Ibrahim Gardner
Returning to education as a mature-age student can be daunting, especially when balancing other commitments such as work or family. However, there are many diverse pathways to becoming a mature-age student, and universities offer a range of support services to help you transition smoothly. The term 'mature student' usually refers to anyone over 21 at the beginning of undergraduate studies or over 25 at the beginning of postgraduate studies, and many universities welcome applications from mature-aged students. Entry requirements vary, but often include previous qualifications, English language proficiency, and work or life experience. You may also be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a mature-age student | Anyone over the age of 21 or 23, depending on the university |
| Application process | Apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) |
| Requirements | Previous qualifications, English language proficiency, and work or life experience |
| Recognition of prior learning | May be eligible for credit towards the course and a reduction in tuition costs |
| Support | Workshops, library resources, IT support, student advisors |
| Study mode | Online or on-campus |
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What You'll Learn
Check entry requirements for your course
Checking the entry requirements for your course is an important step in the application process. Entry requirements vary from university to university and course to course, so it is crucial to review the specific requirements for your chosen course and institution. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Academic Qualifications
Universities often consider your academic history, including previous qualifications such as high school diplomas, A-levels, or their international equivalents. If you don't have the required qualifications, some universities offer foundation year programs or access courses to help you prepare for your degree. These programs are designed for mature students who don't meet the standard entry requirements and can provide an alternative route into your chosen field of study.
Professional Experience
Your professional experience can be a valuable asset when applying as a mature-age student. Many universities recognize prior learning and work experience, which may make you eligible for credit transfers or reductions in tuition costs. This recognition can come in the form of formal, informal, or non-formal learning that you have acquired through structured programs, work, or other life experiences.
English Language Proficiency
If you are applying to a university where the language of instruction is English, you may be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency, especially if English is not your first language. This could include taking standardized tests, such as the IELTS or TOEFL, and achieving the minimum scores specified by your chosen university.
Additional Requirements
In addition to academic and professional qualifications, some courses may have specific prerequisite subjects or equivalent knowledge requirements. These prerequisites are usually listed in the course details and are essential for your application. If you haven't completed the exact prerequisites, universities may consider equivalent subjects or qualifications you have attained.
Application Process
Once you have reviewed the entry requirements and are satisfied that you meet the criteria, you can proceed with the application process. This typically involves submitting an application form, along with any supporting documents and evidence of your qualifications and experience. It is important to include all requested information and ensure your application is comprehensive.
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Recognition of prior learning
Universities such as Macquarie, Massey, and Torrens recognise prior learning and may offer course credit and a reduction in tuition costs. This means that you can graduate faster and save money.
To apply for RPL, you will need to provide evidence of your prior learning and demonstrate how it meets the requirements for admission to your specified degree program. This can include academic transcripts, letters from employers verifying your knowledge and skills, certificates, and statements of attainment from courses sponsored by employers or professional bodies.
It is important to note that there may be specific due dates for applying for RPL, and you may need to pay a fee for your previous learning to be recognised. Additionally, different universities have different requirements for RPL, so it is always best to check with your chosen university to understand their specific process and requirements.
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Scholarships and tuition fees
Scholarships are a great way to fund your university education as a mature-age student. They can help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with your studies. Many scholarships are specifically designed for mature students who are often faced with greater financial responsibilities compared to traditional freshmen. These scholarships are typically geared towards “non-traditional” or “independent” students who are considerably older than the typical 18-22-year-old undergraduate.
When it comes to applying for university as a mature-age student, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, most universities consider anyone over the age of 21 to be a mature-age student. Secondly, you should look into the entry requirements for your chosen course, as some universities may have specific prerequisites for mature-age applicants, such as previous qualifications, English language proficiency, or work or life experience.
Now, let's explore some scholarship options for mature-age students:
- University-specific scholarships: Many universities offer scholarships specifically for mature-age students. For example, Goldsmiths, University of London, offers a Mature Students Scholarship for students over the age of 25, while Loughborough University has a similar scholarship for students over the age of 21. Royal Holloway, University of London, offers a bursary for full-time undergraduate students over the age of 21 with a household income below a certain threshold. Lancaster University also offers a Mature Student Scholarship. Check with your chosen university to see what options are available.
- Location-based scholarships: Some scholarships are specific to certain locations or regions. For instance, the Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ) Graduate Merit Award Program supports non-traditional women graduate students in New Jersey. The Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund (ASPSF) assists single parents in Arkansas pursuing higher education. The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Altrusa International Scholarship is offered to students from specific counties in Michigan.
- Demographic-specific scholarships: There are also scholarships tailored to specific demographics. The Jeannette Rankin Scholarship, for instance, is for low-income women aged 35 and above studying at accredited US institutions. The Lily and Catello Sorrentino Memorial Scholarship is for students aged 25 and older pursuing undergraduate degrees in Rhode Island. The Charles Shelton Veterinarian Medicine/Technology Scholarship is for African American students pursuing degrees in veterinarian medicine or technology. The Danish Sisterhood of America offers scholarships to members and their children, regardless of age.
- Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are designed to support students with financial needs. The Pell Grant, for instance, is a well-known financial aid option for adults and non-traditional students in the US. It is need-based and does not have to be repaid. The Working Parent College Scholarship Award is another example, which is available to full or part-time students with dependent children and a certain grade point average.
- Recognition of prior learning: If you have previous work or study experience, you may be able to gain recognition of prior learning and receive credit towards your course, resulting in a reduction in tuition costs. This process acknowledges your existing knowledge and skills and can help you graduate faster. Be sure to provide evidence of your experience, such as academic transcripts or letters from employers.
Remember to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application processes for each scholarship, as they can vary. In addition to the options mentioned above, there are numerous other scholarships and grants available for mature-age students worldwide. Online scholarship search engines, such as those offered by Bold.org and Scholarships.com, can be excellent tools for discovering opportunities that align with your specific circumstances and location.
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Preparation courses
When choosing a preparation course, it's important to consider the entry requirements for your desired university course. Different courses may have specific prerequisites, so ensure that the preparation course you select covers the necessary subjects and topics. Additionally, check if your university accepts preparation programs as part of their mature-age entry scheme.
The University of Sydney, for example, offers a Mature-age Entry Scheme that allows applicants to enrol in eligible degrees upon completing an approved preparation course. Similarly, the University of Newcastle's Open Foundation program can be used for admission to certain degrees at the University of Sydney. These preparation courses can enhance your academic profile and increase your chances of gaining entry into competitive universities.
It's worth noting that some universities may offer alternative pathways for mature-age students. For instance, prior learning or work experience may be recognised and could lead to course credit or a reduction in tuition costs. This recognition of prior learning can include formal, informal, and non-formal learning experiences. However, it is always advisable to check with your chosen university to understand their specific requirements and entry pathways.
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Online and part-time courses
Part-time courses allow students to spread their studies over several years, working at their own pace and gradually building credits towards their qualification. This option is ideal for those who wish to work or manage other commitments alongside their studies. Part-time students can also apply for student grants and funding to support their studies. For example, Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) offers grants for part-time undergraduate courses and the Student Assistance Fund provides financial support for part-time students experiencing financial difficulties.
Some universities, such as the University of Galway, offer part-time, flexible courses for adult learners with gaps in their education or those seeking to upskill for employment. These courses may include work placements or community projects to provide real-world context.
Online and part-time students can also take advantage of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and credit transfer options. RPL assesses students' previous study, qualifications, and work or life experience to determine if they meet course requirements and may result in course credit and reduced tuition costs.
When considering online or part-time courses, it is important to research the specific entry requirements, costs, and application processes, as these may vary. Students can explore course options, compare entry requirements, and enrol in online courses through websites like Open Universities Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
The term 'mature-age student' is used to refer to anyone going to university or college after a period of time out of full-time education. This usually means students who are over 21 at the beginning of their undergraduate studies or over 25 at the beginning of their postgraduate studies.
Entering university as a mature-age student can be beneficial if you want to increase your skills and knowledge, change direction, or progress your career. You may also be able to claim recognition of prior learning and skip subjects you're already familiar with, which means you'll graduate faster.
Returning to learning as a mature-age student can be daunting, especially if you have had a significant break from education. Balancing your studies with other commitments, such as a full-time job or family, can also be challenging.
The entry requirements for mature-age students can vary depending on the university and the course. Some universities may require you to complete an approved preparation course or have certain previous qualifications, such as a diploma or secondary education qualification. Other universities may assess your application based on your secondary school results or tertiary entrance rank. It's important to check the specific entry requirements for your chosen course.
Many universities offer support services and resources to help mature-age students transition to university. This can include workshops, online resources, library tours, IT support, and access to career services and job application information.
