Writing your personal statement if you're a mature student: 2026 entry

As a mature student, your personal statement will still cover the same basic things as any personal statement: evidence of your interest in, understanding of, and enthusiasm for the chosen subject. You may also have a lot more life history to fit into your statement than the average school leaver. So, think carefully about which aspects of your past experiences best suit the course and type of university you want to apply to. 

If you need more support around the application process itself, you can read our guide.

Not sure if your qualifications mean you'll be able to apply? We've got more information here.

1. Answer the question ‘why now…?’

Explain why you've decided to change direction and apply to university at this point in your life. Makes some notes to reflect on things like why you didn't choose to go to university immediately after school or college, or why studying later was part of your plan. Think too about how you have changed and developed. Whatever your reasons for studying now, you’ll need to explain those in your statement.

2. Demonstrate your personal progression

Tell them why it makes sense for you to study now. Why is a degree the logical next step for you? You could talk about:

• your work experience
• training courses
• interests and hobbies
• your general reading

And say how you would make further progress through your studies.

If your primary goal is to train for a new career, show you’re aware of the specific challenges of that career, and that you’ve researched it before you apply.

Browse our subject guides for subject-specific statement tips.

3. Talk about your life and work experience

This is where you have the advantage as a mature student.

Relate any relevant jobs and hobbies you mention to the course you want to study – even if that’s in relation to transferable skills like time management or communication skills.

4. Show you understand the time commitments of degree study

Any evidence of formal study helps to show the admissions tutor you're capable of studying and learning. Mention night school, Access to HE courses or on-the-job courses in your statement, even if they’re in a non-relevant field.

Juggling other responsibilities such as family, childcare, part-time work or travel can put extra pressure on mature students, so also show you understand the commitments of studying for a full or part-time degree.

5. Keep your statement story honest – and personal

You might have fewer tangible reasons for applying to university as a mature applicant than simply training for a new career. Don’t be afraid to tell the truth about you and your story. After all, the personal statement is just that; 'personal'.

The personal statement is split into three separate questions, designed to help you scaffold your responses and better understand what to include:

• Question 1: Why do you want to study this course or subject? More guidance on what to include.
• Question 2: How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject? More guidance on what to include.
• Question 3: What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful? More guidance on what to include.

This is your opportunity to showcase your passion and knowledge of your chosen subject area and to demonstrate to universities and colleges why it’s a good fit for you and your future ambitions.

Examples of what you might talk about here are:

• Your motivations for studying this course(s)

  Have you been inspired by a key role model or moment in your life? Maybe it’s a subject you love and want to pursue further. We’re all driven by something and it’s important to talk about how yours has led you to this course or subject area. This is a great place to answer the question 'why now' on why you've chosen to apply for degree level study at this stage of your life.

• Your knowledge of this subject area and interests

  Perhaps there’s a particular subject area you’ve researched and can’t wait to learn more about. A book or subject expert doing great things that have sparked your interest? Universities and colleges want to see you’ve done your research so they can be confident this is something you will enjoy and excel in. This is a great place to highlight vounteering, additional reading or research in the area outside of any studies, or relevant work experience as evidence of curiosity and interest in the subject. 

• Your future plans and why this is a good fit for you

  If you already have a particular profession or career progression in mind you could talk about how you’ll use this to help you each your goals. Think about what’s important to you and your future, and how the knowledge gained from your chosen course(s) will help you achieve this.

This is your chance to shout about the relevant or transferable skills you’ve gained from your formal education, CPD, and any work experience and related training or qualifications, and highlight your understanding of how they will help you succeed in this subject area. Don't worry if you feel you don't have a huge amount to write in this section - this is to be expected for mature students. You could perhaps use this section to reflect on what's changed since you were in formal education, and how your experiences since then have prepared you to go back.

Examples of what you might talk about here are:

• How your studies or training relate to your chosen course(s) or subject area
  This could be current or previous studies within a school, college, training provider, or even a short online university course – any form of formal education. The main thing here is to focus on what’s most recent and relevant to your chosen course(s). If you are no longer in full-time education, use section three to talk about your experiences since leaving.
• What relevant or transferable skills you have that make you a great candidate
  Maybe there are a couple of subjects that have helped you develop a core set of skills required for your chosen course(s). Or, a particular module that helped you understand where your interests and strengths lie.
• Any relevant educational achievements
  Universities and colleges will see your grades elsewhere on your application so don’t waste time talking about these. Consider accomplishments like relevant training in your workplace, or certifications or qualifications you've undertaken outside of school or college.

This is your chance to talk about any other activities you have undertaken outside of your formal education or personal experiences which further demonstrate your suitability for the course. This section is likely to be highly personal to you and anything you do include should reflect on why you’re including it. This is a great place for you as a mature student to focus on demonstrating who you are, what drives you, where your interests lie, and how you're suited to the course you've chosen.

Examples of what you might talk about here are:

• Work experience, employment, or volunteering
  Whether it’s work experience in your current or previous role, virtual work experience through Springpod, or volunteering for a charity, the key thing here is for you to reflect on your experiences and the skills gained relevant to your chosen course.
• Personal life experiences or responsibilities
  Is there a situation you’ve personally overcome that has influenced your decision? Are there responsibilities such as caring for a family member that has helped you develop essential qualities for the course like resilience and empathy? Here, you can reflect on your life experiences which can be a huge positive in this section - you will likely have a lot to write about, so make sure you keep any examples relevant.
• Post-education activities
  If you’re no longer in full-time education, ensure you take the time to detail what you’ve been doing since and how this has equipped you with the skills and qualities for your desired course(s).
• Hobbies and any extra-curricular or outreach activities
  Think sports, reading, community work, volunteering – any activities outside of your studies or job that help further showcase why you’d make a great student.
• Achievements outside of college
  If you're currently studying, examples you could use here would be detailing a position of responsibility such as captain for your local club, a musical achievement, competition you won, or a qualification you’ve attained outside of the classroom.