By Kshalini Nonis

Today more people especially women pursue their studies as mature students. Whilst it is not easy to balance one’s studies with other responsibilities such as working, taking care of the family etc. it shows that education it not about age and that one is never too old to study.

We spoke to some mature students about their experiences.

Mayuri Jayasinghe

What made you get back to your studies as a mature Student?

A multitude of reasons, but primarily I had reached a point in my life where I wanted to invest in myself and my future. With my children grown and quite independent, this allowed me to pursue and create a new phase in my life other than being a ‘Mom’. Also with more life and work experience behind me, I had a clearer sense of what I wanted to achieve and education would facilitate this. Studying now allows me to build new skills, challenge myself and set an example of lifelong learning, which I feel we should all engage in, whatever our age.

Can you tell us about the course you are studying/ studied and the reason you chose this particular area?

I am doing a degree in Applied Psychology. This is a field I have always been interested in and my work experience firstly in Corporate Human Resources and secondly as a self help lifestyle columnist, would have benefited greatly if I had the skills and expertise offered in this field.

How did it feel to be in a class where there were others who were younger to you?

Obviously, intimidating and completely out of my comfort zone!! My two older children are in university, so I would be going to school with peers their age! But the educational institution I chose encourages part time and mature students, so I did not feel like an oddity.

In your opinion why is it never too late to start studying?

It is never too late to start studying because education isn’t about age, its about growth. We continue to learn throughout our lives, and getting back to education is simply a structured way of doing that. Also as we get older we have more clarity about our goals, and discipline in what we want to achieve, definitely an attitude I did not have when I pursued my first degree. I simply did it because everyone was going to university!

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a mature student?

Let's start with the disadvantages

I still have two school going children at home with me, and so I will have to balance family life with my studies whilst also making sure the children are not affected. This might be stressful at times, though the children have reassured me that they will help out more!

- The greatest worry I have is the ‘technology gap’. I did my first degree about 25 years ago and nothing was computerised as it is now. This does affect my confidence in navigating all the apps, which don’t come easy to me, compared to my younger colleagues.

- Obviously as a mature student there will be social differences. For many students starting university, this is the first time being  away from home, making new friends and so on and I will not be able to relate to the typical university student experiences which many are looking for.

In terms of the advantages, I feel there are many

- I read a quote that said ‘Dont be afraid to start over again. This time you are not starting from scratch you are starting from experience!’

As I approach my degree as a mature student I am more motivated and focused as to what my eventual outcome will be and how it will benefit me in the future.

Also having spent time working and even running a busy household, I am better tuned into certain skills like time
management, organisation skills and ability to balance home and work.

- As a mature student I feel I have more confidence because having lived life I am less worried about ‘fitting in’ and more focused on my own journey.

Why do you feel that it is a great option especially for Women?

As women we devote much of our time and life to our children and families. Speaking from my own experience I left corporate HR because I wanted to devote my time to my children especially when they were younger. So after we help our children grow and eventually leave home, as mothers we are suddenly left with more time on our hands and being the capable women that we are, we should take a chance on ourselves and education is a great next step forward.

How did you manage to cope with other responsibilities such as working, family responsibilities etc?

I will be a fulltime student and am not currently working. In terms of family life, my children are quite self-sufficient and want to support me on this new journey I have undertaken. Also I feel seeing me engage in this new education chapter at my age has given them the confidence to combat any challenges they come across.

How would you say that getting back to your studies later on in life has enhanced or enriched your life?

As much as I loved being a mother, carving out a life for my own is also greatly fulfilling. I feel motivated to have a purpose and being busy, learning and achieving goals helps my overall mental health.

What would you like to say to those who want to study later in life?

I say don’t hesitate, don’t live in regret, take a chance on yourself. It’s the best decision you will ever make. A life is not to be just lived, but to be lived well!

Nelumdini Smaranayake PhD

1. What made you get back to your studies as a mature student?

I’ve always had a passion for learning and believe that education is a lifelong journey. I wanted to enhance my skills
for both professional growth and personal development. Returning to my studies allowed me to pursue goals I had set aside earlier in life. At the time, I chose to branch off into Information Technology rather than complete my higher education. While that path gave me a strong foundation, it also motivated me to return later and continue my academic journey with renewed purpose.

2. Can you tell us about the course you are studying/studied and the reason you chose this particular area?

I pursued a degree in Learning Technologies for both my master’s and PhD. With three decades of experience in
Information Technology and a transition into the field of education, I wanted to bridge the gap between technology
and pedagogy.

3. How did it feel to be in a class where there were others who were younger to you?

Many of my classmates have already accomplished a great deal in their own fields. They brought fresh perspectives, and I contributed by sharing my life experience.

4. In your opinion why is it never too late to start studying?

Education has no age limit. It keeps the mind sharp, the spirit active, and the doors to growth wide open at every stage of life. Learning renews your confidence, expands your perspective, and proves that you are never too old to evolve.

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a mature student?

One of the significant advantages is having focus, discipline, and life experience. As a mature student, you approach education with clarity of purpose and a deeper understanding of how learning connects to real-world challenges and opportunities. You are often more motivated, more intentional, and more resilient. The main challenge, however, lies in balancing academic work with family responsibilities, career demands, and personal commitments.

6. Why do you feel that it is a great option especially for women?

Education empowers women to reclaim their voice, gain independence, and pursue dreams that may have been delayed by family responsibilities or societal expectations. It opens doors not only to career advancement but also to confidence, leadership, and personal growth.

For me, returning to my studies reignited a sense of purpose and possibility.

7. How did you manage to cope with other responsibilities such as working, family responsibilities etc.?

It required a great deal of discipline and many sacrifices. I was fortunate to have tremendous support from my husband, encouragement from my late parents, and understanding from my two daughters, who were adults at the time. My youngest son, who was a teenager, was also very independent.

8. How would you say that getting back to your studies later on in life has enhanced or enriched your life?

Returning to my studies gave me renewed confidence and a sense of purpose. It reminded me that it’s never too late to grow or push beyond your limits. That decision laid the foundation for my current role as a lecturer. I’ve learned that education doesn’t just shape your own future; it equips you to uplift and inspire those around you.
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What would you like to say to those who want to study later in life?

Don’t let past barriers hold you back. I took a different path early on, but returning to my studies showed me that it’s never too late to continue growing. Every step forward brings progress, no matter how small. Education has the power to transform not only your career, but also your confidence and outlook on life.