Lana Oconnell
If you're thinking about applying to university as a mature student, you may be wondering what the term means and how to get started. The term 'mature student' usually refers to anyone going to 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 their postgraduate studies. Mature students are a diverse group with varying commitments, and universities differ in the number of mature students they accept and the amount of support they offer. This article will guide you through the process of applying to university as a mature student, including how to research your options, meet entry requirements, and access funding and support.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a mature student | Anyone going to university or college after a period of time out of full-time education. Typically, this means students who are over 21 years of age at the beginning of their undergraduate studies, or over 25 at the start of their postgraduate studies. |
| Entry requirements | Entry requirements vary depending on the university and course. Some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience. Alternative entry routes include: Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas, foundation courses, and online courses. |
| Application process | For full-time courses, research and apply online through the UCAS website. For flexible and part-time courses, apply directly to the universities and colleges. |
| Support | Support is available for mature students, including financial support and additional support for those with caring responsibilities. |
| Location | Most mature students study at a university local to them. |
| Social experience | Studying online does not preclude the social side of university. Students can access student discussion forums and introduce themselves to fellow classmates. |
| Time commitment | Students typically spend 10-40 hours per week on coursework. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Entry requirements for mature students
The term 'mature student' is usually used for 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, some universities consider anyone over 18 to be a mature student.
If you don't meet the entry requirements for your chosen course, there are alternative pathways to consider:
- Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma: This qualification is designed for students who lack the necessary qualifications to enter higher education.
- Foundation courses: These courses help you get up to speed with the subject you plan to study and are ideal if you've had a break from education.
- Online courses: Online certificates, diplomas, and degrees offered by universities provide flexible study options that allow you to balance your education with other commitments.
Additionally, mature students can explore part-time and evening courses or distance learning options if a full-time degree is not feasible due to work or family responsibilities. It is also worth noting that universities offer a range of funding options, and mature learners may be eligible for government loans, scholarships, and other incentives.
When deciding where to study, most mature students choose a local university. However, if location is not a constraint, you can explore institutions with a larger mature student population or pick a place that appeals to you. Don't forget to research the universities you're considering by visiting their websites, attending open days, and learning about the support they offer to mature students.
Belmont University Student Population: How Many?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$6.99 $6.99
Funding and finances
As a mature student, you can apply for student finance in the form of a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan. The Tuition Fee Loan covers your course fees and is paid directly to the university, while the Maintenance Loan is intended to help with living costs, such as food, accommodation, and travel. The amount you receive in the Maintenance Loan depends on your household income and whether you qualify as an 'independent student'. If you are over 25, your parents' income will not be considered when determining your Maintenance Loan allowance. However, if you are married, in a civil partnership, or living with a partner, your partner's income will be taken into account.
The application process for student finance varies depending on your location and the organisation to which you are applying. In England, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan regardless of where you choose to study in the UK. Students from Northern Ireland who study at a Northern Irish course provider have their tuition fees capped, but will face higher costs if they choose to study elsewhere in the UK. It is recommended that you apply for student finance as early as possible to ensure your finances are ready for the start of your course.
In addition to the standard student finance options, there are several funds that mature students may be eligible for, including the Parents' Learning Allowance, Childcare Grants, and the Adult Dependants' Grant. These grants can provide additional financial support for mature students with children or other adult dependants. Furthermore, many universities offer scholarships or bursaries specifically for mature students, which can often total thousands of pounds.
If you are struggling with your finances, it is important to speak to the student support team at your university or college, as they can advise you on managing your finances and applying for additional funding. You may also be able to apply for the university's hardship fund to help you continue your studies.
Class Sizes at Pepperdine University: How Many Students?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$34.19 $44.99
Course flexibility
If you are unable to commit to a full-time degree, you may want to consider part-time and evening courses, or distance learning. For full-time courses, you can research and apply for courses online through the UCAS website. For flexible and part-time courses, you will need to apply directly to the universities and colleges.
Online courses, such as those offered by Open Universities Australia, can provide a flexible way to study from anywhere in the world. However, online courses still require a commitment to coursework, with students spending anywhere from 10-40 hours per week on their studies.
If you are unable to begin your degree studies at the start of the academic year, you may be able to request a deferral of your offer of admission. Deferrals are not guaranteed and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Entry requirements for courses vary, and some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you may be able to gain entry by completing a few standalone undergraduate subjects that do not have entry requirements, or by taking an Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma or foundation course.
Creating an Inclusive Campus: Student Actions for Diversity
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Student accommodation
Firstly, it's important to note that student accommodation has started to shed its reputation for being associated with messy kitchens and parties. As a mature student, you may be pleasantly surprised by the benefits of living in student accommodation. You can choose to live in a studio if you prefer your own space, or you can share a kitchen and living area to get to know your flatmates. Most rooms are en-suite, so you won't have to share a bathroom.
If you're worried about fitting in with younger students, don't be! As long as you make an effort, age won't be a barrier. You may even find that your housemates look to you for advice. However, if you feel that you would prefer to live with other mature students, most universities have accommodation specifically for final-year and postgraduate students, or you can look for privately rented student accommodation.
If you're balancing your studies with work or family commitments, you may want to consider an online course, which gives you the flexibility to study from anywhere. However, you will still have access to student discussion forums, so you can get to know your classmates.
Remember to look into the finance and support available to help with course fees, funding, and any other concerns you may have about returning to education.
Enrolment Numbers at Southern Oregon University
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Historic Framed Print, [Thurgood Marshall with client Donald Gaines Murray, who was denied entry into the University of Maryland Law School, and another attorney, probably Charles Houston, during court proceedings, Maryland], 17-7/8" x 21-7/8"](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41nesVxPmpL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Support for mature students
Returning to education as a mature student can be a daunting experience, but there is plenty of support available to help you settle in and succeed.
Financial Support
Financing your studies is an important consideration when applying to university as a mature student. There are a variety of places you can get support with finance, budgeting, and funding. For example, in the UK, Student Funding can assist with money-related issues and applications for the University's discretionary fund. They can also advise on child tax credits, council tax, and money management.
You may be able to apply for student finance, the amount of which depends on your family situation and the type of course you are doing. If you are a mature student aged over 60, you may be eligible for a means-tested 'special support loan'.
Lots of universities offer scholarships and bursaries, which students don't have to pay back. For example, the University of Oxford offers the Crankstart Scholarship and the Oxford Bursary to eligible students.
Academic Support
Many universities offer academic support to help you adjust to returning to education. For example, the University of Cambridge offers study skills workshops, and the University of Dundee provides a virtual learning environment (VLE) called MyDundee, which provides online areas for all your modules, including learning content, activities, and assessments.
Student Support Services
Most universities offer student support services, which offer guidance and practical support. For example, the University of Cambridge offers counselling and mental health advice, as well as support for students with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
Accommodation
There are different accommodation options available to mature students. If the commute is manageable, you could stay where you currently live and travel to the university. Otherwise, you could move into university-owned halls of residence, private halls, or other private accommodation closer to campus.
Societies and Communities
Joining societies and creating a community for yourself is a great way to meet like-minded people and build a network. For example, the University of Oxford offers the opportunity to join a mature student society, and the University of Cambridge has almost 100 cultural and faith societies registered with its Students' Union.
Harvard University and IB Students: A Match?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The term 'mature student' is usually used when referring to anyone going to university or college after a period of time out of full-time education. Typically, this will mean students who are over 21 years of age at the beginning of their undergraduate studies, or over 25 at the beginning of their postgraduate studies.
Entry requirements vary depending on the university and the course. Some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience. If you don't have traditional qualifications, you can look at alternative ways of meeting entry requirements, such as an Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma or foundation courses.
Most mature students study at a university local to them. However, if location is not an issue, you might decide to study at an institution with a larger mature student population. Universities differ in the number of mature students they accept and the amount of support they offer, so it's worth doing some research by visiting university websites and going to open days. You should also consider whether you want to study full-time or part-time, and whether you want to study on campus or online.
![Historic Framed Print, [Thurgood Marshall with client Donald Gaines Murray, who was denied entry into the University of Maryland Law School, and another attorney, probably Charles Houston, during court proceedings, Maryland] - 2, 17-7/8" x 21-7/8"](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/411rbtADvpL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
