Mature students
If you are aged 21 or over at the start of your studies, you are considered a mature student.
At University of Gloucestershire we welcome mature students for all courses. We value what your life experience brings to the learning environment.
If you are balancing family or job commitments alongside your studies or have any other concerns, we can offer you support and advice. Our student support team can offer guidance on a range of things including childcare choices, disability advice, mental health and wellbeing and can also offer counselling.
Find out more about student support.
“I’m a mature student who left education at 18 because I didn’t do great in my A levels and wasn’t confident with academics. I have done other qualifications since, that were relevant to the course I applied for, but I still didn’t actually have enough UCAS points.
I had a lot of life experience that was also relevant to the course. After coming in for an interview I was offered the place! It was all such a positive experience and even though I was a bit scared I felt supported throughout and was given plenty of advice and direction.”
Rhiannon, Mature student
How to apply as a mature student
We have more information about how to apply as a mature student.
Fees and funding for mature students
There are generally three main costs to consider when going to University: tuition fees; day to day living costs and costs associated with study such as books and travel.
There are government loans available to pay fees and help with living costs which are repayable once you graduate and are earning a salary over a certain amount. You might get extra money on top of this, for example if you’re on a low income are disabled or have children.
Find out how much loan you could get by visiting the gov.uk website, or contact our money advice service.
Accommodation for mature students
As a mature student you are eligible to stay in any of our halls of residence during any year of your studies. Our accommodation guarantee can guarantee accommodation for all students who meet a certain criteria.
We have a range of accommodation options across Cheltenham and Gloucester, including brand new halls of residence or private housing for relocating your family, so there is someone to suit everyone.
Find out more about accommodation
Careers and Employability
Our Careers and Employability team supports you to develop the skills, confidence, experience and connections you need for your future career, from your first year at university through to graduation and beyond.
Whether you have a career in mind or are unsure where to start, we can help you explore your options, recognise your strengths and plan your next steps.
Our Career Studio is your first point of contact for careers support. Speak to a Career Coach for help with exploring career ideas, finding part-time work, placements and graduate opportunities, writing CVs and applications, and preparing for interviews. Our coaches can also connect you with specialist careers guidance when you need it.
You can access support through on-campus Career Studio drop-ins or book an online appointment through UniHub. UniHub is also where you can search for opportunities, book careers workshops and employer events, and explore resources to support your career development.
Support continues after you graduate, with lifetime access to career coaching.
To get in touch, visit the Career Studio webpage for current locations and opening times, or email [email protected].
Useful links
UniHub (appointments, jobs, events and resources)