Janice Lozano
Returning to education as a mature student can be a daunting prospect, but it's a path chosen by thousands every year. Mature students are defined as anyone over the age of 21 at the start of their undergraduate studies, or over 25 for postgraduate courses. There are many benefits to returning to education as a mature student, including the opportunity to develop new skills, boost employability, and gain valuable life experience. Mature students often have a clearer idea of what they want to study and are more likely to choose degrees with a clear career path in mind. They may also have access to additional funding and support, such as scholarships, bursaries, and governmental grants. While there may be challenges, such as managing family and work commitments, the flexibility of part-time and distance learning options can make returning to education as a mature student a rewarding and transformative experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a mature student | Anyone going to university after a period of time out of full-time education, typically over 21 at the start of undergraduate studies or over 25 at the start of postgraduate studies |
| Benefits of being a mature student | More life experience, independence, and confidence; more likely to have a clearer idea of what you want to study and why; more likely to choose employability-focused degrees; a chance to develop new skills and career options |
| Challenges of being a mature student | Intimidation, struggling with technology, and balancing other commitments such as work and family |
| Funding and support | Scholarships, bursaries, governmental grants, student funding, and support with childcare |
| Application process | Provide evidence of experience through academic transcripts or letters from employers; check university requirements and apply directly or through UCAS |
| Study options | Full-time, part-time, distance learning, or single subjects |
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What You'll Learn
Funding and scholarships
Maintenance Loans are intended to cover living costs, but they are rarely enough, especially if you have other commitments such as children or a mortgage. However, the repayment terms are favourable compared to private loan providers, so it is still worth applying. The criteria vary slightly across the UK, and the maximum amount you can apply for depends on whether you qualify as an 'independent student'.
There are also scholarships and grants specifically for mature students, which can significantly reduce the costs of returning to school. These include the Mature Students Scholarship, offering £3,000 for students over 25 at Goldsmith's College, University of London, and the Access Entry Mature Students Bursary, worth £1,000 per year for students over 21 with a household income of £25,000 or less at Royal Holloway. The Women Careers Foundation offers scholarships for females over 21 (although younger applicants taking music or dance courses are considered) who are UK citizens.
Some universities also offer grants, scholarships, and bursaries specifically for mature learners. For example, some universities offer grants for mature students, often totalling thousands of pounds. There are also funds that mature students are more likely to be eligible for, such as the Parents' Learning Allowance (PLA) and Childcare Grants.
In the US, adult students can access the same federal grants, loans, and work-study programs as traditional students, and there are scholarships and grants specifically designed to support adult learners. For example, the Imagine America Adult Skills Education Program (ASEP) is a scholarship for students aged 19 and over. The Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Support Award is a scholarship for low-income women with children, and the Jeannette Rankin National Scholar Grant provides funding for women and non-binary students aged 35 and over who can demonstrate financial need.
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Student life and support
Student life as a mature student can be daunting, especially when balancing other commitments such as a full-time job or family. However, mature students are not as rare as one might think, with around a third of undergraduates being mature students and over 30% of all UK university students falling into this category.
Mature students often have a clearer idea of what they want to study, as they have had time to figure out their interests and motivations. They are also more likely to choose employability-focused degrees and have a definite career path in mind. Many universities consider anyone over the age of 21 to be a mature student, and this is usually the case for undergraduate degrees, while for postgraduate degrees, the threshold is usually 25 years of age.
When it comes to student support, mature students can benefit from various funding options, including scholarships, bursaries, and governmental grants. They can also access support for childcare or other additional needs. If full-time study seems unmanageable, part-time, evening, or distance learning options are often available. Online learning portals, known as Learning Management Systems (LMS), can be a great way to access course materials and connect with fellow students.
While it can be intimidating to return to education as a mature student, it is important to remember that you bring valuable skills and life experience to the table. Many mature students report gaining confidence and having a transformative experience that improves their career prospects and overall life satisfaction.
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Course flexibility
There are a range of higher education courses on offer for mature students, with options to study full-time, part-time, in the evenings, or via distance learning. Distance learning can be a great option for those who want to study from the comfort of their own homes and is also a good way to experience the social side of university life. Online discussion forums, for example, can be a great way to make friends with fellow classmates.
If you are thinking about studying part-time, you will need to apply directly to the universities and colleges, rather than through UCAS. You can also enrol in a single subject instead of committing to a full degree, picking and choosing topics that suit your professional needs and interests.
It is worth researching the types of support that different universities offer to mature students. For example, if you have young children, you may want to consider universities with nearby childcare facilities or those that offer flexibility around timetabling.
Finally, it is important to remember that, as a mature student, you will have valuable skills from your previous work experience or life experience that will help you in your degree.
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Career prospects
Going to university as a mature student can be a great opportunity to develop new skills and enhance your career prospects. Here are some ways in which pursuing higher education as a mature student can benefit your career:
Enhanced Employability
Mature students often have a clearer idea of their career goals and choose degrees that are more employability-focused. They are more independent and driven by clear motivations throughout their degree. They can also take advantage of their previous work experience, which is often valued by employers. Many universities and colleges offer a range of higher education courses designed to suit the needs of mature students, allowing them to develop skills that are relevant to their professions or desired career paths.
Improved Confidence and Personal Development
Pursuing higher education as a mature student can lead to significant personal growth and improved confidence. The experience of balancing studies with other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities, enhances maturity and self-assurance. Mature students often possess valuable skills, such as organisation, money management, and self-discipline, which can benefit their overall employability and career advancement.
Broader Perspective and Contextual Learning
Mature students bring a wealth of life experience to their academic pursuits. This real-life experience helps them contextualise their learning and gain a broader perspective. They can relate academic concepts to practical, real-world situations, making their understanding more comprehensive and applicable.
Networking and Mentorship Opportunities
University provides mature students with valuable networking opportunities, allowing them to connect with both younger and older individuals from diverse backgrounds. These connections can open doors to potential mentorships, collaborations, and future career prospects.
Flexibility and Support
Many universities recognise the unique needs of mature students and offer flexible study options, including part-time courses, distance learning, and evening classes. This flexibility enables mature students to continue working or managing other commitments while pursuing their degrees. Additionally, universities often provide support services, scholarships, and grants specifically for mature students, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed in their studies.
In conclusion, returning to university as a mature student can offer numerous career benefits, including enhanced employability, improved confidence, and a broader perspective. It provides an opportunity to develop new skills, pursue career interests, and take advantage of networking and mentorship possibilities. With the right support and flexibility, mature students can successfully balance their studies with other commitments, ultimately enhancing their career prospects and personal growth.
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Personal development
Returning to education as a mature student can be a daunting prospect, but it can also be a transformative experience, offering personal development in several ways.
Firstly, mature students often have a clearer idea of what they want to study. They have had time away from education to understand their interests and motivations, and this can lead to more focused and independent learning. Mature students are more likely to choose a degree with a clear career path in mind, and this can be a great way to boost employability or change careers. They also tend to have a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, which means they can choose a degree and learning format that suits them.
Secondly, mature students bring valuable life experience to their studies. This can include work experience, organisational skills, money management, self-discipline, and confidence. This experience can help put academic material into a broader context, and it can also be an advantage when it comes to finding employment after graduation, as mature students often already have former work experience and reliable references.
Thirdly, returning to education as a mature student can be a great way to develop personally, gain confidence, and achieve something for yourself. It can be intimidating to start a course surrounded by younger students, but many mature students find the experience enjoyable and rewarding, and it can lead to new passions and interests.
Finally, mature students often have other commitments to juggle, such as a job or family, and this can be a challenge. However, many universities offer flexible learning options, such as part-time study, evening courses, or distance learning, which can help make returning to education more manageable. There is also often support available for mature students with additional needs, such as childcare grants, and it is worth researching what support is on offer.
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Frequently asked questions
A mature student is anyone going back to university or college after a period of being 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.
There are plenty of benefits to enrolling in university as a mature student. Taking time away from school can help people realise their interests and what they would like to study. Mature students often have a clearer idea of what they want to study and have a definite career path in mind. They are also more likely to be independent and have clearer motivations to drive them throughout their degree.
As a mature student, you may have other responsibilities to consider, like a job, family or financial commitments. You may also feel intimidated or nervous about fitting in with younger students. However, many universities offer flexible learning options, such as part-time courses, evening courses or distance learning, and you will likely find that there are other mature students in your class.
Yes, there are various funding options available for mature students, including scholarships and bursaries offered by universities, charities and professional associations. There are also government grants available for mature students with additional needs, such as the Parents' Learning Allowance and the Childcare Grant.
