Cambridge 21+ programme 2025
An outreach programme from the mature Colleges
The University of Cambridge has three Colleges specifically for mature students aged 21 and over: Hughes Hall, St Edmund’s and Wolfson.
In July 2025, the Colleges welcomed 16 prospective mature students to the in-person component of the Cambridge 21+ programme, a free, hybrid outreach programme designed specifically for mature applicants.
Now in its fourth year, the Cambridge 21+ programme gives participants an insight into student life at Cambridge and provides them with tailored application advice. It is hosted by the three mature Colleges at Cambridge – Hughes Hall, St Edmund’s, and Wolfson.
Day 1
In early July 2025, 16 prospective mature students arrived at St Edmund’s for the residential strand of the programme.
After checking into their rooms in our student accommodation, the participants were shown around the College by our friendly student ambassadors. They were treated to a meal in the Dining Hall before retiring to the bar for the rest of the evening to continue having fun and getting to know each other.
Personal Statement workshop
Personal Statement workshop
Punting on the River Cam
Punting on the River Cam
Candlelit dinner at Wolfson
Candlelit dinner at Wolfson
Day 2
On day two, participants enjoyed a continental breakfast in the St Edmund’s Café before attending a talk to formally welcome them to the residential programme. Next, the librarians from the three mature Colleges delivered an engaging session on critical reading and evaluating sources.
Visits to Hughes Hall and Wolfson followed. Participants were given a tour of each College by student ambassadors, including seeing examples of accommodation, and enjoyed lunch at Hughes Hall. They also attended a workshop on crafting a competitive personal statement and engaged in a Q+A session with current students from all three mature Colleges. It was fascinating to hear about the diverse journeys that had led our ambassadors to their studies, and to listen to each student give a myriad of reasons as to why their own College was the best.
The day concluded with a relaxing guided punt tour on the River Cam, followed by the unique Cambridge experience of a formal dinner by candlelight at Wolfson.
Day 3
After breakfast on day three, it was time for the final skills session which explained how to make the most of the University’s Open Day. Armed with a wealth of hints and tips, participants left St Edmund’s to explore the University’s Faculties, Departments and other colleges.
Participants reflected that they’d had a special experience and that their time in Cambridge had passed too quickly. Several participants were looking forward to getting their teeth stuck into preparing their applications and hoping to secure places to return as full-time students in the near future.
Almost all participants reported that the programme had changed their perception of Cambridge and of University more generally, with several commenting that they now had more confidence in their ability to make their applications.
One student commented, “there is only so much a website or a YouTube video can convey, and getting the opportunity to have a feel for the Colleges in-person has definitely helped shape my future plans”.
Another said, “it felt fulfilling to speak to others who have been in similar situations to me and are all passionate about education. The biggest take-away I had from the programme is that I can now definitively consider applying to Cambridge.”
Open Days workshop
Open Days workshop
The 21+ group at St Edmund's
The 21+ group at St Edmund's
We wish our participants every success with all their University applications and look forward to welcoming some of them back to Cambridge for their studies.
If you’re thinking about going to university for the first time and will be 21 or over at the start of your course, then consider taking part in Cambridge 21+ in 2026. Applications are now open. Click the link below to find out more and start your application.
Cambridge 21+ 2026 Registration Form >
If you’d like more information, contact one of the mature Colleges and sign up for our newsletter to hear about more events for mature applicants.
· Hughes Hall – outreach@hughes.cam.ac.uk
· St. Edmund’s College – admissions@st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk
· Wolfson College – sro@wolfson.cam.ac.uk