Lori Meadows
The term mature student typically refers to students who are over 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the beginning of their postgraduate studies. Mature students often balance their studies with work or caring responsibilities and may have significant work experience in their field. Many universities welcome mature students, and some even have colleges dedicated to them, such as Harris Manchester College at the University of Oxford. Mature students can apply to university through the usual application routes, and some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience in lieu of traditional entry requirements. Mature students may also be eligible for additional support and government funding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a mature student | The term 'mature student' usually refers to anyone going to university or college after a period of time out of full-time education. This typically means students who are over 21 years of age at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 years of age at the beginning of their postgraduate studies. |
| Application process | The application procedure for mature students is generally the same as for other students. For full-time courses, applications are typically made through a centralised system (e.g. UCAS in the UK). For flexible and part-time courses, applications are usually made directly to the universities and colleges. |
| Entry requirements | Entry requirements vary across universities and courses. Some universities may accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience. Other universities may require specific qualifications, such as A-levels or equivalent, depending on the chosen course. |
| Funding and support | Mature students may be able to apply for student finance, with the amount depending on their family situation and course type. Additional support may be available for those with caring responsibilities. Some universities offer scholarships or grants specifically for mature students. |
| Social aspects | Being a mature student can be daunting, especially when balancing other commitments. However, universities often provide access to personalised academic support, social activities, and student societies specifically for mature students. |
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What You'll Learn
Entry requirements
The term 'mature student' usually refers to anyone going to university or college after a period of time out of full-time education. This typically means students who are over 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the start of their postgraduate studies. However, the University of Oxford automatically considers applicants aged 21 or older as mature students.
If you do not meet the entry requirements for your chosen course, there are alternative pathways to gain entry. For example, you can take standalone undergraduate subjects that do not have entry requirements or complete an Access to Higher Education qualification, foundation degree, or equivalent. You may also be able to gain entry based on your work experience or life skills.
Additionally, mature students may be eligible for additional support and funding. For example, mature students at the University of Oxford can choose to attend Harris Manchester College or Wycliffe Hall, which are specifically for mature students. Mature students at the University of Toronto can apply for a one-year deferral of their offer of admission if they are unable to begin their studies as planned. Financial support may also be available for mature students, such as the Childcare Grant and the Adult Dependants' Grant offered by the UK government.
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Funding and finance
As a mature student, you can apply for student finance in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, and bursaries. The funding you receive will depend on your family situation, the type of course you're doing, and your household income.
Tuition Fee Loans
Tuition Fee Loans cover your course fees and are paid directly to your university or college. Students from England can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan wherever they choose to study in the UK. If you live in Northern Ireland and study at a Northern Irish course provider, the maximum tuition fee is capped. You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the yearly course costs if you choose to study elsewhere in the UK.
Maintenance Loans and Grants
Maintenance Loans and Grants help with living costs, such as food, accommodation, and travel. The amount you can get is based on factors such as where and what you'll study, whether you're studying full-time or part-time, and your household income. Maintenance Loans are paid to you in three chunks per year, one at the start of each semester, unless you're from Scotland, in which case you'll receive monthly payments.
Additional Support
If you have children or an adult who depends on you financially, or you have a disability, a long-term health condition, mental health condition, or specific learning difficulty, you may be eligible for additional support. You may be able to claim up to £1,963 per year through the Parents' Learning Allowance (PLA), depending on where you live in the UK. Childcare Grants can help pay for childcare, with amounts of up to £193.62 per week for one child or £331.95 per week for two or more children, or up to 85% of your costs. If another adult is financially dependent on you, you could claim up to £3,438 per year through the Adult Dependants' Grant.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Many universities and colleges offer scholarships or bursaries. Check their websites or contact student services for more information.
Advanced Learner Loan
If you need to take an Access to Higher Education course before starting your degree, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help fund this.
Part-time Study
Part-time students may also be eligible for financial aid, and some universities offer scholarships or bursaries specifically for mature learners.
Previous Qualifications
If you already have a degree or other qualifications, your eligibility for funding may be affected. You usually cannot get finance from Student Finance England if you've already studied for a degree, even if you didn't complete it. However, there are exceptions. For example, you may still qualify if you're doing a healthcare course that leads to registration as an NHS professional or if you're upgrading a lower qualification to an honours degree.
Applying for Student Finance
Applications for student finance open at different times depending on the organisation you need to apply to (e.g., Student Finance England, Student Awards Agency Scotland). It's best to apply as early as possible to ensure your finances are ready for the start of your course.
The Open University
The Open University is open to everyone, regardless of qualifications, and you can compare official course data from universities and colleges on the Discover Uni website.
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Work and life experience
Mature students often bring a wealth of work and life experience to their academic pursuits. Universities recognise the value of this experience and may consider it during the admissions process. For instance, the University of Oxford takes into account mature applicants' work experience and life skills when reviewing their applications. Work experience and life skills can demonstrate essential qualities such as independent motivation and academic curiosity.
When applying to universities, it is important to showcase how your work and life experience have equipped you with relevant skills and strengths. Mature students often possess transferable skills that can enhance their academic performance and contribute to a rich learning environment. Your employment history and any qualifications you've attained will also be considered as part of your application.
Universities typically have standard entry requirements, including academic qualifications and evidence of your ability to study at the required level. However, many institutions offer flexibility and recognise a diverse range of qualifications and experiences. For instance, some universities may accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience in lieu of traditional academic qualifications.
If you do not meet the standard entry requirements, there are alternative pathways to gain admission into your desired course. You may consider completing standalone undergraduate subjects with no entry requirements to build a foundation for your chosen degree. Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are also available to help mature students transition back into academic life. These programmes are designed for adults seeking to develop the skills necessary for higher education and can be a great way to enhance your application.
Online learning is another option that offers flexibility, allowing you to balance your studies with work and family commitments. Online courses often have the same academic rigour as their on-campus counterparts, but with the convenience of studying from anywhere at any time. This enables you to continue gaining work experience while pursuing your degree.
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Application process
The application process for mature students is generally the same as for other students. However, mature students may have more complex elements in their application process. For instance, mature students may have a wide range of experiences beyond formal education, including work experience and volunteering.
If you are applying to a university in Ontario, you will need to apply through OUAC. OUAC covers all program types, so if you're applying to medical school, you will still use this system. Deadlines for applications are set by each individual school, so make sure to check the deadline for your chosen school. It is recommended to submit your application at least a couple of weeks before the school's deadline to allow time for processing. All OUAC applications consist of the same components: your academic background, work experience, personal statement, program choices, extracurricular activities, and academic transcripts. As a mature student, your application may look a little different, but you should provide as much information as you can.
If you are applying to a university in the UK, you will need to create a profile in UCAS Track, upload a personal statement, and choose up to five courses. You will be given the same application deadlines as other students. The main difference as a mature student is the entry requirements. If you do not have the necessary A Levels or equivalent qualifications for your chosen course, you can look at alternative ways of meeting entry requirements. For example, you could take an Access to Higher Education qualification, Open University course, foundation degree, or equivalent. If you have not done any formal study for longer than three years, it is recommended to take another qualification to refresh your study skills.
If you are applying to the University of Oxford, the process is generally the same regardless of your age. However, mature applicants are required to meet standard formal entry criteria and provide academic qualifications completed in the past three years.
If you are applying to the University of Toronto, you will need to apply through the standard application routes. Full-time degree applicants who are not current Ontario high school students should apply using the OUAC-105 Application, while applicants intending to study part-time should use the Part-Time Application. If you have attended a recognised university or college, you will be considered for admission based on your post-secondary studies and your most recent annual average.
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Support and accommodation
The term 'mature student' usually refers to anyone starting university after a period of time out of full-time education, typically those over 21 at the beginning of undergraduate study or over 25 for postgraduate study. Mature students often balance their studies with work or caring responsibilities.
Support
Mature students can access a range of support services at university. These include:
- Financial support
- Childcare services for student parents
- College welfare services
- Counselling and mental health advice
- Study skills workshops
- Support for students with disabilities or long-term health conditions
- Support for care leavers, care-experienced and estranged students
- Support for student carers
- Societies and communities for students of different backgrounds
Accommodation
There are various accommodation options for mature students in the UK, including:
- On-site university halls
- Private student housing and apartments
- Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)
- Homestays with local families
- Short-term rentals
Mature students can research their options and find accommodation that suits their needs and preferences. University websites often provide information on official halls of residence, and platforms like Rightmove and University Living can help students find private accommodation.
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Frequently asked questions
The term 'mature student' usually refers to anyone going to university or college after a period of time out of full-time education. This typically means students who are over 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the beginning of their postgraduate studies.
Mature students often bring significant work experience to their studies and gain qualifications to advance their careers. They also tend to have more financial resources and can access additional support, such as grants for childcare.
Balancing studies with other commitments, such as full-time work or family, can be challenging. Mature students may also find it daunting to return to education, especially if they lack confidence in their academic abilities.
Entry requirements vary depending on the university and course. Some universities accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience. Others may require A-levels or equivalent qualifications. Mature students can also take Access courses to gain entry or enrol in part-time courses, which often have more flexible entry requirements.
The application process for mature students is generally the same as for other students. For full-time courses, applications are typically made through centralised systems such as UCAS in the UK or OUAC in Ontario, Canada. For part-time courses, applications are usually made directly to the universities.
