MATURE STUDENTS
MATURE STUDENTS ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
When do I qualify to become a Mature Student?
To be considered as a mature student, you must have reached 23 years of age on or before 1st January of the year of proposed entry. The mature student entry route refers to full-time undergraduate students only.
How do I apply?
Applications are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO). They are based in Tower House, Eglinton St., Galway and you can call them at 091 509 800. Applications may be made online at https://www.cao.ie/. All applications for full-time degrees at University of Galway go through the CAO only. You do not need to apply directly to University of Galway. The latest date for applications is 1st of February of the year in which you wish to commence your studies.
However it is recommended that you submit your application by mid-January. Put time and effort into your CAO application. Your completed form is an important component of the selection process. Pay particular attention to the final page of the form where you are asked for details of your education, life experience, hobbies etc. The question on your educational goals and objectives is particularly important in the assessment of your application.
Many of the part-time programmes offered by University of Galway have no formal entry requirements once students meet the part-time mature student entry criteria of 21 years of age or over, on January 1st of year of entry.
More information on theses courses can be found at www.universityofgalway.ie/adulteducation
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Is there any financial assistance available for Mature Students?
- Free Fees: Tuition fees will be paid in respect of EU nationals who have been resident in an EU State for three of the five years preceding third level entry. This will generally not cover a second degree. Higher Education
- Grants Scheme: A means tested grant for students studying approved third level courses in approved colleges. To be eligible for a grant, a student must also fulfil conditions regarding residence and nationality.
View Grant info Back to Education Allowance (BTEA): A scheme aimed at those in receipt of a social welfare payment (www.welfare.ie).
- New students on the BTEA are generally not eligible for a grant (grant application is necessary for registration fee payment). Students on certain welfare payments (e.g. lone parent allowance) may be eligible for the grant.
For more info on the BTEA, click Back to Education Allowance For more Financial Information check out www.studentfinance.ie and www.aontas.com
Specific Support Staff on Campus Mature Students Officer Trish Bourke is the Mature Students Officer for University of Galway. Her job is to provide a support and an advisory service for current mature students and for prospective mature students as well. She graduated as a mature student so she knows exactly what you’re going through. The Mature Students Office is situated upstairs in Áras Uí Chathail, Room 225. To contact her email trish.hoare@universityofgalway.ie or call her at 091 492 695
Access Office Access students can be both school leavers and mature students (over the age of 22) who haven’t been able to access third level education because of socio-economic reasons. Imelda Byrne is the Access Officer on campus and you can contact her at 091 493553 or email her at imelda.byrne@universityofgalway.ie.
Adult and Continuing Education Officer Martha Higgins is the Adult and Continuing Education Officer and you can contact her at 091 492062 or email her at adulteducation@universityofgalway.ie
