Progressing to Higher Education happens at different stages for people.

While many students apply to progress directly after completing the Leaving Cert, others do so at a later stage. Anyone who is aged 23 on or before January the 1 on the year of entry are categorised as ‘mature applicants’. Most Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) require mature applicants to apply to CAO by the February 1st deadline (5pm) and include course choices. Some HEIs may have different age requirements and may consider applications after the February 1 deadline so it is advised to look at the details for mature applicant entry on the website of the HEI you are applying to. You should also take a look at all the detail available on www.cao.ie/mature, including a presentation for applicants. In the case of many of HEIs, mature applicants will have to take extra assessments and may also need to attend for interview, details of which you will find on their websites.
The Mature Applicant Form, which is part of the CAO application process must be completed by March the 1 deadline at 5pm. This allows applicants to give lots more information which will be taken into account by the HEIs and includes the following sections – Highest Qualification to Date, Current Studies, Post-secondary Education, Second Level Education, Non-certificate courses, Employment or Voluntary Work, English Language Proficiency (if applicable), References, Statement of Interest (no more than 1,500 characters), Hobbies/Interests and Additional Information. As well as completing the Mature Applicant Form online, it is also necessary to send supporting documentation to CAO by post to arrive within in 10 days of registering online with CAO. These include evidence of any qualifications, supplementary information, any extra documentation required by each of the HEIs you are applying and evidence of competency in the English language if it is not your first language. Mature applicants to nursing/midwifery or to primary teaching do not need to complete the Mature Applicant Form unless you are also applying for other courses. Further information about applying for these particular courses can be found on the college websites. A small number of colleges take applications directly from mature applicant, the list of which can be found on www.cao.ie/mature
There are two main things that concern people returning to education as mature students – the financial commitment and the fear that academically it may be too difficult. In the case of funding the return to college it is important to check out financial supports on www.susi.ie as well as www.hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/It is also a good idea to contact the fees office of the HEIs that you are applying to. The worry about academic challenges is very understandable as many mature applicants will not have studied for a considerable amount of time and some may not have completed many formal exams. This is where the support of the staff in Mature Student Offices in the HEIs is invaluable. They are available to guide you through the application process, to answer queries you have on internal assessments and to inform you of academic supports available prior to and post entry. If you haven’t already made contact with them, I strongly recommend that you do, they will give you enormous support and reassurance.
The decision to return to education as a mature student is a big one so take time to consider it carefully. Research your options, the application process and financial supports thoroughly. While is it a big step, it is one that will reap rewards both personally and professionally.