Lana Oconnell
Many mature-aged students enrol in university courses to develop new skills and further their careers. The term mature student typically refers to anyone over the age of 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the start of their postgraduate studies. Mature students often juggle their studies with work or family responsibilities, so online courses or part-time courses can offer the flexibility they need. When applying, mature students should consider entry requirements and application deadlines, which vary across universities and courses. Some universities accept professional qualifications or work experience, while others require academic qualifications completed within the last 3 years. Mature students can research and compare courses, check entry requirements, and apply directly through university websites or platforms like UCAS.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a mature student | Typically, a mature student is someone who is over 21 years of age at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 years of age at the start of their postgraduate studies. |
| Application process | The application process for mature students is generally the same as for other students. However, mature students may need to meet standard formal entry criteria in a wide variety of ways, such as demonstrating academic ability and commitment to study. |
| Entry requirements | Entry requirements vary across universities and colleges. Some universities accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience, while others may require A-levels or equivalent qualifications in specific subjects. Mature students can also apply for funding. |
| Additional support | Mature students can access additional support, such as grants and scholarships, especially if they have caring responsibilities. |
| Course flexibility | Mature students often balance their studies with work or family responsibilities. Therefore, they may prefer flexible and part-time courses or online courses that offer more flexibility and allow them to study remotely. |
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What You'll Learn
Entry requirements for mature students
The term 'mature student' typically refers to anyone over 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the start of their postgraduate studies. Many universities and colleges are flexible with their entry requirements for mature students, and some do not require any qualifications.
Entry requirements vary depending on the university and course. Some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience, while others may require evidence of recent academic achievement at a high level. Mature students can also take Access to Higher Education (HE) courses, which are designed to help adults return to education. These are usually one- or two-year programmes that can specialise in various subjects.
When applying, mature students should highlight their prior experience, employment, and training and explain how these have helped them develop unique skills and strengths relevant to their studies. They should also provide evidence of their ability to study at the appropriate level.
Mature students can apply for full-time courses online through the UCAS website, and for part-time courses, they can apply directly to the universities and colleges. They can also study part-time or remotely with organisations like the Open University or the National Extension College.
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Application process and deadlines
The application process and deadlines for mature-age students depend on the university and the course they are applying for. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Check Entry Requirements
Before applying, it is essential to review the entry requirements for your chosen course. Mature-age students are typically defined as those over 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the start of their postgraduate studies. Some universities, like Oxford, consider applicants aged 21 and above as mature students. Universities often consider work experience, life experiences, and professional qualifications for mature-age applicants who may not have traditional academic qualifications. However, some institutions may require recent academic achievements or additional qualifications if you haven't studied formally for a long time.
Step 2: Research Courses and Universities
With thousands of courses available, it is crucial to research your options thoroughly. You can use online platforms like UCAS in the UK or Open Universities Australia to search for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Compare entry requirements, course structures, and application deadlines to find the best fit for your goals and circumstances.
Step 3: Understand the Application Process
For full-time courses, you typically apply online through a centralised system like UCAS. Flexible and part-time courses often require direct applications to the universities or colleges offering the course. Some universities, like Cambridge, recommend contacting their mature student admissions office and specific colleges for advice before submitting your application.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application
Gather any necessary documentation, such as academic transcripts, professional qualifications, and work experience references. You may also need to write a personal statement or undergo a specific type of assessment, depending on the course and university requirements.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Submit your application by the specified deadline. Deadlines can vary, with some universities recommending an October deadline for mature students, while others offer January application windows for certain courses.
Remember, you can always contact the university's admissions office or seek advice from student advisors if you have any queries about the application process or deadlines.
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Funding and scholarships
Mature students often balance their studies with work or caring responsibilities, and funding their education can be challenging. However, there are several funding options and scholarships available specifically for mature students.
In the UK, if you are under 59, you can access the same funding package as other undergraduates, with your household income assessed based on yours or your partner's income. If you are 60 or over, you can only get a loan for tuition fees and not living costs. If you already have a degree, you cannot apply for a government loan unless it is for specific vocational subjects. However, there are thousands of smaller charities and trusts in the UK offering grants for educational purposes.
There are also scholarships and grants specifically for mature students, such as the Mature Students Scholarship, which awards £3,000 to students over 25 at Goldsmith's College, University of London, and the Access Entry Mature Students Bursary, worth £1,000 per year for full-time undergraduate study at Royal Holloway for students over 21 with a household income of £25,000 or less. The Women Careers Foundation offers scholarships to females over 21 (although younger applicants taking music or dance courses are considered) who are UK citizens. The Yorkshire Ladies Council for Education provides scholarships for women from Leeds and Yorkshire over 21 who have secured a place at a British university but are unable to finance their studies.
In the US, there are also scholarships and grants available for mature students. The Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant provides funding and support to women and non-binary students aged 35 and older with low incomes. The Boomer Benefits Scholarship is for adults aged 50 and over with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Federal grants like the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) are also offered to students regardless of age.
To access funding and scholarships, it is essential to research and explore the various options available, including those specific to your chosen university or college. It is also beneficial to complete the FAFSA to understand your eligibility for federal financial aid in the US.
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Choosing a college
Academic Offerings and Entry Requirements
Begin by researching the colleges' academic offerings to ensure your desired program or major is available. Different colleges have varying entry requirements, so it's crucial to check if you meet the academic standards. Mature-age students are usually defined as those over 21, but this can vary, so check the specific college's definition. Some colleges may require evidence of recent academic achievement, while others may accept professional qualifications, work experience, or life experience.
College Environment and Support
Consider the college environment and whether it aligns with your needs as a mature-age student. Some colleges have dedicated mature colleges or programs that cater specifically to students with more life experience. These colleges often provide additional support and a community of peers with similar life stages and responsibilities. If you have caring responsibilities, you may be able to access extra support, so this is an important factor to investigate.
Application Process and Deadlines
Understand the application process and deadlines for your chosen colleges. Some colleges may require you to apply by a certain date, especially if you want to be considered for specific courses or scholarships. You may need to contact the admissions office or individual colleges for advice, as they can provide valuable insights into how they view your academic preparation and work experience.
Online and Flexible Learning Options
If balancing your studies with work or family commitments is a concern, consider colleges that offer online or flexible learning options. These alternatives can provide the flexibility to study from home, at your own pace, without the need to commute to a physical campus. Many colleges offer part-time or flexible courses designed with the mature-age student in mind.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Lastly, investigate the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available at each college. Mature-age students may be eligible for government assistance, grants, or scholarships to support their studies. Understanding the financial options available can help you make an informed decision about which college is the best fit for your economic situation.
Remember to utilise resources such as university websites, the UCAS website, and student advisors to gather comprehensive information about the colleges you're considering.
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Online courses
For example, UniSQ offers online degrees that can be tailored to suit your needs. Their pathways program recognizes your previous education and career achievements and helps you gain entry into your chosen degree, even if you don't meet the formal qualification requirements. They offer part-time study schedules and flexible ways to study, allowing you to manage your learning and balance your life commitments.
The Open University is another option, as it's open to everyone regardless of qualifications. You can search and apply for courses directly through their website, and they offer a wide range of disciplines to choose from.
Other universities may also offer online courses or part-time and modular options that provide flexibility. These can be found through websites like UCAS, which provides information on full-time, part-time, and flexible course options. You can also apply directly to universities to enquire about their online or part-time offerings and discuss your specific circumstances.
Additionally, Access to Higher Education (HE) courses are designed for adults seeking to enter higher education. These courses can be found on websites like accesstohe.ac.uk and can help prepare you for your return to study by recognizing your previous work experience and life skills.
Remember to consider the entry requirements and application procedures for each university, as they may vary. Don't be discouraged if you don't meet the standard entry criteria, as mature student applications are assessed holistically, taking into account your work experience, volunteering, and academic potential.
Additionally, mature students may be eligible for financial support and accommodation options.
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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 meaning students who are over 21 years of age at the beginning of their undergraduate studies.
Entry requirements vary depending on the university or college. Some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience, while others may require academic qualifications completed in the past 3 years. It is important to check the specific entry requirements for your chosen course and institution.
The application process for mature students is generally the same as for other students. For full-time courses, you can apply online through the UCAS website. For flexible and part-time courses, you would apply directly to the universities and colleges.
Yes, there may be financial support available for mature students. For example, mature students at the University of Oxford may be eligible for the Childcare Grant or the Adult Dependants' Grant. You may also be able to apply for student finance, depending on your family situation and the type of course you are taking.
Mature students often bring a wealth of life experience, including work experience and volunteering, to their studies. Many universities have mature colleges or offer flexible learning options to support mature students, allowing them to balance their studies with work or family commitments.
