Ibrahim Gardner
Returning to university as a mature-age student can be a rewarding experience, offering the chance to develop new skills, enhance career options, and embrace intellectual challenges. While there is no firm definition, mature students typically refer to those over 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the start of postgraduate studies. Mature students often juggle work, family, and caring responsibilities alongside their studies, benefiting from flexible learning options like online courses. With a wealth of life experiences, mature students bring diversity and valuable contributions to the student community. Universities offer support through grants, scholarships, and student services, ensuring that mature students can thrive in their academic pursuits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a mature student | There is no firm definition, but often students over the age of 21 are referred to as mature students. Sometimes universities will also use other terms such as adult learners or adult returners. |
| Application process | The application process is generally the same for mature students, but some elements may be more complex. Mature students need to demonstrate academic ability and commitment to study. |
| Qualifications | Universities accept a wide range of qualifications for entry. For mature students, most universities require recent accredited study to ensure students have the confidence and study skills for their chosen degree. |
| Funding | Applicants are encouraged to explore funding opportunities offered by a university or a sponsor. Mature students may be eligible for further assistance from the government. |
| Responsibilities | Mature students often balance their studies alongside work or caring responsibilities. |
| Experience | Mature students bring a wealth of experience and make a valuable contribution to the diversity of the student population. |
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What You'll Learn
Mature students are typically over 21
Returning to university as a mature-age student can be a daunting experience, but it is also an exciting opportunity to develop new skills and career options. Most universities consider anyone over the age of 21 to be a mature-age student, although there is no firm definition. Over half of mature students are aged between 21 and 24, and around 40% are over 30.
Mature students often bring a wealth of experience to their studies, having decided to return to education after gaining significant work experience in their field or taking time off after high school. They may also be returning to education after a period of disruption or having not completed their secondary education. Many universities recognise the value that mature students bring to their student population through their diverse backgrounds and experiences.
The application process for mature students may vary depending on the university and the course. Most universities require evidence of recent accredited study to ensure that students have the necessary study skills and confidence to succeed on their chosen degree programme. This could include academic transcripts or a letter from an employer detailing relevant work experience. Mature students may also be required to meet standard formal entry criteria, although this can often be met in a variety of ways, such as through prior learning or work experience.
Mature students may have additional considerations, such as balancing their studies with full-time work or caring responsibilities. However, universities offer a range of support services and networks to help students during their time at university. Flexible and part-time courses are also available, allowing students to study at their own pace and fit their studies around their other commitments.
Overall, returning to university as a mature student can be a rewarding experience, offering the opportunity to develop new skills, enhance career prospects, and achieve personal goals.
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Mature students may have work experience
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. However, there is no definitive age, and some consider 23 to be mature. Mature students often balance their studies with work or family commitments, and many have significant work experience in their field. This prior experience can be leveraged to gain recognition of prior learning and skip subjects with content the student is already familiar with, allowing them to graduate faster.
Mature students with work experience may find that their previous employment gives them an edge when applying for internships or jobs after graduation. Employers often value the additional skills and confidence that mature students bring to the table. For example, Neil Sandy, CEO of Truestone Asset Management, expressed a positive attitude toward hiring mature interns. However, some mature students have reported feeling that they are viewed with suspicion by potential employers.
Mature students with work experience may also have an easier time adjusting to the academic life. They may be more organised and motivated, having made a significant decision to pursue tertiary education later in life. This motivation can help them succeed in their studies, as seen in the experiences of mature students like Ged, who returned to education after working for his union, and Amanda, who found university a transformative experience.
Additionally, mature students with work experience may have already established a career and be financially stable. This can reduce the financial burden of studying and provide a safety net during their academic journey. They may also have developed valuable soft skills, such as time management, communication, and problem-solving, which can enhance their academic performance and overall university experience.
Overall, mature students with work experience bring a unique perspective to their studies and can leverage their previous employment to enhance their academic and professional pursuits.
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Mature students can enrol in online courses
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. However, there is no fixed age, and some consider students over 18 to be mature. Many mature students enrol in university courses each year, and online courses are a popular option for those balancing their studies with work and family commitments.
Online courses offer flexibility, allowing students to study from anywhere at any time, without having to commute to a physical campus. Students can access lectures, tutorial exercises, readings, and assessments through their university's online portal and complete them at their own pace. This flexibility means mature students can continue working full-time or part-time while studying.
Online courses are available at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and mature students can enrol in certificates, diplomas, associate degrees, and bachelor's degrees. Before applying, it is important to check the entry requirements, as some courses may require specific academic prerequisites or prior work experience. However, mature students with significant work experience in their field may be able to claim recognition of prior learning and graduate faster by skipping subjects they are already familiar with.
There are various online platforms and universities that cater specifically to mature students, such as Canada eSchool and Virtual High School, which offer flexible learning options and support to help busy adults achieve their educational goals. Additionally, some universities, such as Athabasca University in Canada, offer a wide variety of flexible online courses to students around the world.
Overall, enrolling in an online course as a mature student can be a great way to develop new skills, progress your career, or explore a subject that interests you, all while balancing your other commitments and responsibilities.
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Mature students can apply for grants
Most universities and colleges consider a mature student to be anyone starting a course aged 21 or over. However, this definition can vary depending on the institution and the specific course. Some universities may set the threshold at 20 or even 19 years of age, especially for courses with a lower typical entry age, such as foundation or vocational courses. It is always worth checking with the specific university or college to understand their mature student entry requirements. Being classified as a mature student often comes with additional benefits and support, recognizing that these students may have different needs and priorities compared to their younger counterparts.
Mature students often bring a wealth of life experience and a strong motivation to their studies, which can be advantageous in a classroom setting. Recognizing this, many universities and funding bodies offer dedicated grants, scholarships, and financial support specifically for mature students. These grants can help offset the cost of tuition fees, living expenses, or other course-related costs, making higher education more accessible to this important cohort of students. The exact eligibility criteria and application processes for these grants can vary, so it is essential for prospective mature students to research the opportunities available at their chosen institution and through external funding bodies.
Mature students can often apply for grants through their university or college, which may have internal funds dedicated to supporting mature learners. These grants could be means-tested, taking into account the student's financial circumstances, or they might be awarded based on other criteria such as academic merit or the potential impact of the grant on the student's ability to succeed in their studies. It is worth noting that the availability and specifics of these grants can vary significantly between institutions, so mature students should contact their chosen university or college to understand the options available to them. External funding bodies and charities also frequently offer grants and scholarships specifically for mature students.
These organizations often have specific eligibility criteria, mission statements, or causes that they support. For example, a charity might offer grants to mature students from a particular region or with a specific career goal, such as returning to education to train for a healthcare profession. External grants may be promoted by the funding body themselves, but they can also be something that a mature student actively seeks out and applies for independently. In either case, it is beneficial for mature students to start their research early and be proactive in exploring all potential sources of funding to maximize their chances of securing financial support. The application processes for mature student grants will vary, but they often require a personal statement or essay outlining the student's motivations, goals, and the potential impact of receiving the grant.
This is an opportunity for mature students to highlight their unique perspective, life experience, and the value they will bring to their studies and, ultimately, their chosen profession. It is a chance to showcase how their life experiences have prepared them for the challenges and opportunities of higher education and how they plan to utilize their education to make a positive impact. In addition to grants, mature students may also be eligible for other types of financial support, such as scholarships, bursaries, or reduced tuition fees, so it is always worth investigating all potential avenues for funding. By recognizing the unique position of mature students and offering dedicated financial support, universities, colleges, and funding bodies are helping to ensure that higher education is accessible to a diverse range of learners.
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Mature students often balance study with work
The term 'mature student' typically refers to anyone going to university or college after a period of time out of full-time education. Mature students are usually over 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the start of their postgraduate studies. Over half of mature students are aged between 21 and 24, and around 40% are over 30.
Mature students often balance their studies with work and other responsibilities, such as childcare, household tasks, and financial obligations. This can be challenging, and it is important to manage boundaries between study and work to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Online courses can offer mature students the flexibility to balance their studies with other commitments.
Mature students may have significant work experience in their field and decide to pursue a qualification to advance their careers. They may also be able to claim recognition of prior learning and skip subjects they are already familiar with, allowing them to graduate faster.
Juggling work and study can be demanding, and it is essential to develop effective time management skills and self-care practices. This may include maintaining a healthy diet and sleep schedule and engaging in stress-relieving activities. Additionally, mature students can benefit from discovering their unique strategies for balancing their commitments and connecting with other mature students for support and collaboration.
While balancing work and study as a mature student can be challenging, it can also be a rewarding experience. Many mature students find it transformative, providing them with new skills, career options, and a sense of achievement.
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Frequently asked questions
The term 'mature student' is usually used to refer to anyone going to university or college after a period of time out of full-time education. Most universities consider anyone over the age of 21 to be a mature student.
Mature students bring a wealth of experience and make a valuable contribution to the diversity of the student population. They often have significant work experience in their field and are looking to earn a qualification to get ahead in their careers. Mature students are also eligible for additional support, such as grants for students with children or adult dependents.
The application process for mature students is generally the same as for other students. However, mature students may have more complex elements to their application, such as demonstrating academic ability through a wide range of experiences beyond formal education. Universities accept a wide range of qualifications for entry and will ask for your country's equivalent of any required subject qualifications.
