Applying to college as a mature student

Applying to college with a QQI Level 5 qualification and applying as a mature student are two different routes into higher education in Ireland. If you have a full Level 5 award, you can use the Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS) to apply for certain courses through the CAO. Entry is usually based on the results of your best eight QQI modules, which are converted into CAO points, and each course may have its own specific requirements. You can read more about applying with your Level 5 qualification here . 

If you are aged 23 or over on the 1st of January of the year you start your course, you can also apply to college as a mature applicant. Mature applicants are considered on their life experience, work history, and motivation to study, rather than just on their exam results, and may be asked to attend an interview or submit extra information to support their application. 

If you are aged 23 or over, and plan to achieve a full/major Level 5 award, you can (and should!) apply via both routes, as this will help to maximise the possibility of being offered a place. To do so, you tick both options on the CAO form (take a look at the demo form here), and complete the mature applicant section. 

If you are applying to nursing or midwifery programmes in Ireland as a mature student, it is very important to note that you will be required to take an entrance exam. This exam is mandatory, and is run by an external agency, rather than by the college here. There is just one test period per year, so you must be aware of the deadlines for both registering for and taking the test. 

Read the below link very carefully and make sure to check the NMBI website for updated dates for the 2025/26 application cycle. NMBI guidelines for mature applicants to nursing and midwifery 

The statement of interest is a short essay that mature applicants need to write as part of most application processes. Try not to be intimidated by this, and think of it as an opportunity to tell the universities why you care about the courses that you have applied for. 

It is a good idea not to leave this until the last minute, to get some feedback and to give yourself time for rewrites. 

TU Dublin have a nice and clear guide to the statement of interest, which you can read here. If you would like some advice or feedback on your work, please drop in to the guidance room!

TCD guide for mature students (including template)  

UCD guide for mature students 

TU Dublin guide for mature students 

Maynooth University guide for mature students 

If you are applying to college as a mature student, it is important to know that you must meet the February 1st deadline. While other applicants can make a late application, mature applicants cannot. More information on the dates and deadlines can be found on the CAO website. Make sure to check back for updated 2025-26 dates here  

If you are applying to college as a mature student, you may be required to send supporting documentation to the CAO. For example, if you have qualifications other than your Level 5 award, or if you have qualifications from another country, you will need to photocopy and post (not email!) your documents to an address in Galway. There is a deadline for this, so do not delay and make sure to read the requirements for posting your supporting documents carefully. If you need help with photocopying your documents, drop in to the guidance room, and read more about the process here .