A mature student is classified as anyone over the age of 21. This could be anyone from someone who has taken a few years out after school until they’re ready for university or someone twice the age of most students who are there to further themselves and get the degree they never had a chance at.
The good news is that regarding admissions most universities have a very flexible policy. They will not be solely looking for the same qualifications the current generation of students will have.
Older qualifications like Certificate of Secondary Education will be taken into account. However it’s important to remember that no matter what age you are it is very difficult to obtain a place on a popular course at a popular university.
It would make sense before applying anywhere to try and talk to a careers advisor or to the institution directly to see what your chances would be so that you’re not setting your sights too high.
Mainly you will need to show an ability to study effectively. As long as you can do the following you will be fine: understand how to learn, organise your time, take notes, read effectively, research, analyse and draw conclusions, write essays and reports.
Mature students are entitled to the same financial support as dependent students. There is a young student’s bursary fund available for mature students who are under 25 and from a household with a low income.
Also as usual for nurses and health related occupations there is a bursary available, also there is some course funding for teachers.
Also mature students with dependent children are currently able to claim extra help for the costs of childcare and for additional course-related costs (the Parents' Learning Allowance).
Students with adult dependants can also claim an extra allowance, and there is a fund for students with disabilities to help with any extra study costs. There is also a saving to be made on travel costs since you can a student rail card as long as you provide proof of your student status.
You may find it slightly daunting at first going to university with students who are a lot younger than you but you’ll not be the only one.
As long as you don’t look down on the rest of the class because they’re younger and possibly less mature then you’ll fit in fine. Also as with any other student be as open and friendly as possible and people will respond.
