Applying to Irish Universities as a Mature Student

Who counts as a mature applicant

Irish higher education has a dedicated route for mature applicants — generally people who are at least 23 years of age by a set date (usually 1 January) in the year they want to start. This route exists because adults returning to education often do not have recent Leaving Certificate results, or have life and work experience that the standard points system does not capture.

The exact age rule, the qualifying date, and the precise definition can vary between institutions, so confirm the cut-off for your year and your chosen colleges. If you meet the age requirement, you can be assessed on more than just exam points — but you must flag yourself as a mature applicant when you apply.

A separate, non-points assessment

The defining feature of the mature route is that selection is usually not based purely on CAO points. Colleges assess mature applicants through their own criteria, which can include a personal statement, relevant work or life experience, prior study, an interview, and sometimes an assessment test or portfolio depending on the course.

Because each higher-education institution runs its own mature-applicant assessment, two colleges can weigh the same applicant differently. Read each course's mature-entry criteria carefully and contact the college's admissions office or mature students officer early — they can tell you exactly what evidence to prepare.

• Selection is usually not by CAO points alone.
• May involve a personal statement, experience, interview, test or portfolio.
• Criteria differ by college and course — check each one.
• Contact the mature students officer early for course-specific advice.

Supplementary forms and earlier deadlines

Mature applicants typically face an earlier closing date than standard school-leaver applicants, and must complete extra paperwork. After the main CAO application, eligible mature applicants are usually contacted (by email to their CAO account) and asked to complete a supplementary information form giving details of their background, experience and reasons for applying.

These supplementary forms and any course-specific assessments have their own deadlines, separate from the main CAO timeline. Missing them can remove you from consideration even if your CAO application itself is in on time. Note the dates the moment you apply, and watch the email address registered to your CAO account.

• Mature applicants often have an earlier CAO closing date — apply early.
• You'll usually complete a supplementary information form after applying.
• Watch the email on your CAO account for instructions and deadlines.
• Course-specific assessments may have their own separate dates.

How it differs from the school-leaver route

The standard school-leaver applies on Leaving Cert points, on the general CAO deadline, and is ranked against other points-based applicants. The mature applicant is assessed on a broader, college-specific basis, often applies earlier, and is frequently considered for a separate pool of mature places.

Some courses set a quota of mature places, and many still require you to meet basic matriculation or specific subject conditions, so the route is not entirely points-free. If you also hold a further-education (QQI/FET) award, you may be able to apply through that route as well — compare both and pick the one that best fits your background.

Funding and support

Mature students may be eligible for the same student-finance supports as other entrants, including the means-tested grant scheme administered through SUSI, subject to its own eligibility rules. Many colleges also have a mature students officer and access services that help with applications, study skills and the transition back to education.

Finance and grant rules are decided by SUSI and the relevant authorities, not by GlobalStudyBoard, and they change — check your eligibility directly on the official SUSI site. This is general information about the application route, not financial or immigration advice.