Written by a member, based on personal experience from 2019 to 2021. Rules and thresholds change regularly so always verify current details directly with SUSI at www.susi.ie and the CAO at www.cao.ie before making any decisions.
If you are over 23 and thinking about going to university in Ireland for the first time, or going back, there is a real pathway for you and more financial support available than most people realise.
How to qualify as a Mature Student
You must be 23 or older on or before 1 January in the year you apply. You do not need a Matric or Leaving Certificate to apply, which is one of the most encouraging things about this route.
You apply through the CAO (Central Applications Office) at www.cao.ie. It is worth applying for multiple course options to improve your chances of getting an offer. Different colleges have different requirements but most mature student applications involve:
- A motivation statement explaining why you want to study that course
- Evidence of recent learning (any course that shows you can commit and follow through, does not need to be degree level)
- Possibly an interview with the relevant department
- Supporting documents uploaded or posted to CAO
If you are interested in a health science pathway such as Medicine, Dentistry or Pharmacy, ask about access programmes at your chosen university. Some have specific routes for mature students entering these fields.
Every college in Ireland has a dedicated Mature Student Office with staff whose job it is to help you through the process. Use them.
Funding through SUSI
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is the main grant body. To qualify you need to:
- Meet certain citizenship or residency requirements (Irish, EU, British, or certain visa or leave to remain permissions)
- Have been resident in Ireland, the EU, EEA, UK or Swiss Federation for 3 of the last 5 years
- Have a household income below SUSI’s current thresholds
Income thresholds are updated every year and vary depending on household size and circumstances. Do not rely on any figure you read in an article including this one. Use the SUSI eligibility indicator at www.susi.ie to check your own situation. As a general guide, the scheme is designed to support lower to middle income households and the less you earn the more support you can access.
Funding is also conditional on progressing through your course. If you fail a year, funding stops.
There are additional supports including maintenance grants, travel grants and excursion grants for those on the lowest incomes.
The BTEA (Back to Education Allowance)
If you were already receiving a qualifying social welfare payment such as Jobseeker’s Benefit or a One-Parent Family Payment before starting college, you may be able to keep a payment while studying through the BTEA scheme. The amount you receive is based on your previous qualifying payment so it is different for everyone. You can also work part-time while receiving BTEA subject to means testing. Check current details at www.citizensinformation.ie.
Note for non-EU passport holders
Certain immigration stamps restrict your ability to study. A work permit alone is not a route to this funding. If you are on a work permit or certain stamp types, check your eligibility carefully with SUSI before applying.
Useful links
The only real barrier to any of this is your own determination. If you have questions, contact the Mature Student Office at any college you are considering. They are genuinely there to help.
