What is Mature Student Finance?

Student Finance England provides financial support to make higher education accessible, even if you’re returning to study later in life. This funding helps cover tuition fees and living costs, reducing the pressure of immediate expenses so you can focus fully on your studies.

Types of Student Finance Available for Mature Students

1. Tuition Fee Loan (Fixed Amount)

This loan covers the cost of your degree and is paid directly to your university or college.

• Covers 100% of Tuition Fees: In most cases, the loan pays your entire tuition bill.

• No Upfront Costs: You won’t need to pay anything while studying.

• Repayments After Graduation: Payments only begin once you earn above the set income threshold.

• Designed for Mature Students: Returning to education later in life is more affordable with this loan.

  
  

2. Maintenance Loan (Variable Amount)

This loan is designed to support your day-to-day living expenses, such as:

• Rent and household bills

• Food and daily essentials

• Extra help for dependents (e.g., children)

The amount you’re eligible for depends on factors such as:

• Where you live and study

• Your household income

• Whether you’re studying full-time or part-time

Additional Financial Support for Mature Students

Grants and Bursaries
Many universities and charities offer non-repayable grants or bursaries tailored to mature students, helping reduce reliance on loans.

Childcare and Dependent Support
If you have children or dependents, you may qualify for support such as the Childcare Grant or Parents’ Learning Allowance to help balance family responsibilities with study.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
If you have a disability, long-term health condition, or learning difficulty, the DSA provides extra financial assistance to cover study-related costs.

Do I Have to Repay Student Finance?

Yes, but repayments are designed to be manageable.

• Income-Based Repayments: You’ll only start repaying once you earn above the repayment threshold.

• Affordable Monthly Payments: The repayment amount is a percentage of your income, ensuring it’s affordable.

• Loan Write-Off: Any remaining balance is written off after the repayment period (usually 30 years).

For full details, visit the official Student Loan Repayment page.

Benefits of Student Finance for Mature Students

• Access to Higher Education: Removes the barrier of high upfront costs.

• Flexible Repayment Terms: Payments are linked to your earnings, keeping them affordable.

• Support for Life Commitments: Tailored for students with families, careers, or additional responsibilities.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re thinking about applying, explore the Student Finance England website for full details on eligibility, application steps, and extra support available.

Take the next step in your academic journey—Student Finance makes higher education achievable for mature students across the UK.