This guide explains the mature student UCAS reference: who can write it, what it should cover, and many tips for mature students.
- We will cover:
- Who can write it
- What it should include
- How to request it
- How it helps your application
- Plus a short UCAS reference example
💡 Important: Many students applying with Enrollmate do not need a UCAS reference at all.
This is because we submit their applications directly to the university, not through UCAS.
When a direct application is made, the university deals with UCAS directly.
What is the UCAS reference for mature students?
A UCAS reference is a short, confidential statement written by someone who knows your abilities.
It supports your application by highlighting:
- Your academic potential
- Your motivation
- Your readiness for university study
- Your strengths and experience
- Your work ethic and reliability
It appears alongside:
- Your UCAS application
- Your personal statement
- Your qualifications
Before asking for a reference, review the entry requirements for mature students so your referee highlights the right strengths.
Before you brief your referee, check the entry requirements for mature students so you know exactly what evidence universities expect.
Why do you need a reference
Universities use the reference to understand the person behind the application. A good reference:
- Validates your work experience
- Shows reliability and consistency
- Explains gaps in education
- Strengthens your personal statement
- Shows you’re ready for academic study
For mature students, who often have real-life experience rather than fresh school grades, the reference can be extremely valuable.
Who can be a referee (UCAS referee for mature students)
Your referee must be someone who knows your work or academic abilities.
Avoid family and friends.
Acceptable referees:
- Recent tutor (Access to HE, college, A Levels, training provider)
- Employer or line manager
- Professional mentor or supervisor
- Volunteer coordinator or community leader
- Teacher from any recent qualification
Avoid:
- Colleagues
- Relatives
- Friends
- Anyone you pay personally for private tutoring (unless approved)
Choose someone who can describe how you work, not someone who simply likes you.
How to get your UCAS reference as a mature student (step-by-step)
1. Choose the right referee
Pick someone who knows:
- Your strengths
- Your work habits
- Your character
- Your communication skills
- Your commitment
2. Ask early
Give them enough time — universities have strict timelines.
3. Share a “referee pack.”
Send:
- Your CV
- Your draft personal statement
- The courses you are applying for
- Any achievements or projects
- Any challenges you want them to explain (e.g., career break, childcare, health)
Tell your referee to focus on evidence, not compliments.
They should cover:
1. Academic readiness
- Writing skills
- Communication
- Analytical thinking
- Ability to learn
2. Subject suitability
Link work experience to the course.
For example:
- Construction → Construction Management
- Care work → Health or Social Care
- Business/retail → Business, Marketing, HR
3. Professional qualities
- Reliability
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Meeting deadlines
4. Personal context
Useful for mature students:
- Career change
- Parenting responsibilities
- Long work hours
- Gaps in education
- Health improvements
- Motivation to grow
5. Course fit
Why you are suited to this degree and why you will succeed.
Course fit & motivation.
UCAS reference example for a mature student (short sample)
(Referees should write in their own words — this is only a guide.)
I am pleased to recommend [Name], whom I have supervised as [role/relationship] since [year]. During this time, [Name] has shown strong written communication, consistent progress, and the ability to learn new skills quickly.
Balancing [work/parenting], they have demonstrated excellent time management and reliability — always meeting deadlines and showing a professional attitude. Their experience in [industry/role] directly supports their chosen degree in [subject], particularly through their involvement in [specific task/project].
[Name] works well independently, contributes thoughtfully in discussions, and has a mature understanding of their goals and career direction. I strongly support their application and believe they will thrive in higher education.
Tips & common mistakes (mature students)
Do:
- Give your referee specific examples
- Explain your goals clearly
- Match your reference with your personal statement
- Check university deadlines
- Prepare documents early
Avoid:
- Last-minute requests
- Vague, generic references
- Asking a friend or family member
- Forgetting to check the spelling of names and course titles
Don’t leave it to the last minute; see UCAS deadlines.
Do you even need a UCAS reference?
Most Enrollmate students do not need a UCAS reference because:
✔ We submit applications directly to the university
✔ The university handles the process directly with UCAS on your behalf
✔ Many Foundation Year and mature-student routes do not require a UCAS reference
✔ Some universities assess your application based on an interview + CV instead
If a reference is needed, we will tell you immediately and help select the right referee.
FAQs
Who can write a UCAS reference for a mature student?
A UCAS reference can be written by a tutor, an employer, or a mentor.
Can an employer be my UCAS referee?
Yes, especially if no recent study
What if I haven’t studied recently?
If you don’t have recent formal qualifications, see our guide for mature students with no qualifications and ask your referee to emphasise work-based evidence.
How long should the reference be?
Concise, evidence-based; typically a few short paragraphs
Can I see my reference?
Often no; treat it as confidential and brief well upfront
