16/04/2026
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Run by the three ‘mature’ colleges of Cambridge – St. Edmund’s, Hughes Hall, and Wolfson – the programme is designed to help home fee status, mature students (who will be 21 or over when they start their course), to 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, individual advice from our Admissions staff, support with academic skills, careers advice, and to meet other prospective mature students, apply to join the programme today!
You can find specific session dates and register for the programme on the University website. The deadline for registration is Wednesday 22 April 2026 (12:00 AM, UK time).
The Virtual programme April - May 2026
The Virtual Programme will take place from April - May 2026 via Zoom. Each session is held from 6 PM - 7:15 PM (UK time). Where possible, sessions will be recorded and available to view afterwards.
Session One – 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?
Session Two – 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?
Session Three – Academic Skills for Success
Meet with college librarians to explore opportunities to develop your academic skills whilst at Cambridge:
- Identify the skills needed to succeed at university
- Reflect on your own skills set
- Discover sources of academic support at Cambridge
- Develop critical thinking skills to help support your application to university and beyond
This hands-on workshop will give you the chance to work with librarians and other participants on reflective practice and critical thinking activities.
Session Four – 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, 7 - 9 July 2026
The free residential programme is in-person and will take place from 7-9 July 2026. Participants are invited to stay for two nights at a mature college and to take part in academic and social events. These activities may include:
- Panel session with current students
- Academic skills and application support 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 are free of charge for participants. Support for travel costs is available to 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 the virtual and residential aspects of the programme are open to students who meet the following criteria:
- Will be applying for their first undergraduate degree, or are considering applying to Cambridge’s Foundation Year in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
- Qualify for ‘Home fee status'.
- Will be aged 21 or over by the time they start their chosen university course.
Please note that places for the residential element are limited, and those undertaking the first stage of the programme are not guaranteed a place.
If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact our Outreach and Student Recruitment Officer. You can see reports of how the 21 Plus programme ran successfully in 2025.
