Mature students are a significant part of UK higher education. The term usually refers to students aged 21 or over when they start an undergraduate course, although some organisations use different age thresholds for specific purposes. Data from UCAS, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and the Office for Students (OfS) shows that hundreds of thousands of mature learners study at UK universities each year, demonstrating that university is not only for recent school leavers.
Key Facts
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A mature student is usually someone aged 21 or over when starting an undergraduate degree, although definitions vary between organisations.
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The UK has millions of higher education students, with mature learners making up a substantial proportion of undergraduate entrants.
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Mature students are more likely than younger students to study part-time.
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Universities increasingly offer Foundation Years and other alternative entry routes for adults without traditional qualifications.
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Mature students study across every subject, from Business and Computing to Nursing and Social Work.
What is a mature student?
There is no single legal definition of a mature student in UK higher education.
However, the most widely used definition used by UCAS, HESA and the Office for Students is someone who is aged 21 or over at the start of their undergraduate course. For some funding purposes, Student Finance England uses the age of 25 or over.
How many mature students are there in the UK?
There is no single annual figure because different organisations measure mature students in different ways.
However, official statistics consistently show that mature learners represent a substantial share of UK higher education.
According to the House of Commons Library, using HESA data:
Historical HESA data shows around 254,000 mature undergraduate entrants in 2019/20, representing 37% of undergraduate entrants that year.
These figures demonstrate that mature students are an established part of the higher education sector rather than a small minority.
More recent HESA publications continue to show that students aged over 21 make up a significant proportion of the UK higher education population, although the exact proportion varies by course level, study mode and age group.
Are mature students becoming more common?
Over the past decade:
Recent trends show that full-time mature study has remained relatively stable, while part-time study declined significantly before stabilising. Universities have also expanded foundation year routes and increased online and blended learning options to improve access and flexibility for adult learners.
The House of Commons Library notes that much of the long-term decline in mature
participation has been concentrated in part-time study, while mature full-time undergraduate entry has been more stable in recent years.
What subjects do mature students study?
Mature students study every subject offered by UK universities.
Some subjects attract particularly high numbers of adult learners because they support career change or professional progression.
Common choices include:
Adults choose different subjects based on their career goals and interests. Popular options include Nursing and Social Work for public service careers, Business & Management for career progression, and Computing & IT for moving into technology. Psychology is often chosen for personal interest and professional development, while Education and Health & Social Care support careers in teaching, educational support, and progression from care-sector roles.
Many universities also offer Foundation Years in these subjects, providing an alternative route for applicants without A-Levels.
Are mature students more likely to study part-time?
Official data consistently shows that mature students are far more likely than younger students to study part-time.
This reflects the reality that many adult learners balance university alongside:
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full-time employment
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family responsibilities
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caring commitments
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mortgages or rent
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existing careers
As a result, universities increasingly offer flexible study options, including evening, online and blended learning.
Why do adults return to university?
Adults choose higher education for many different reasons.
Common motivations include:
changing careers, progressing in their current role, increasing their earning potential, pursuing a personal interest, or gaining the qualifications needed to enter regulated professions such as Social Work.
Many mature students also return to education after raising children, serving in the armed forces or spending several years in employment.
What challenges do mature students face?
Returning to education later in life can bring additional responsibilities.
Common challenges include:
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balancing study with work
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childcare responsibilities
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financial commitments
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rebuilding study skills
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confidence after years away from education
Many universities provide dedicated support services for mature learners, including academic skills support, wellbeing services and careers advice.
The Office for Students also identifies mature learners as a group that may face particular risks in accessing and succeeding in higher education, which is why widening participation remains an important area of policy.
Are mature students successful at university?
While mature students may face different challenges, they also bring strengths that universities and employers value.
These often include:
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workplace experience
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resilience
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time management
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motivation
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communication skills
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problem-solving
Success depends far more on preparation, commitment and support than on age.
Many mature graduates go on to successful careers in healthcare, business, education, technology and the public sector.
What do these statistics mean if you're thinking about university?
The data shows one important message:
Going to university as an adult is normal.
Hundreds of thousands of mature learners have already taken that step, and universities across the UK actively recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds. If you don't have traditional qualifications, there may still be pathways into higher education through Foundation Years or other alternative entry routes, depending on the university and course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is considered a mature student in the UK?
Most higher education organisations define a mature undergraduate student as someone aged 21 or over when they begin their course. Some Student Finance rules use age 25 or over for specific purposes.
How many mature students go to university in the UK?
Official figures vary depending on the definition used. Historical HESA data shows around 254,000 mature undergraduate entrants in 2019/20, representing 37% of undergraduate entrants that year.
Are mature students common at university?
Yes. Mature students study at universities across the UK and are particularly common on part-time, professional and career-change courses.
Can mature students get Student Finance?
Many mature students are eligible to apply for Student Finance England. Eligibility depends on factors such as residency, previous higher education study and the course being taken.
Do mature students need A-Levels?
Not always. Many universities accept mature applicants through Foundation Years, Access to Higher Education Diplomas or other alternative entry routes.
Ready to Join the Thousands of Adults Returning to University?
The statistics show that mature students are an important part of UK higher education, and many universities actively welcome applicants with non-traditional backgrounds. If you're considering returning to education, Omega Partners can help you explore Foundation Year pathways, understand entry requirements and find courses that fit your goals. Admissions decisions are made by the university, and Student Finance is subject to eligibility. Visit /apply to start your journey.