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Mature Years

UCD Mature Students 

If you never thought you’d go to university − think again. 

At UCD, we support hundreds of mature students every year to unlock their potential through education. We value the diversity, wisdom and experience that mature students like you bring to our campus. 

We offer mature places on a wide range of undergraduate degree courses, as well as part-time courses that will help prepare you for learning at third level.

We know mature students can face particular challenges coming to university, and we have decades of experience in supporting students of all ages to successfully navigate college life.

Our dedicated Mature Student team will support you every step of the way.

  • Mature undergraduate: You are aged 23+ on 1 January of the year you want to enter university, and you are starting college for the first time
  • ‘Second Chance’ mature undergraduate: You are aged 23+ and you started an undergraduate degree course but didn’t finish it and have had a break of 3+ years in your studies
  • University Access student: You are aged 22+ on 1 January of the year you want to enter university, and you are starting college for the first time
  • Graduate student: You have completed an undergraduate degree and are considering studying another undergraduate or postgraduate degree (please note that funding is not available for graduate students who are studying at undergraduate level) 
  • Non-EU student: If you are a non-EU applicant you should visit the UCD Global website for information on applying to UCD.

  • Full-time study

UCD provides a wide range of full-time degree options for Mature Students. (opens in a new window)You can view the UCD undergraduate prospectus here and find out more about Mature Admissions Criteria here.

  • Part-time study
    • Part-time degrees: UCD provides a range of part-time undergraduate degree options for Mature Students, however at present these are not funded by the Free Fees Initiative or SUSI.
    • UCD Open Learning is a flexible way to study part-time at UCD. Open Learners who successfully complete 6 modules (subjects) will be awarded an NFQ Level 7 Certificate in Open Learning and can progress to a number of degree programmes. You may also choose to study single modules. Find out more here about Open Learning.
    • University Access Courses run from September to May and are designed to prepare you with the skills and confidence you need to study a degree at UCD. Find out more here about University Access Courses.
    • Lifelong Learning courses are open to all adult learners regardless of previous educational experience and provide a unique opportunity to explore a subject without examinations. Find out more here about Lifelong Learning.
    • UCD Professional Academy offers ambitious professionals the opportunity to stay competitive and relevant in the changing workplace. With flexible learning that slots easily into your busy life, you can access industry-focused courses that deliver practical skills. In addition to classroom and on campus learning, we deliver expert-led courses live online and fully on-demand. Find out more here about UCD Professional Academy.
    • UCD Micro-credentials are an exciting new innovation developed and delivered by UCD’s world-class academic faculty. Aimed at professionals, you will have the opportunity to upskill in highly specialised areas with short, flexible, industry-aligned courses that are fully accredited. Find out more here about UCD Microcredentials.
  • Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) can be used by a wide range of learners seeking recognition for skills gained through informal learning, those wishing to improve their existing qualifications or change careers, those who have gained a range of skills and knowledge through experiential learning, those who require formal qualifications for career advancement, and adult learners returning to higher education. Find out more here about RPL. 
  • Graduate Entry Pathways are available for four undergraduate degrees at UCD for holders of Level 8 degrees. The entry requirements vary so please visit the relevant pages. (Please note, graduates are not considered Mature Students for funding and are liable for fees when attending a second undergraduate course.)
  • Postgraduate Studies

Choose UCD for a qualification from an institution globally recognised for its excellence in teaching and learning, offering a wide range of high-quality graduate programmes across our six colleges. Find out more here about Postgraduate Studies.

We have created a 5-stage checklist to help you navigate your journey to university. 

  • Explore: Browse the (opens in a new window)UCD Prospectus and make a list of courses that interest you. Read about the different entrance pathways for matures and think about which one is best for you. Sign up for updates and join our info sessions.
  • Plan your finances: Read our Guide to Funding for Mature Students and start planning for university life. Take note of key dates and deadlines.
  • Apply: Apply to UCD / CAO on time ((opens in a new window)CAO opens in November and closes 1 February), as well as any scholarships you may be eligible for (eg Uversity in February, Cothrom na Féinne, Think Again). You can also (opens in a new window)apply for your SUSI grant  from April, before you receive your CAO offer.
  • Take your place: Accept your CAO offer or offer from UCD. At this point, you can also apply for your Free Fees Assessment and find out about any relevant disability supports, scholarships and fee waivers at UCD.
  • Belong: Come to your welcome days and orientation week at UCD to meet your peers and give yourself the best start to your educational journey. You will have the full support of your Peer Mentor, Mature Student Adviser and the Mature Students Society, as well as the wider UCD community.

Yes, UCD has a private Creche on Campus. It caters for children from four months to 8 years. All queries can be made by contacting the creche directly. More information is available on the creche website. Please note that this facility is not managed by UCD and places are not guaranteed.