Cambridge 21+ is a hybrid residential programme for mature students who have never been to university before. Run by the three ‘mature’ colleges at Cambridge – St. Edmund’s, Hughes Hall, Wolfson, – the programme is designed to help Home fee status students who will be 21 or over when they start their course, make a competitive application to study an undergraduate degree at the University of Cambridge.
Going to university as a mature student can be a daunting prospect, so our annual Cambridge 21+ programme is here to support you and give you a taste of life as a Cambridge student.
If you are considering applying to Cambridge and want more information on the mature student experience here, individual advice from our Admissions staff, support with study skills, careers advice and to meet other prospective mature students, sign-up using the link at the bottom of the page.
The Virtual Programme
The Virtual Programme will take place via Zoom:
Tuesday 30th April – Cambridge University explained
- Breaking down myths about the University of Cambridge
- What is a Cambridge College?
- Why choose Cambridge as a mature student?
- What will you gain from an undergraduate degree?
Thursday 2 May – What makes a successful Cambridge applicant?
- Find out from Admissions Tutors what makes a successful applicant
- What does Cambridge mean by extra-curriculars?
- How do we teach at Cambridge and what do we mean by the supervision system?
- Does the assessment process differ for mature applicants?
Tuesday 7 May – Getting started on your application
- Identify what skills are needed to write a compelling application
- Reflect on your previous experience and how it can enhance your personal statement
- Discover resources and tips to help you get started on your application
- Understand academic support at Cambridge
Thursday 9 May – Funding your degree
- Explaining Student Finance: loans and course fees
- The Cambridge Bursary
- Hear from current students on how they manage their finances
- Work and study balance at Cambridge
The Residential Programme
The Residential Programme is in-person and will take place from 3rd – 5th July 2024. Participants are invited to stay at one of the mature colleges and take part in academic and social events. These activities may include:
- Panel session with current students
- Study skills sessions
- Tours of all three mature colleges
- Formal Hall dinner (a fun Cambridge tradition)
- Punting on the river Cam
- The chance to attend departmental visits as part of the University’s Undergraduate Open Day
Accommodation and food are provided by the colleges and free for participants. Support for travel costs is available for those who meet certain criteria.
The residential programme is an opportunity to see if Cambridge is the right place for you and offers a bespoke way for you to engage with the University as a mature student applicant.
Who is eligible for Cambridge 21+?
Both programmes are open to students who meet the following criteria:
- Will be applying for their first undergraduate degree, or are considering applying for Cambridge’s Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Qualify for ‘Home fee status‘
- Will be aged 21 or over when they start University
Please note that places for the residential element are limited and those undertaking the first stage of the programme are not guaranteed a place. Selection for the residential programme will be undertaken separately in May/June 2024.
To sign-up for any part of Cambridge 21+, click here.
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact our Outreach Officer at admissions@st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk
You can see how the programme ran successfully in 2023.