Returning to full-time studies can sometimes be stressful and can involve a significant change in personal circumstances – anything from a change in your financial situation and sacrifices in leisure time to a change in location. This is not always an easy transition, but there are extensive support services available at TUS Midlands Midwest to help you adapt successfully to student life.
Do I Qualify as a Mature Student?
In order to qualify as a mature student, you must be 23 or over on the 1 January of the calendar year you enter college. As a mature student, you need not present with the Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. Not all students applying on the grounds of mature years will have completed the Leaving Certificate examination. However, if you have completed the Leaving Certificate examination, you should include an official copy of your results. If you have mislaid your certificate, you can request a certified statement of your results from the State Examinations Commission. Further information is available from:
Statements Section State Examinations Commission, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
Email: statements@education.gov.ie Tel: 090 6442808/6442810 Web: http://www.examinations.ie
How do I find out about courses available in TUS Midwest ?
Please consult the website for detailed information about the content of each programme. Download TUS or request a copy of our new undergraduate prospectus on the following link: Prospectus. Make note of the course details, e.g. the course code, the course title; you will need all this information to make an application to the Central Applications Office (CAO).
How do I apply?
For all full-time undergraduate programmes, mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office.
Applications can be made online at www.cao.ie.
You need to complete the CAO application form carefully, making sure to give all the information requested. If you are applying as a mature student, be sure to tick the ‘mature student’ box. As a mature applicant, you have the opportunity to provide additional information about yourself which may help with your application. You can provide details on your employment history, your hobbies and interests, any voluntary work you have done etc. For applicants making online application, please ensure that you forward supplementary information to the CAO immediately after you have completed your online application.
When should I apply?
For most programmes, the closing date is 1 February. Completed application forms should be returned to the CAO no later than 5.15 p.m. on 1 February. There is no late closing date for mature applicants. However, if you wish to apply through the CAO using a Leaving Certificate or QQI-FET qualification, you can apply up to 1 May.
For further information, please contact: Email: admissions.midwest@tus.ie
How are applications assessed?
Interviews may form part of the selection process. Interviews are scheduled to take place during the months of April and May. Candidates are assessed on the basis of information supplied with the CAO application which can include:
• Educational Experiences Evidence – provided in relation to informal education, e.g. non-assessed adult education, interest/hobby courses etc.
• Relevant Life Experience – Details of any relevant experiences gained through employment and/or volunteer work, which are relevant. Any other experiences (e.g. personal experiences, interests, activities etc.), which are relevant.
• Motivation and Interest – Your interest in academic study. Your desire to return to learning. Your reasons for wishing to undertake this programme at AIT. Its potential contribution to your future career plans.
Some TUS Midlands Midwest undergraduate programmes require portfolio submission or aptitude testing. Any such requirements are clearly detailed in the prospectus.
Can I defer my place?
TUS Midlands Midwest will consider requests from applicants who, having successfully gained a place, and for whom a change in circumstances means that they can no longer proceed with their studies in the current academic year. Granting of a deferral is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the university. Deferrals are conditional on the programme continuing in subsequent years. Once granted, a deferral is valid for one year only, and only for the course deferred. If for any reason the deferred course is discontinued, the applicant will not automatically be entitled to a place on any other course.
For full details on the deferral procedure, click here: Deferral Procedure