FAQ
Who is a mature student?
A mature student is a person who is at least 23 years of age on January 1st of year of entry. There is no upper age limit. Mature students who range in age from 23 to 75 are currently enrolled at NUI Maynooth.
Do I need a leaving Certificate to gain entry as a mature student?
NO. Mature students apply on the basis of their ‘mature years’. This means that entry to the University is granted on the basis of their experience to date – academic, life experience and work history. However, some courses have specific entry requirements – (more information in the Mature Student experience handbook).
Are there many mature students in Maynooth?
Yes! NUI Maynooth has the highest percentage of mature students amongst all universities in the country. We have a policy of ensuring that 15% of all new entrants to first tear are mature students. This translates in numbers to roughly 200 new mature students arriving on campus each year.
How do I apply to Nui Maynooth as a mature student?
There are two steps:
Step 1. Apply to NUI Maynooth
Applications to NUI Maynooth must be made before 1st February each year on a Mature Student Application Form which is available to download online or from the Admissions Office, phone (0) 1 – 708 3822. (If necessary please use the answering service and full details will be forwarded to you).
Applications can also be made online at: http://admissions.nuim.ie/mature_students. The admissions Office (01) – 708 3307) welcomes any enquiries potential applicants may have on any aspect of the application process and staff are willing to give advice on application procedure, subjects, course schedules etc.
Late applications will be considered up to 1st May, subject to restrictions (more information in the Mature Student experience handbook). No application fee is required. However, students are requested to submit applications by the 1st February, 2009.
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Step 2. Apply to the CAO
Mature applicants should also apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Application forms are available from: CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway (phone (091 509 800). You can also apply online at www.cao.ie. The closing date for receipt of Irish based applications is 1st February each year. Late applications may be made up to 1st May, subject to restrictions (more information in the Mature Student experience handbook) for an additional fee.
What undergraduate courses can mature students apply for?
Mature candidates can apply for all degree courses provided by the University. Details of these courses are in the NUI Maynooth Undergraduate Prospectus 2009, the admissions website at: http://admissions.nuim.ie/subjects and also in the Mature Student handbook. These are places reserved for mature students in every degree programme available in NUI Maynooth.
