ABSTRACT
This chapter presents research findings on the availability and content of public statistics which detail the characteristics of student populations around the world. It lists and details sources (governmental, NGO, and academic) of official statistics and quasi-official statistics which are publicly available to allow comparisons and insights. Alongside this, the chapter points out good practice and evidence of successful interventions to reach and increase mature students who may be the focus of widening access programmes. It will also collate information and seek clarity on the definition of the terms mature student and widening access. The chapter will note special professional groups, scholarly societies, or other organisations in the countries it surveys.
