Mature students: university and funding
You can study at university as a mature student even if you donÂt have traditional qualifications  you can also apply for funding.
Entry requirements
Course entry requirements vary – check with the university or college. Some universities will accept professional qualifications or relevant work experience. Others may need:
- A levels
- an Access to Higher Education course
- NVQs, BTEC or other work-based qualifications
You donÂt need qualifications to study at the Open University (OU) Â it’s open to everyone.
Full-time courses
Search and apply for:
- undergraduate courses through UCAS
- postgraduate courses through UKPASS or by contacting the university directly
- teacher training courses through UCAS Teacher Training
Part-time courses
Search for:
- part-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses through the National Careers Service
- ‘Access’ courses through Access to Higher Education
You can also apply directly to the university or college – check if it’s officially recognised.
Open University (OU) courses
You can search and apply for courses directly through the OU.
Compare courses
Compare official course data from universities and colleges on the Unistats website including:
- National Student Survey satisfaction scores
- fees and accommodation costs
- how the courses are taught and assessed
- employment and salaries after study
Apply for student finance
You may be able to apply for student finance. The amount you get depends on your family situation and the type of course youÂre doing – you may get extra help if you have children.