Mature Age Entry Schemes: A Comparative Analysis of Student Profiles in Five Universities in Southern Africa

Abstract

This study is an attempt to extend earlier analyses (Davies, 1995; Mpofu, 1997) of the target clientele of mature age entry schemes to a level where we understand who exactly avails themselves for these programmes, in five universities in Southern Africa. To say that the enrolees of these programmes vary from country to country and, in some cases, from institution to institution (within the same country), is perhaps to state the obvious. However, in the absence of empirical research to determine the actual participants in several institutions, implementers of these programmes in these institutions and elsewhere will continue to rely on speculations and unsubstantiated claims with regard to whom is likely to enrol in the programmes.