form with an academic reference, admissions test, and written work. The application procedure for mature students is the same as for other students.
UCAS
UCAS recommends applying as early as possible, as universities and colleges do not guarantee to consider applications received after 29 January of the application year. Some courses have different deadlines, and many are a long time in advance of the start of the course. For instance, courses with a 15 October deadline rarely consider late applications.
US Student Aid
US citizens can apply for US Federal Student Aid loan opportunities, private loans, Veteran Affairs certification requests for benefits, and education tax credits.
Open University
The Open University is open to everyone, regardless of qualifications.
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Entry requirements
A mature student is typically defined as someone who is 20 or 21 years of age or older and who has not studied at the post-secondary level. Many universities welcome applications from mature students, and the application process is generally the same as for other students. However, mature students may have additional considerations when it comes to entry requirements.
Firstly, mature students may have few or no previous qualifications, in which case, they may be taking Access to Higher Education courses or enrolling in their first degree based on their work or life experiences. Some universities may accept professional qualifications, relevant work experience, or other skills and activities that demonstrate their academic potential. For example, the University of Oxford states that they are interested in the academic potential of mature students now, rather than their abilities at age 18.
Secondly, mature students may need to meet specific course entry requirements, which can vary depending on the university and the chosen course. For instance, some courses may require A-levels or equivalent qualifications in particular subjects. It is important for mature students to check the entry requirements for their intended program and ensure they meet the necessary academic standards.
Additionally, mature students may need to provide an academic reference as part of their application. This can be a challenge if they have been out of formal education for a long time. In such cases, universities like Oxford encourage applicants to ask someone who knows them from an educational setting, work context, or volunteering to provide a reference that speaks to their academic potential.
Lastly, mature students should be mindful of application deadlines and any supplementary documents that may be required. Some universities, such as York University, offer scholarships, awards, and bursaries specifically for mature students, and applying early can increase the chances of being considered for these awards.
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Qualifications
The qualifications required for mature students to apply to university vary. The term "mature student" usually refers to anyone over 21 at the start of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the beginning of their postgraduate studies. Mature students often balance their studies with work or family responsibilities.
Mature students may have few or no previous qualifications, but some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience. If you do not have the necessary A-Levels or equivalent qualifications for your desired course, you can consider alternative ways to meet entry requirements, such as:
- Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma: This is for students who lack the qualifications needed to enter higher education.
- Foundation courses: These courses help prepare students for their chosen subject and are ideal if you've taken a break from education.
- Recognition of Prior Learning: This takes into account your current learning and compares it to the requirements of the programme you're applying for. It can contribute to your entry qualifications or count towards your degree, potentially exempting you from certain courses.
Additionally, some universities may offer flexible entry requirements and consider your work experience and the skills you've developed. It is worth contacting the university to discuss your specific situation and explore alternative options.
If you've been out of formal education for an extended period, it is recommended to take another qualification to refresh your study skills. Advanced Learner Loans are available for those studying an Access to Higher Education Diploma, which are written off upon completing a subsequent higher education course.
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Funding
There are also additional grants and allowances that you may be eligible for as a mature student, including the Parents' Learning Allowance, Childcare Grants, and the Adult Dependants' Grant. These can provide significant financial support, with the Parents' Learning Allowance offering up to £1,963 per year and Childcare Grants covering up to 85% of your childcare costs.
Furthermore, many universities offer scholarships or bursaries, which can provide additional funding. Some universities have scholarships specifically for mature students, and others have bursaries for students from lower-income households. It is worth checking the websites of the universities you are interested in to find out more about the scholarships and bursaries they offer.
If you are planning to study a second undergraduate degree, you may still be eligible for funding, although the options may be more limited. For example, the University of Portsmouth offers a bursary for students studying a second undergraduate degree, and you may be eligible for funding if you are "topping up" a higher education qualification, such as moving from a foundation degree to an Honours degree. However, it is important to note that you are usually only eligible for funding for one undergraduate course.
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Support
Many universities support applications from mature students, and there are many ways to experience higher education. Around a third of undergraduates are mature students, coming from a wide range of ages and backgrounds.
The University of Oxford, for example, defines mature students as those who will be 21 or older at the start of their course. The application procedure for mature students is the same as for other students, and the university provides a step-by-step application guide. Mature students can choose any college that offers their desired course. Additionally, they can choose to preference colleges that only admit mature students, such as Harris Manchester College and Wycliffe Hall. Oxford also offers personalised academic support and the opportunity to join a mature student society.
York University also provides support for mature students, with a dedicated Transfer & Mature Recruitment Officer who can guide prospective students through the application process and answer any questions. York University offers online sessions and weekly drop-in sessions for mature applicants to facilitate a smooth application process.
The University of Toronto notes that mature students may need to meet specific educational requirements, and some programs may require an additional application or profile. However, mature students can apply through the standard application routes, and the university provides important application dates and deadlines.
Mature students can also apply to the Open University, which is open to everyone regardless of qualifications.
To support your application, it is recommended to consider qualifications or experiences that demonstrate your academic potential. While some universities require A-levels or equivalent qualifications, others may accept professional qualifications, relevant work experience, or life experiences. It is also beneficial to research finance and support options, as mature students can apply for funding and student accommodation.
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Frequently asked questions
A mature student is someone who is 20 or 21 years of age or older and who has not studied at a post-secondary level.
The application requirements for mature students vary depending on the university and program. Be sure to check the requirements for your intended program, as some may require additional applications or profiles. Most universities require an academic reference, which can be completed by a teacher, or someone who knows you in a work context.
This depends on the university and program. Some universities will accept professional qualifications, work experience, or life experience. Others may require A-levels or equivalent qualifications in specific subjects.
Yes, there are scholarships, awards, and bursaries available for mature students at some universities. Check with your intended university to find out what financial support is available.
