How many courses or universities should I apply to as a mature student?

Through UCAS you can choose up to five courses or universities. For direct applications, there is usually no fixed limit and you can apply to multiple universities, depending on their individual rules.

Applying to university as a mature student (UK)

Mihai Flueraru

December 7, 2025

If you want to apply to a university as a mature student, you are in the perfect place.

Many adults feel unsure about the process — the documents, the entry requirements, the deadlines, the personal statement, or whether their age and experience will help or hold them back.

This guide explains everything clearly: why apply, who is eligible, how the application works, what documents you need, how Student Finance fits in, and what to expect before enrolment.

Why apply as a mature student

Choosing to go to university as an adult is one of the most life-changing decisions you can make. Mature students often study for three main reasons:

Career progression

A degree opens access to jobs that require formal qualifications — management, health, tech, business, social care, and many more.

Stability

University gives you structure, a sense of direction, and access to long-term opportunities.

Higher pay

UK graduates earn significantly more over their lifetime. Even one qualification can move you into a new salary band.

Many mature students study for their family, for a better future, or simply because they’re ready for something more.

Eligibility & entry requirements

The good news is that entry requirements for mature students are flexible. Universities do not judge you based on being out of education for years — they look at your experience, motivation, and potential.

Typical requirements include:

Being 21 or older when the course starts
Meeting residency rules for Student Finance (settled, pre-settled, ILR, refugee status, etc.)
Having Level 3 qualifications OR work experience (depending on the course)
Meeting English language requirements (GCSE, functional skills, internal test, etc.)

If you don’t have A levels or other qualifications, you can still apply through routes designed for adults.

How to apply as a mature student

Applying to university as a mature student follows the same general structure as traditional applicants, but the flexibility is much greater.

Let me explain.

Choose route & course (Foundation/Access/HNC-HND/Top-Up)

Before you apply, you must choose the right starting point based on your background:

Foundation Year (4 years) – for students with no formal qualifications
Access to Higher Education Diploma – intensive Level 3 route for health/science/social sciences
HNC/HND – practical routes that lead to a Top-Up degree
Direct entry into Year 1 – if you already have Level 3 qualifications

Mature students have multiple pathways — you don’t need A levels to start university in most cases.

Documents checklist

Having your documents ready speeds up the entire application:

ID or passport
BRP (if applicable)
Share code (to prove residency/immigration status)
Proof of address (bank statement, council letter, etc.)
Qualifications (certificates, transcripts)
Updated CV
Personal statement
Reference (UCAS or direct)

Some universities may request additional documents depending on your course.

Submit application (UCAS or direct) + interview (if needed)

There are two ways to apply:

UCAS (main method for most universities)
Direct application through the university website

Many universities invite mature students to an interview, either online or on campus.
This is usually informal — they want to understand your goals, background, and motivation.

English proof (internal test or alternatives)

If English is not your first language, you may need to show:

GCSE English (UK)
Functional Skills Level 2
IELTS / Pearson / Cambridge
OR an internal university English test, which is very common for mature students

Most universities accept internal tests for the Foundation Year and many Level 4 programmes.

Offer → Student Finance → pre-enrolment → enrolment day

Once your application is successful:

Receive your offer letter
Apply to Student Finance England (SFE)
Complete pre-enrolment tasks (upload ID, confirm details, sign student contract, etc.)
Attend enrolment day on campus

When applying for Student finance, you can usually get:

Tuition Fee Loan (full 100% of your fees)
Maintenance Loan (living costs)
Grants for parents (Childcare Grant, PLA, ADG)

On the College enrolment day, you’ll typically:

Show your ID
Take your student photo
Receive your student email and timetable
Meet your academic advisor

Application timelines & deadlines for mature students (Sep/Jan intakes)

Unlike younger applicants, mature students benefit from rolling admissions at many universities.

However, there are still deadlines to be aware of.

September intake

The main academic year starts
Applications open as early as January
Best time to apply: February – July
Final deadlines vary by university
Most places fill by August

January intake

Second major intake
Popular for mature students
Best time to apply: September – December
Fewer courses than September, but still many options

Apply early (processing times)

Applying early helps because:

Student Finance can take 4–8 weeks
Universities fill limited spaces
Your interview and documents take time to process

Personal statement for mature students (structure & tips)

Your personal statement is one of the strongest parts of your application as a mature student.

Make sure to include:

Why you want to study now
Your career goals
Work experience
Life experience that shaped your decision
Why you chose this course
Why this university fits your situation
Study skills you’ve developed over time

Focus on your motivation and commitment — universities value this highly.

UCAS reference for mature students (who can be your referee)

Your UCAS reference is as important as your personal statement.

There’s also a myth that your referee needs to be your teacher. Acceptable referees include:

Employer or manager
Mentor or supervisor
Community leader
Former teacher or tutor
Volunteer coordinator

They should comment on your:

Work ethic
Reliability
Communication skills
Ability to study
Motivation and discipline

This carries a lot of weight for mature applicants.

Study plan for going to university as a mature student

Balancing work, family, and education requires planning.

Tips for success:

Create a weekly study schedule
Use commuting time for reading or practice quizzes
Choose evening or blended learning options if needed
Inform your employer early if you need study flexibility
Use university support services (academic help, wellbeing, childcare info)
Build habits slowly: 30–60 minutes of study per day is better than long sessions once a week

Mature students often outperform younger students because they have clear goals.

Mature student application form

Many agencies provide a Mature Student Application Form to help adults structure their application and gather documents.

This form usually includes:

Personal details
Residency details
Employment history
Education history
Course preference
Document uploads
Notes for personal statement
Support needs (childcare, disability, etc.)

FAQs about applying to university as a mature student

Can I apply if I’ve been out of education for many years?

Yes. Universities welcome older applicants. Many mature students return after 5, 10 or even 20 years.

Can I apply if I’m on pre-settled / settled status (or ILR)?

Yes. Most mature students with pre-settled, settled, or Indefinite Leave to Remain are eligible for university and Student Finance (depending on work/residency conditions).

Should I apply via UCAS or directly to the university?

It depends:

UCAS is required for many full-time degrees.
Some universities allow direct applications, especially for Foundation Year or adults-only routes.
Enrollmate can handle both.