Q. Who is classified as a mature student?
A. A candidate who is at least 23 years of age on 1 January of the year of entry or re-entry to an approved course may be considered a mature student. The mature student office provides a support office for mature students undertaking full time degree courses.
Q. What fees are payable?
A. Please contact the Fees Office for further information on the qualifying criteria for the Free Fees Initiative and on EU/non EU fees. Contact the fees office on telephone 061-202026 or by email at fees@ul.ie .
Q. Are there grants /allowances available to mature students?
A. There are Higher Education Grants available to eligible students i.e. those entering approved full time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration or postgraduate courses of at least one years duration, for the first time, and who satisfy the relevant conditions as to age, residence, means and nationality.
There are also Back to Education Allowances (BTEA) for eligible students receiving certain social welfare benefits, for more informataton on the BTEA please contact your local social welfare office.
For information on financial supports available for Postgraduate study, please contact the Graduate School: Tel: +353-61-234377, Fax: +353-61-233287, Email: postgradadmissions@ul.ie, Website: www.graduateschool.ul.ie
For further information on grants / allowances, please check out www.studentfinance.ie
Q. How do I apply for a full time undergraduate course?
A. Obtain an application form from the Admissions Office (telephone 061-202015) or admissions@ul.ie. Return the completed form to the Admissions Office enclosing an application fee of €35 if you are an EU student , €45 if you are a non-EU student, together with certified results/certificates of qualification.
Q. Can I apply for more than one course?
A. Yes. Normally up to a maximum of two in order of preference.
Q. What is the closing date for applications?
A. The closing date for mature students has been extended to Tuesday 1st May 2012.
Note: Closing date for Nursing Studies and Graduate Entry Medicine is 1st February through the CAO www.cao.ie
Q. What happens to my application after I send it to the University?
A. It is assessed by the Admissions Committee tutor on behalf of each College. Applicants are normally, but not always, called for an interview after which offers of places are made.
Q. When will I hear of the outcome of my application?
A. Offer letters usually issue in late June / early July of each year. The admissions office will write to you when applications have been reviewed by the course leaders.
Q. Are there many mature students at the University of Limerick?
A. Currently there are approximately 1500 mature students. This number includes those undertaking courses which are full-time, part-time, distance and at outreach centres.
Q. When do courses start?
A. Courses generally start in early September. An Induction Seminar is held prior to entry for first year full-time undergraduate mature students.
Q. Can I get exemptions from Cooperative Education or Off Campus placements?
A. Some courses give exemptions to mature students on the grounds of prior working experience, please enquire at the Admissions Office (061-202015).
Q. What career opportunities are available with a UL degree?
A. The following link provides information on the various career options available with a UL degree, http://www.ul.ie/careers/yourdegree/
Q. Is there an Open Evening for mature students which will provide information on courses and supports?
A. The mature student open will take place on Tuesday 21st February 2012 from 4.30-8.00pm in the atrium of the Foundation Building (Concert Hall). No booking required.
Q. Is there a support person /office for mature students?
A. Yes. There is a mature student office in the University of Limerick. Please email mso@ul.ie or call 061 202735 if you have any queries.
Q. Are there supports specially for mature students?
A. The Mature Student Office hosts an Induction Programme prior to commencing study in August. You will received an induction pack from the mature student office with details of the programme in late summer.
Q. Is there a Continuing Education Department at the University?
A. Yes. The Department of Continuing Education offers some courses on a part-time basis. Further information or advice from Fiona Roberts / Catherine McCarthy, telephone 061-202530, email dllo@ul.ie. You can also access their website at www.ul.ie/dllo
Q. Are there distance education courses available at the University ?
A. There are various distance education courses available. See course lists of individual Colleges. Information on short / part time courses can be accessed from www.ul.ie/dllo
Q. Where will I find information on grants and financial support?
A. Information on grants and financial support is available from www.studentfinance.ie or from Local Authorities.
Information on financial support available for postgraduate study is available from the Graduate School Tel: +353-61-234377, Fax: +353-61-233287, Email: postgradadmissions@ul.ie, Website: www.graduateschool.ul.ie
mso@ul.ie
