Applying to university as a mature student

Who counts as a mature student?

A mature student is simply anyone aged 21 or above, so this is a wide group! It can cover people who are already working, raising families, want to change direction, or who have simply taken time before deciding to go to university. 

Is it worth going to university as a mature student?

For most people who do it, yes.  If you have a specific career goal in mind, or want to move into a profession that requires a degree, then you're likely to benefit in terms of career satisfaction. Your earning potential as a graduate is higher on average than that of a non-graduate.

Many mature students also say the experience itself - including a new sense of direction and the people they meet - was worth it regardless of what came after.

Does it matter that my qualifications are years out of date?

Older qualifications are not necessarily a barrier to applying to university as a mature student at Dundee. We consider your whole background when you apply as a mature student, not just your formal exam results. We understand that your qualifications might differ from current school leavers, and that you may not have followed a traditional route into higher education. 

Work experience, voluntary roles, and life experience since you last studied all count alongside any certificates or qualifications you hold, and can also prove valuable in your academic studies.

That said, for some subjects, particularly professionally-oriented courses, you would be expected to have more recent knowledge or experience, especially where the subject content itself might have changed since you took your exams. Medicine, for example, states that you must have completed academic study within the three years before starting the medicine course. 

We list specific entry requirements for each subject on our course pages, but if you don’t see your qualifications there, or have any questions in relation to your qualifications, please talk to our enquiry team. They will advise if you already have what you need and recommend any further steps needed for your application.

Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP)

If you do not yet have the qualifications a course requires, or need evidence of more recent academic ability, the Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) is a college-based route into university designed specifically for adults returning to education. It is an option for some of our courses and will also help you develop the skills you need to study at university. For most students, SWAP will not cost you anything. 

You will also need a reference for your undergraduate application if you are applying to university via UCAS. 

How can I get a reference for my UCAS application if I’m not in school?

If you have been out of education for a while, you can ask a professional who knows you, such as an employer or colleague, if they would be happy to provide you with a reference.

If you are applying through a college or another centre registered with UCAS, a tutor or careers adviser can provide a reference. 

How does funding work for mature students in Scotland?

If you are a Scottish-domiciled student studying at a Scottish university, your tuition fees are paid by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), so you don’t pay tuition fees upfront. This applies to mature students in the same way as school leavers.

If you are 25 or over when you start your course, SAAS classes you as an independent student. This means your funding assessment is based on your own household income, not your parents'. Current rates and eligibility criteria for all of these are on the SAAS website.

If you are studying Nursing, Midwifery or Paramedic Science in Scotland, you may also be eligible for the NHS Paramedic, Nursing and Midwifery Student Bursary.

Will I fit in as a mature student?

Yes! Dundee has a large mature student community, which means you are unlikely to be the only person in your year who has worked, has children, or has taken a different path to get there. In seminars and tutorials, life experience tends to be an asset rather than a disadvantage.

The concern about walking into a lecture full of 18-year-olds is one of the most common things mature applicants worry about - but also one of the things most mature students say they were wrong to worry about.

There are over 200 clubs and societies through DUSA (Dundee University Students' Association), and Welcome Week includes events aimed specifically at mature students. You don’t need to immerse yourself in student social life if that isn’t what you are looking for -  but it is there if you do want it.

Can mature students still live in student accommodation?

Yes, the University guarantees an offer of accommodation to all new undergraduates who apply before the deadline. All rooms are single occupancy. 

However, families moving to Dundee typically arrange private accommodation, and many mature students who live within easy reach of the city will commute from places such as Angus, Fife, or Perth rather than living on campus. The City Campus is accessible by road and rail, and Kirkcaldy Campus is served by train from Fife. 

Find out more about commuting to campus

Can I manage studying alongside family and work?

Yes - many of our mature students are also parents, carers, and/or part-time workers. Although it's not always easy to juggle these different demands, you can make it work with the right support. Of course, whether you can do this will depend partly on your course, as well your circumstances and what additional support you have around you. You'll need to consider that some courses, such as Nursing, will involve placements that are outwith the city, making these courses less predictable in terms of scheduling. 

Students who are also parents can apply to the Higher Education Childcare Fund for additional financial support with registered childcare costs, paid direct to your provider.

Will I be able to plan around my timetable?

If you need to plan childcare or work around your studies, contact the Enquiry Team or the relevant school before you apply. Most courses cannot confirm a finalised timetable until close to the start of term, but an indicative picture of weekly contact hours is usually possible at enquiry stage. 

Some subjects may only have a few hours of classes on campus per week, and although they will require a significant amount of independent study, this might be more flexible for you.