Mature Students in Higher Education Essay Example

Introduction

This year, a study of the Irish Education System revealed that Irish Universities have observed a decline in first time mature students over the past decade. The study revealed mature student admissions to 3rd level education almost halved between 2012 and 2019. A survey conducted within this study revealed some common barriers that prevent adult learners from reaching their full academic potential. The findings in the report led to the question, "Is the state doing enough to make university accessible for mature students?" In 2015, the HEA published its 2015-2019 National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education. The document has a vision that ensures diversity in higher education, and sets some objectives to achieve them in this context. Access to mature students was a key element of the plan, with a target of 16% participation by 2019. In 2021, the HEA commissioned Indecon to carry out an independent review, in response to the NAP's outcome. The study found the rate of first-time mature students peaked at 16% in 2010. This declined consistently in the years after. It pointed out that this peak occurred during a period of unemployment after the economic crash. As the economy began to grow again and unemployment decreased, so did the rate of adult learners in the subsequent years. In the same study, a survey of mature students was conducted. As such, many barriers to their participation in HE were reported. The main obstacles identified were financial costs (48%), family commitments (44%) and job commitments (16%).

Many financial supports are available to first-time mature students. SUSI, Back to Education Allowance, Part Time Education Option, Springboard +, Student Assistant Fund, and some charitable options, including Uversity & Saint Vincent de Paul While SUSI is the most common source for students, the study notes, "Non-acceptance rates of SUSI grant awards are higher for mature students than for other students". According to the study, this could be due to eligibility criteria. Various public information sources, including citizen information, state that access to financial assistance through SUSI, Back to Education Allowance, and other support requires a student to complete a full-time undergraduate degree, among other specific criteria that would quickly limit eligibility. Not all potential mature learners are prepared to sacrifice work or family commitments to complete a full-time university course. Consequently, the study found 20% of mature students called for more availability for part-time options, online/blended/distance learning and flexibility. This would certainly answer to some barriers mentioned above. A clear positive from the review showed that 3 in 4 mature students participated in some form of education before reaching HE. Over 50% participated in an FET course. 21% engaged in community education. This is encouraging for state funded programmes, including Springboard + and the part-time education program. These programmes are specifically designed to support people back into employment. This is positive, and programmes like this could encourage people to undergo further education at one of our country's major universities. The review continues to suggest 3 methods in which the state can help improve participation rates. Inreach - HEI's are called upon to provide new forms of access to current programs. Outreach - increasing partnerships in the greater community and Flexibility - focusing on online/blended/distance learning and other access options for students. A report by the European University Association (Public Funding Observatory Report 2017), published in the recent Charter for Irish Universities, shows that Ireland's current system is in danger when it comes to sustainability.

The main reason mentioned is rising numbers of students and a decline in funding. The charter outlines 6 key objectives that all member universities have committed to. The main aim of this charter is to help Irish education become the best in Europe by 2026. Without going into all the objectives, it is important to mention that mature student rates are an important aspect of the charter. There is an ambition to increase lifelong learning for adults 6.5% to the EU average of 10.7% by 2030. Flexibility is an important tenet of the Charter, which is listed as the fifth objective. It states universities are committed to working with the government around legislation, current structures, and seeking a removal of employment related restrictions surrounding university education. It is also clear from the charter how important increased funding will be to ensure a sustainable future for the education system.

Conclusion

Finally, in conclusion. It might be too premature to give a definitive answer to the question on whether the state are doing enough to make university accessible to mature students. However, it is clear that many options and routes are available to people in accessing further education. One thing is certain: both HEIs and the government now have awareness of the current issues affecting the education system. It will be interesting to observe the progression of the 2022-2026 National Access Plan. There should be no doubt that focus will be on the key areas mentioned in the paper.