Non-traditional students at the university: the M23 case in two HEI in Portugal

Abstract

The law-decree 64/2006 allows mature students older than 23 years (M23) to apply to Higher Education Institutions (HEI), widening the participation of adult population in Portugal. In the University of Aveiro (UA), a student enrolled through this specific regime has had to pass a three steps evaluation process, with the following weights in the final mark: (A) the analysis of the candidate curriculum vitae (20%); (B) a set of thematic exams with the purpose of evaluation of their academic skills (60%); (C) finally, an individual interview where an appointed jury questions the applicant about his or her motivations and life history (20%). After successfully passing this process, the candidates can apply for a course at the UA. Also an innovative “one-stop shop” was created in the Lifelong Unit of the UA (Uinfoc), where the M23 candidates deal with all the related administrative procedures.