How to Write a CV for a University Application: A Guide for Mature Students

If a university has asked for your CV, you might be wondering where to start. Perhaps you haven't written one in years. Perhaps your work history has gaps, or your qualifications are from another country, and you worry they won't count.

Here's the good news. A university CV doesn't need to be clever or beautifully designed. It just needs to give the admissions team a clear, honest picture of your education, your work and your experience.

As a mature student, what you've done since leaving school can matter just as much as qualifications you gained years ago. This guide takes you through it, section by section.

What a university CV is for

Admissions teams use your CV to understand your background quickly. They want to see where you studied, where you've worked and what you've learned along the way. Together with your personal statement, it helps them decide whether the course is a good fit for you.

A university CV is a little different from a job CV. You're not trying to sell yourself for a role. You're giving an honest summary of your journey so far.

What to include, section by section

Use these headings, in this order.

1. Personal details Keep this short: your full name, email address, phone number and the town or city where you live. You don't need a photo or your date of birth unless you're asked for them. If your email address is one you made up years ago for fun, now is a good time to set up a simple one with your name.

2. Education Start with your most recent education. For each one, add:

• the dates (month and year)
• the name of the school, college or university
• the qualification or course
• the country, if you studied outside the UK

Include courses you started but didn't finish, including any university study. They're part of your education history. Being open about them matters, because previous study can sometimes affect your entry or funding.

3. Employment Again, start with your most recent job. Give the dates, your job title, the employer and two or three short points about what you did.

Your job doesn't need to match the course. Looking after customers, training new staff, handling money or solving problems all show skills that universities value.

4. Training, skills and languages Add anything useful: professional qualifications, workplace training, online courses, certificates, volunteering and any languages you speak. Choose what's relevant rather than listing everything.

5. Reference You'll usually need at least one professional or academic referee. Give their full name, job title, organisation, work email and work phone number, not their personal details. Always ask their permission first.

How to explain gaps and overseas qualifications

Many adults have breaks in their history. You may have raised children, cared for a relative, been unwell, moved country or been out of work. A gap is not a problem in itself.

What can raise questions is a gap with no explanation. Add one short, honest line, for example: "2019–2022: Career break to care for my young children."

Never invent jobs or change dates to fill a gap. Your CV must match the rest of your application.

If your qualifications are from outside the UK, write the name exactly as it appears on your certificate. Then add a short description in plain English, such as "(secondary school leaving certificate)". The university may ask for copies or translations later.

Keep the layout simple

A plain CV is easier to read, and that's what admissions teams want.

• Aim for about two pages.
• Use one clear font in a readable size.
• Use clear headings and leave some white space.
• Skip graphics, photos, colour blocks and skill bars. They don't add anything.
• Save it as a PDF unless the university asks for another format.
• Give the file a clear name, such as "Firstname-Lastname-CV".

Before you send it: a quick checklist

• All dates are correct and in order.
• All your previous education is included, even study you didn't finish.
• Any long gaps have a short, honest explanation.
• Everything matches your application form and personal statement.
• Your referee has agreed to be contacted.
• Someone you trust has read it through for mistakes.

Key takeaways

• A university CV is a clear, honest summary, not a sales document.
• Your work and life experience count, even if they're not linked to the course.
• Explain gaps briefly and truthfully. Never invent anything.
• Keep the design simple, and check it matches the rest of your application.

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