Unlock Your Future: How Scholarships Empower Mature Students to Pursue University Dreams

Caleb Young always knew he wanted more from life. He left school at 16 to work in a factory, but after a decade of dull work, he decided it was time for a change. At 28, he took a leap of faith and returned to school.

“Working in a factory was just boring,” Caleb said. “I didn’t want to do that forever.” With support from the charity Uversity, he enrolled in a civil engineering program. Uversity helps mature students from tough backgrounds in Northern Ireland pursue higher education.

“It was a risk,” Caleb admits. “Going back to school was scary. I wasn’t sure if it would pay off.” In the summer of 2024, he graduated with a master’s degree and now works in his field.

Many students like Caleb face challenges balancing studies with family and work. That’s where Uversity’s funding comes in. The charity, started in 2018 and backed by businessman Dermot Desmond, offers scholarships of up to €7,000 (£5,800). This support helps ease financial burdens, making it possible for students to focus on their education.

Gretta FitzGerald, Uversity’s program director, says, “Funding allows students to engage more fully with their courses. With the rising cost of living, many face extra expenses like childcare and transport. This support gives them the time they need to succeed.”

Mature students across Ireland can apply for the scholarship, which is valid at institutions like Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University.

Take Vanessa Milliken, another Uversity beneficiary. She always planned to attend university but life took her in a different direction. After starting a family, the thought of school lingered in her mind. In 2019, she enrolled as a mature student and graduated with first-class honors in computing software engineering in 2023.

Now, Vanessa works as a senior technology consultant with EY. Reflecting on her experience, she acknowledges that returning to studies as an older student can be challenging. “Meeting people was tough. I was focused on getting my degree rather than enjoying the social aspects of university life.”

Statistics show a growing trend of mature students in higher education. Research in the UK indicates that nearly one in four undergraduates are now over the age of 21. This change highlights a shift in societal attitudes, encouraging lifelong learning.

Both Caleb and Vanessa’s stories remind us of the potential that lies in education, regardless of age. It’s about chasing dreams and investing in a brighter future.



Source link