Mature students

The University of Sheffield welcomes and values the diverse range of skills and perspectives that mature students bring to our community. If you're aged 21 and over, tailored advice and support is available.

Applying to university

Direct entry to the University

Mature students who fulfil the entry requirements for their chosen course can apply for direct entry to that course.

3 mature students working together using books and a laptop

Lifelong Learning

We offer degrees with a foundation for mature students who are returning to education. We value life and work experience, and lack of traditional entry qualifications is no barrier to entry.

Postgraduate study

If you’re aged 25 or over and are looking to study for a masters or PhD, you can apply as a mature student.

A view over Sheffield's skyline at sunset

International students

Support and advice for international students, including immigration information, bringing your family to the UK, and scholarships available if you’re seeking asylum.

Summer schools

We offer one-day summer schools for mature students designed to help you to settle in and give you a head start before your programme officially begins.

Fees and financial support

Funding
Information about scholarships, awards, bursaries, and loans, and how to pay your fees.

Lifelong Learning students

If you’re a full-time Lifelong Learning student, you may be eligible for other sources of funding.

Tuition fees
Information about tuition fees, including how much they’ll be and how to pay.

Supporting your return to education

Two students - one with long red hair, one with short dark hair - laughing together.

Access+

Access+ supports students applying for their first year of undergraduate study who may face additional barriers and challenges on their journey to access studying at Sheffield. This includes transition mentors who can guide you through the final steps before starting university.

University skills for mature students (interactive course)

An interactive online course to support your transition into university study.

Four people sat at a table using laptops to study. Trees and park greenery show in the background

Cost of living and money resources

Planning your finances early can help you feel more confident about the cost of university life. Explore our resources to learn more about how to manage your money at university.

Settling in to life at Sheffield

Housing and accommodation

Information about accommodation support, including finding private or university housing, settling in, managing rent payments, council tax exemption, and insurance.

Travelling to campus

Information about commuting to and travelling around campus, including parking and public transport.

Students sat in park overlooking the Sheffield skyline

Life in Sheffield

Sheffield is a vibrant, green, modern city with real character. Explore these pages to get a glimpse of what you can enjoy while studying at Sheffield.

Community and events

Meet our mature students

Our current and former students talk about their experiences of returning to education as a mature student, and how Lifelong Learning has helped them.

Mature students society

A free society for anyone studying at Sheffield aged 21+, offering weekly social events and an active online community to connect with fellow mature students.

Mature students drop-in

Grab a free drink and snack, meet other mature students and find out about support and opportunities (login required).

SEDI student community events

The Student Experience Diversity and Inclusion (SEDI) team supports student community groups with a variety of lived experiences. Browse their events here (login required).

Student life events

There are lots of other events around campus where you can meet new friends and try new things. Check out what's coming up (login required).

Study support and skills

Library support

Search the library collections, find study skills support, and discover study spaces across the libraries.

Access library support

If you’re a refugee or asylum seeker, you can apply for a free external membership of the University Library.

IT support and remote working

IT Services can help you access University services while you’re away from campus, as well as provide support with your computer account, software, printing, room booking and online safety.

Study spaces on campus

Find a place to study while you’re working from campus.

Academic skills

The Academic Skills team offer workshops, one-to-one appointments and online resources for study skills, maths and statistics, student research and peer-learning activities.

Studyskills@Sheffield

Digital resources, downloads, information and links to support all areas of your learning and assessment.

Studyskills@Sheffield

English language support

The English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC) provides wide range of English language support and development services, including free classes, resources and workshops.

Additional support

Careers and employment

We recognise that your degree is one part of your wider career journey. Our careers service can provide you with information about finding employers sympathetic to student schedules, mentoring, and tailored employability resources.

Mental health and wellbeing

Help is available if you need support with your mental health and wellbeing at any point during your time at Sheffield (login required).

Students with caring responsibilities

There is support available if you have caring responsibilities, including financial bursaries, adjusted entry requirements, accommodation, wellbeing, and careers guidance throughout your studies.

Support for students with children

Our campus is child-friendly and there is support available if you have children, including an on-campus nursery and family friendly accommodation (login required).

Support for students and scholars seeking sanctuary

We have a range of scholarships, schemes and support available and we welcome those seeking sanctuary to join our Sheffield community.

Student Online Support Hub

The Student Online Support Hub can direct you to any relevant support you may need (login required).