Mature and affiliated students - Supporting mature students
The personal teaching and support available within the Cambridge Colleges is the most distinctive feature of the collegiate system. Colleges provide educational and pastoral support, with all students being assigned a personal tutor and Director of Studies. Support is also available from College nurses, chaplains and other students. The University also offers a range of specialist support services.
Details of the costs involved in going to university and the support available for UK and EU students can be found on our Fees and finance pages. In particular you will find information about:
- Cambridge Bursary Scheme, which offers bursaries towards living costs of up to £5,650 per year (for 2012-13) for some UK mature students
- UK government support, such as the HE maintenance grant and student loans
- Funding for those with dependants
Information about fees and financial support for mature students from overseas can be found on the Scholarships and financial support for international students page.
Student parents
For students with children, the University’s Childcare Information Advisers can offer guidance on childcare, and some Colleges are able to provide family accommodation. More information for student parents can be found on the Student parents and childcare page.
Preparing for Cambridge
Each September the mature colleges run the ‘PREP course’ for students who have successfully secured places at the University. Aimed at those returning to study, the course provides an opportunity to develop study skills and covers practical issues that are part of day-to-day life at university, such as managing money and using academic facilities and resources. If you are eligible, you will be invited by your College before commencement of the course.