Admissions
Mature Applicants
- In general you may be defined as a “Mature Student” if you are applying for first year and will be 23 years of age (or older) by the 1st January in the proposed year of entry. The term “Mature Student” has no meaning in relation to Advanced Entry.
Is there any advantage to applying as a Mature Student?
- Yes. A limited quota of places is reserved specifically for Mature Students on all programmes. Mature candidates may be exempted from the standard minimum academic and can be admitted to this quota by random selection, regardless of whether or not they hold any qualifying exam results. Mature students can also compete, separately, for non-quota places based on their academic qualifications.
Will I have to start at the Bottom?
- Not Necessarily.
Some mature applicants opt to start at year 1 and to study in full–time mode. If this is your preference you should apply for first year via the CAO., see below. - If you already have some form of Certified /Accredited Higher Education, you may be able to gain some exemptions.
- If you have already successfully completed at least one year of Higher Education, in a programme closely related to the one for which you are applying, you may even be eligible Advanced Entry. Click here for information on Advanced Entry.
- Even if you have no formal qualifications, if you can demonstrate that you have already achieved some of our required learning outcomes, say through work, self-study or even a via a hobby, you may be eligible have credit ascribed to this achievement and thus reduce you workload on registration. Click here for more information on Recognition of Prior Learning, (RPL).
How do I apply as a Mature Applicant for first year?
- Mature applicants for first year should apply via the CAO system, preferably before 1st February.
- We recommend that you apply via the internet, www.cao.ie. It is cheaper, faster, and less error prone than paper-based applications. If you don't have internet access you can get a paper Application Form from: The CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway.
What Supporting Documentation do I need to Supply?
- Evidence of Age to (Do not send the original Birth Certs., send copies).
- Evidence of Educational Qualifications, including: Leaving Certificate, FETAC, College Certs, etc. Mature applicants who did a Leaving Certificate examination in any year since 1985 should indicate the year and the exam number (if known) in the appropriate place on page 2 of the CAO application form. if you did the Leaving Cert. before 1985 send a copy of the Cert. If you are awaiting results, on page 4 of the application form please tell us the date by which you expect to send those results to CAO.
- Evidence of any Work, Training Courses, etc., that is relevant to the programme(s) for which you are applying.
- If you apply on-line you should send any supporting documentation by post to the CAO, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway. The CAO receive over 60,000 applications each year so please remember to write your CAO application number on all documentation submitted. Documentation that does not have your application number on it may go astray.
What is the CAO Closing Date for Mature Applicants?
- Standard CAO closing dates apply:
On Time 5.15 February 1st This is the final date for applicants for any restricted programmes, including the mature nursing codes. Late 5.15 May 1st It is more expensive to apply as a late applicant.
Applicants for any restricted codes, which include the mature nursing codes, may not avail of this late date.Change of Mind 5.15. July 1st Application for restricted codes, e.g. mature nursing codes may not be added at this point
Will there be an interviews or other form of assessment?
- Applicant for the Mature Nursing codes will have to undergo an aptitude test organized by the Nursing Board. This normally takes place in April/May. For more information on this please view the http://www.nursingcareers.ie/
- For all other programmes we have a limited quota of places reserved for applicants who are admitted on the basis or maturity only. Selection for this quota takes place on Rounds A and Zero. It is based on random rankings assigned by the CAO. All mature applicants have an equal chance of being selected at random on these rounds, regardless of whether or not they have any exam results.
- Mature applicants who have qualifying exam results will also be eligible to enter a separate competition for non-quota places, on Round 1 and subsequent rounds. Selection on Rounds 1 and later is competitive and is based on points from qualifying exam. Remember, you can only be included in these rounds if you have provided evidence of your exam results.
What if I miss the Application Deadline?
- After Round 1, if there are Available Places remaining on any programme, a new application window will open. In general Available Places are only open to applicants with qualifying exam results. These will get offers automatically and may quickly fill any Available Places. However, depending on demand, additional mature applicants may be considered for Available Places. Mature applicants are strongly advised not to depend on Available Places but to adhere to normal application deadlines.
When will I know if my Application has been Successful?
- The earliest offers to mature applicants will issue on Round A, in July. There are several rounds of offers. If a quota/programme is not filled on one round then further offers will issue on subsequent rounds until the quota/course is full. Those presenting qualifying exam results who do not receive an offer in July should not panic. They may well receive an offer at a later date. However if you have not presented qualifying results and do not receive an offer on Rounds A or Zero, then you are unlikely to receive an offer.
- The vast majority of offers issue on round 1, in mid August, after the Leaving Certificate results become available and ranking can be completed.
- After Round 1, if you have still not received any offer, you can contact admission to find out your place on the waiting list.
- RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)
ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects)
The Access Office and Mature Students
- 23 % of students at LYIT are mature students. The Access Office provides some special services to Mature students, see the Access Office; for more information.