If you’re over 25 and thinking about going back to school, you’re not alone — In Canada, it’s estimated that, pre-pandemic, the number of mature students accounted for 75,000 of the 1.4 million university students in this country. That’s 5%, and reports indicate that this number is only growing since The Great Reshuffle shook up the working world in the global west.
Going back to school as a mature student can be daunting, but with our guide, you’ll learn how to plan your education like a pro, identify your goals, and manage the competing demands on your time as effectively as possible.
Assessing Your Educational Goals
While many adults go back to post-secondary to advance their careers, this isn’t the only reason to head back to campus. Many older adults attend university because they weren’t able to earlier in life, or because the program they are studying is a new field that wasn’t available when they were in their early 20s. Whatever your motivation, it’s good to get clear on your goals and what you hope to get out of the investment of your time and money before you choose a school and a program.
Ask yourself:
- What’s my #1 goal or reason for heading back to school? You may have several, but zero in on the one that’s most important to you. This will keep you motivated and ensure that you’re not sidetracked by smaller goals as you begin your search.
- What kind of program or university environment will suit me best? Should I pursue in-person or distance learning, or a combination? Reflect on your past university experience and your career to answer this question.
- What do I need in order to achieve my #1 goal? This includes thinking about your personal commitments, but also the kind of support network you’ll require, both on-campus and at home.
- How will you know when you have achieved your goal? This is not so simple as walking across a stage to collect your degree or diploma. If your desire to pursue post-secondary education is linked to your career, imagine yourself in the new role you’re hoping to find. What does success look like to you?
Choosing the Right Program
Now that you have a sense of what you’re looking for, it’s time to start researching educational institutions. With the rise of online learning, you’re no longer limited to schools that are geographically close to you. Whether you’re considering a four-year program or a shorter accreditation, it’s useful to spend some time understanding the education landscape. You may even read up on schools overseas just to understand how programs compare with what’s available closer to home. Evaluate each according to your goals and learning style. When you find programs that spark your interest, don’t be shy about emailing the school for more information, including writing to professors whose profiles get your attention. They may be able to offer you better insight into the program, or suggest similar programs that you haven’t considered.
Understanding Educational Requirements
As you’re doing research, pay particular attention to the application requirements for each program. In addition to understanding application dates and timelines, you’ll be able to get a sense for any additional information you'll be required to provide, such as a portfolio of work, proof of language proficiency if you’re studying in a second language, or an admissions essay. You will also find out if your program has any prerequisites, and if your career experience can count towards filling those requirements.
Finally, some programs only allow full-time study, while others are flexible for students pursuing their degrees or diplomas part-time. If you are looking for part-time study, get clear on the requirements and timelines up front so that there are no unpleasant surprises down the road.
Financial Planning for Education
As an adult learner, you have several options available to fund your post-secondary education. If you don’t have the means to pay for your program yourself, but are pursuing the education to advance your career, speak to the Human Resources department at your office, or ask your manager about financial support for going back to school. Most large companies offer assistance with pursuing further education if the program is directly relevant to your on-the-job skills. You may be required to commit to a term of work after the program is over (or repay part or all of the cost of your program if you leave your job before the term is over) but this can be worth it to advance your skills and grow your career.
If you don’t have this option available, there are also student loans offered by your financial institution, or through government programs from provincial and national student aid programs. Be sure to check the Government of Canada website for grants in your area of study or special assistance that supports newcomers to Canada, on-the-job training and apprenticeships, and similar programs. Programs like Better Jobs Ontario are designed to help those in the workforce go back to school to upgrade their skills, and most provinces and territories have similar programs to support their workers in improving their earning ability. You can also look for scholarships and grants from your chosen university or college’s website, and on platforms like Scholarships Canada.
Budgeting for Additional Expenses
As you begin to narrow down your selection of programs, don’t forget to draw up a budget that will realistically represent your new situation. In addition to tuition, you may be spending more on transportation, childcare, or even buying a new computer, textbooks and lots of supplies for your program. Getting clear on these costs will help you avoid stress down the road, and keep your focus on your studies rather than worrying about your bills.
OFFSET: Check out our blog How You Can Be Better Prepared for University [Easy Tips for Success] for more info on preparing for returning to post-secondary education.
Balancing Responsibilities
In addition to budgetary concerns, your day-to-day schedule and the way you juggle your priorities will change as you head back to school. However, there’s a bright spot here — unlike many of your young peers in your program, you’re not fresh out of high school, learning how to be an adult and tackling a tough curriculum at the same time. You’re an experienced professional who has learned how to face work-related and personal challenges. Many adults who go back to school are surprised at how their attitude towards the work has changed, and how easy they find the subject matter compared to when they were studying as a young person. Studying becomes a pleasure, rather than a slog.
The challenge for mature students is often in keeping the rest of their life in order. Balancing family and work commitments will require lots of clear communication with your spouse or other adults in your childcare network, and even for those without children, it’s important not to neglect your relationships as you take on this new challenge. Time management tools like our workload tracker will be essential to help you pace yourself, and balance your new academic life with your existing commitments.
Support and Resources
When you’re ready to begin your studies, don’t forget that there are plenty of resources designed to support student success. While you’ll spend plenty of time brushing up on your study skills, you’ll also want to take time for socialising. Many older students worry that their young peers will feel awkward around them, but this fear is usually misplaced — you will find plenty in common with others in your program, and you might even find the younger students notice your age difference less than you do! Keep an open mind, and keep your eyes peeled for clubs and activities around campus that spark your interest. There’s more to post-secondary than hitting the books. Making new friends can be as broadening and enriching as the classroom experience, regardless of your age.
Also remember that if you are struggling with your coursework, you're not alone. Take advantage of learning resources available at your school, whether that’s study sessions with TAs, office hours with professors, or informal study groups. Most universities have a writing centre to help students polish up their essays, and there may be other support in place depending on your subject of study. While you’re investing in your education, be sure to budget for additional tutoring support as you need it to get you through tricky exams, or to bring your tech or studying skills up to date. You can find more on improving your study skills on our Student Success Kits page.
Also check out our founder’s personal story of returning to university as a mature student on our blog.
