Generally a mature student is a student who does not enter Higher Education directly, or after a gap-year, from School or college. Mature students often have wider experience of the workplace and life as a whole, or have spent some time away from study. Specific definitions of "mature students" may be applied when financial help is sought to support their studies.

Students who do not possess the minimum admission requirements for a course or program are eligible to enroll in continuing education courses under the Ryerson Mature Student guidelines if they are 21 years of age by December 31 of the year in which they will commence studies and have been away from formal education for at least two years. Students must meet prerequisite requirements and, as required by some courses, attend interviews or placement assessment. Ryerson's Mature Student policy may vary from certificate to diploma/degree programs. For specific information on the full-time Mature Student guidelines, please refer to the Full-Time Undergraduate Calendar ( www.ryerson.ca/calendar).

individuals who do not meet the standard entrance requirements of an institution and are 21 years of age or older by Dec. 31 of the year in which they wish to enroll, may receive consideration for admission to a degree program either on a full-time or part-time basis.