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Funding your degree as a mature student can feel complicated, but it does not have to be. There are several government-backed funding options available to UK residents, including tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and the Advanced Learner Loan for Access to HE courses.
This guide covers every funding option available to mature students in the 2026 academic year, how to apply, and what you need to know before you start.
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What Student Finance Is Available to Mature Students?
UK mature students can access the same government-backed student finance as younger students, with some additional options depending on your course and circumstances. The main types of funding are:
- Tuition Fee Loan — covers your full course fees, paid directly to the university
- Maintenance Loan — helps with living costs, paid to you in termly instalments
- Advanced Learner Loan — for students aged 19+ studying Access to HE or level 3-6 courses
- Maintenance Grant / Special Support Grant — means-tested, does not need to be repaid
- Bursaries, scholarships, and hardship funds — offered by universities directly
Tuition Fee Loan for Mature Students
The Tuition Fee Loan covers the full cost of your course fees up to £9,535 per year (2026 rate). It is paid directly to the university, so you never see the money. You only start repaying it after you leave your course and earn above the repayment threshold.
Key point: The Tuition Fee Loan is available to all eligible UK residents regardless of age. There is no upper age limit for this loan.
Eligibility for Tuition Fee Loan
- You must be a UK resident (have lived in the UK for at least 3 years before the start of your course)
- You must be studying on an eligible course at a UK university or college
- You must not have already received a Higher Education qualification (some exceptions apply for part-time study)
- There is no upper age limit
Maintenance Loan for Living Costs
The Maintenance Loan helps cover your living costs while you study — rent, food, bills, transport, and course materials. The amount you receive depends on your household income and where you live and study.
Mature student note: If you are financially independent (which most mature students are), your loan amount is assessed on your own income only — not your parents' or partner's income.
Maintenance Loan Amounts 2026 (England)
| Household Income | Living at Home | Living Away (Outside London) | Living Away (London) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to £25,000 | £8,400 | £10,900 | £14,200 |
| £30,000 | £7,600 | £9,800 | £12,900 |
| £40,000 | £6,200 | £8,100 | £10,700 |
| £50,000 | £4,600 | £6,200 | £8,400 |
| £60,000+ | £3,200 | £4,500 | £6,100 |
Note: Figures are approximate for 2026. Exact amounts are confirmed annually by the Student Loans Company.
Advanced Learner Loan for Access to HE
If you are planning to take an Access to Higher Education Diploma — a popular route for mature students — you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. This loan covers the tuition cost of your Access course (typically £3,000–£4,000) and is written off once you complete a university degree.
For more detail on Access to HE courses, see our complete Access to HE Diploma guide.
Advanced Learner Loan Key Facts
- Available to students aged 19 and over
- No credit check required
- No previous qualifications needed
- Does not need to be repaid if you go on to complete a university degree
- Covers up to £4,500 for Access to HE courses
Bursaries, Scholarships, and Hardship Funds
Many universities offer additional financial support for mature students. Unlike loans, these do not need to be repaid.
- Mature Student Bursaries: Some universities offer dedicated bursaries for students aged 21 or 25+
- Childcare Support: The Childcare Grant (part of the NHS Bursary for healthcare students) or university-run nursery subsidies
- Hardship Funds: Emergency funding if you face unexpected financial difficulty during your course
- Scholarships: Merit-based awards that do not need to be repaid
- Disabled Students' Allowance: Funding for equipment, support, and travel if you have a disability or specific learning difficulty
Tip: Always check the university's website for mature student bursaries and scholarships. Many go unclaimed simply because students do not know they exist. You can apply for multiple forms of funding at the same time.
How to Apply for Student Finance
Applications for student finance are made through Student Finance England (SFE), or the equivalent body in Scotland (SAAS), Wales (Student Finance Wales), or Northern Ireland (Student Finance NI).
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Create an account at gov.uk/student-finance (from February for courses starting in September)
- Complete the online application — you will need your National Insurance number and bank details
- Provide evidence of your residency status if required
- If you are independent, you will need to declare your own income only
- Submit your application by the deadline (usually late May for September starts)
- Your funding will be confirmed by June or July
Application deadline: For courses starting in autumn 2026, the final application deadline is typically 31 May 2026. Late applications are accepted but may result in delayed payments at the start of term.
Repaying Your Student Finance
Student finance repayments are based on what you earn, not what you borrowed. You only start repaying once you are earning above the repayment threshold.
| Plan | Threshold | Repayment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plan 2 (post-2012 loans) | £27,295 per year | 9% of income above threshold |
| Plan 5 (new loans from 2023) | £25,000 per year | 9% of income above threshold |
Any remaining balance is written off after 30 years (Plan 2) or 40 years (Plan 5). If your income drops below the threshold, repayments stop automatically.
Important: Because student finance repayments are income-based, they are generally manageable even on a modest graduate salary. For most mature students, the monthly repayment is similar to a small phone bill.
Part-Time Student Funding
If you are studying part-time, you can still access tuition fee loans and maintenance loans, but the amounts are calculated differently. Your loan is pro-rated based on your study intensity (how many credits you take per year).
For more information, read our guide to part-time university courses in the UK.
Funding for Specific Courses
Some courses have separate funding arrangements:
- Nursing, Midwifery, and Allied Health: NHS Learning Support Fund provides additional grants of £5,000–£8,000 per year
- Teaching: Teaching bursaries of up to £27,000 for specific subjects (e.g., Maths, Physics, Languages)
- Degree Apprenticeships: Your employer pays your tuition fees, and you earn a salary while you study. See our degree apprenticeships guide.
How Benefits Are Affected by Student Finance
If you receive benefits (Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, etc.), starting a course can affect your entitlement. Some benefits continue alongside study, while others may stop. Key points:
- Full-time students are generally not eligible for Universal Credit or Housing Benefit
- Part-time students may still be eligible for some means-tested benefits
- If you have children, you may still qualify for Child Benefit and Tax Credits regardless of student status
- Student maintenance loans can affect means-tested benefits if the loan counts as income
- Contact your local Jobcentre Plus or Citizens Advice before making decisions about study and benefits
Get personalised advice. We offer free 15-minute calls with admission consultants who can answer your questions about funding and university applications. Book your free call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get student finance if I already have a degree?
Generally, students who already hold a Higher Education qualification are not eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan for a second degree. However, there are exceptions for certain subjects (nursing, teaching, STEM) and for part-time study. If you are applying for a degree apprenticeship, funding is handled differently — the employer pays the fees.
Is there an age limit for student finance?
There is no upper age limit for the Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan. As long as you meet the residency requirements and are studying an eligible course, you can apply regardless of age. The Advanced Learner Loan is available from age 19.
Do I need to include my parents' income on my application?
If you are over 25, or if you have been financially independent for at least 3 years, you are classed as an independent student. You only need to declare your own income (and your partner's income, if applicable).
What happens if I drop out?
If you leave your course early, you may need to repay some of your loan. The amount depends on when you leave and how much funding you received. Your university will notify Student Finance of your withdrawal date.
Can I get student finance for a foundation year?
Yes. Foundation year courses are eligible for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans. This applies whether the foundation year is integrated into a degree or a standalone course. See our Foundation Year vs Access to HE guide for a full comparison.
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