Lori Meadows
University isn't just for 18-year-olds, and it's never too late to pursue higher education. A mature student is typically 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 balance their studies with work or family commitments, and many universities offer accommodation and support to help with these responsibilities. Before applying, it's important to consider the entry requirements and research the practicalities of where you'll live and the cost of living. You may need to complete a foundation course or an Access to Higher Education diploma if you don't have the necessary qualifications. Applying for university as a mature student is similar to the process for younger applicants, and you can apply for student finance to help fund your studies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a mature student | Anyone going to university or college after a period of time out of full-time education. Usually over 21 years of age at the beginning of undergraduate studies or over 25 years of age at the beginning of postgraduate studies. |
| Application process | Similar to younger applicants. May require an academic reference, admissions test, and submission of written work. |
| Entry requirements | May vary depending on the course and university. Some universities accept students with work experience or life experience. Others may require specific qualifications, such as A-levels or an Access to Higher Education qualification. |
| Accommodation | Some universities provide accommodation for first-year students, including mature students. |
| Support | Universities may offer support and advice to help mature students make the most of academic and student life. Additional support may be available for students with caring responsibilities. |
| Course options | Full-time, part-time, evening courses, or distance learning options are available. Online courses offer flexibility but require a time commitment of 10-40 hours per week. |
| Funding | Student finance may be available, depending on family situation and course type. |
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What You'll Learn
Entry requirements
The term 'mature student' usually refers to anyone going to university 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 start of their postgraduate studies. However, some universities consider anyone over the age of 21 to be a mature student.
If you don't have any formal qualifications, don't worry. Some mature students may have few or no previous qualifications and may be enrolling on their first degree course based on their work or life experience. You can also take a few standalone undergraduate subjects with no entry requirements to get into your chosen course.
If you are applying for a full-time degree, you will need to create a profile in UCAS Track, where you can fill out your application, upload a personal statement, and choose up to five courses to apply to. The UCAS application form requires an academic reference, which is usually completed by a school or college teacher. If you are unable to find a teacher who can speak to your academic potential, you should ask someone who knows you from an educational setting, work context, or volunteering context and can give specific details of your academic potential.
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Funding and accommodation
Funding is available for mature students who wish to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Mature students can apply for Student Loans, which consist of two components: Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans. The Tuition Fee Loan covers your tuition, while the Maintenance Loan assists with living costs. The amount of funding you are eligible for depends on your family situation and the type of course you are taking.
If you are a mature student with children, you may be able to access additional support while studying, such as the Parents' Learning Allowance (PLA) and Childcare Grants. The PLA can provide up to £1,963 per year, while the Childcare Grant can offer up to £193.62 per week for one child or £331.95 per week for two or more children.
Mature students with other dependants can also apply for the Adult Dependants' Grant, which offers up to £3,438 per year. Additionally, some universities offer grants specifically for mature students, which can total thousands of pounds.
When it comes to accommodation, there are various options available for mature students. Some universities offer dedicated halls or blocks for mature students, ensuring a more peaceful environment. These accommodations are typically assigned to postgraduate students or final-year undergraduates. However, if you feel comfortable sharing a flat with younger students, you can opt for standard student accommodation. Alternatively, you may choose to live alone or with other mature students off-campus.
To explore specific accommodation options, it is recommended to contact your university of choice and inquire about their mature student accommodation offerings. They may have specific arrangements or systems in place to cater to the needs of mature students.
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Application process
The application process for mature students can be daunting, especially when balancing other commitments such as a full-time job or family. However, the process is similar to that of younger applicants, and many universities welcome students from all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.
Firstly, it is important to consider the practicalities, such as where you plan to live and the cost of living in that area. If you require accommodation, universities often guarantee first-year students accommodation on or near the campus.
Next, research the entry requirements for your chosen course. If you don't have a strong academic history, don't panic. Many universities consider anyone over the age of 21 to be a mature-age student, and you may be able to claim recognition of prior learning, providing evidence of past work or study experience. If you don't meet the entry requirements, you can take a foundation course or an Access to Higher Education diploma to gain entry.
Once you are satisfied that you qualify for your chosen course, you can start the application process. For full-time courses, you will need to research and apply for courses online through the UCAS website, creating a profile in UCAS Track, where you can fill out your application, upload a personal statement, and choose up to five courses to apply to. The UCAS application form requires an academic reference, usually completed by a school or college teacher. If you are unable to provide an academic reference, you can ask someone who knows you in an educational, work, or volunteering context to provide specific details of your academic potential.
For flexible and part-time courses, you would apply directly to the universities and colleges.
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Recognition of prior learning
Mature students often have significant work experience in their field and may have decided to pursue a qualification to advance their careers. Through RPL, they can gain recognition for this experience and skip subjects they are already familiar with.
To be eligible for RPL, mature students must provide evidence of their prior learning and demonstrate how it aligns with the learning outcomes of their chosen course. This evidence can include academic transcripts, letters from employers, certificates, and statements of attainment. It is important to note that the evidence must be current, typically attained within ten years of the application date.
The specific requirements for RPL may vary depending on the university. For example, Macquarie University requires students to demonstrate competency and readiness for tertiary studies, while Massey University offers credit for both formal and informal learning experiences.
Students should carefully review the RPL policies and requirements of their chosen university and provide the necessary documentation to support their application for recognition of prior learning.
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Student experience
Returning to university as a mature student can be a rewarding experience. Mature students are usually defined as those over 21 at the start of their undergraduate studies or over 25 for postgraduate courses, but ages vary, with around 40% of mature students being over 30. Many universities welcome students of all ages, and you will likely find a mix of ages on your course.
There are plenty of benefits to enrolling as a mature student. Taking time away from education can help you realise where your interests lie and what you want to study. You may be looking to improve your employability, change careers, or simply learn more about a subject you're passionate about. You may also be able to claim recognition for prior learning and skip subjects you already know, allowing you to graduate faster.
However, enrolling as a mature student can also be daunting, especially when balancing other commitments like work or family. You may need to consider practicalities such as accommodation and childcare, and whether you can commit to a full-time degree, or whether part-time or distance learning would be more suitable.
It's important to choose the right university and course for you. Open days can be a useful resource to get a feel for each university and ask current students and staff about their experiences. You can also research courses and universities online, and many institutions offer virtual tours.
When it comes to applying, the process is generally the same as for younger students. You will need to create a profile on UCAS Track, where you can fill out your application, upload a personal statement, and choose up to five courses to apply to. You may also need an academic reference, which can be provided by a teacher, employer, or someone who knows you in an educational or work context. Don't worry too much about qualifications—your work experience may be enough, and there are Access courses you can take to gain entry.
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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.
The application process for mature students is generally the same as for other students. You'll need to create a profile on UCAS Track, where you can fill out your application, upload a personal statement, and choose up to five courses to apply to. You may also need an academic reference, which can be provided by a teacher, or someone who knows you in an educational, work, or volunteering context.
Don't panic! If you don't have a strong academic history, you can take a foundation course, an Access to Higher Education diploma, or a few standalone undergraduate subjects with no entry requirements to get up to speed. If you have past work or study experience, you may be able to claim recognition of prior learning and skip subjects you're already familiar with.
