Student Loans for Mature Students in UK (Grants & More)

Student Loans for Mature Students in UK (Grants & More)

You might think you are too old for student loans. You are not. The UK funds degrees for people of any age. This includes people who are 50 with a mortgage.

You can get the same student loans for mature students as teenagers. You get the same £9,535 tuition coverage and maintenance support. Age does not stop you from getting help. UCAS guidance for mature students confirms this.

And the best part?

Your financial situation gets different treatment. If you are over 25, your parents' income does not matter anymore. Only your partner's earnings affect your funding. You might also get extra grants for childcare that younger students cannot access.

This guide explains how mature students access funding in 2025/26. You will discover loans, grants, and hidden support systems designed for adult student finance UK. Everything you need to know is here.

Who Qualifies as a Mature Student in the UK?

The official definition might surprise you. You are a mature student if you are 21 or over when you start undergraduate study. But the biggest changes to funding happen at age 25. For a full breakdown of who can apply and the detailed UK student finance eligibility rules, check this student finance eligibility guide.

At 25, you automatically become an "independent student". This means that your parents' income will no longer affect your funding at all. Only your own income and your partner's earnings count. Oxford University's mature student guidance explains this process in detail.

If you are under 25, you can still claim independence. You qualify if you:

• Support a child financially
• Have not spoken to parents for 12+ months
• Have been married or in a civil partnership
• Have supported yourself for 3+ years

The system supports all types of mature students. Parents returning to study get full funding. People changing careers can access complete support. Even retirees can apply for student loans. UCAS guidance for mature students confirms there is no upper age limit.

Independent student status makes a big difference. You do not need to get income forms from your parents. Your household income assessment becomes much simpler.

2025-2026 Student Loan Options for Mature Learners

Let's break down your two main loans. Tuition Fee Loans pay for your course fees. Maintenance Loans help with your living costs while you study.

Tuition Fee Loans

These loans go directly to your university. You never see the money yourself. They cover your full course costs up to these amounts:

• £9,535 per year in England and Wales
• £4,855 per year for NI residents studying in NI
• £0 for Scottish residents studying in Scotland

Here's the breakdown by region:

Location	Public Uni Fee	Private Uni Fee
England	£9,535	£6,355
Scotland (Scottish)	Free	£1,205
Wales	£9,535	£6,355
Northern Ireland	£4,855-£9,535	Varies

Maintenance Loans

Your living cost support depends on your household income and where you live. For 2025/26, the maximum amounts are:

• £13,762 if studying in London
• £10,544 if living away from home
• £8,877 if living at home

These loans are means-tested. This means higher household incomes get lower loan amounts. Only students with household incomes of £25,000 or less receive the full amount.

Key change for over-60s: You get a Loan for Living Costs instead of a standard Maintenance Loan. The maximum is £4,461 based on your household income. This recognises that older students may have different financial needs.

These are not Plan 5 student loans yet. Repayments start in April 2026 for students starting courses from August 2023.

Unique Financial Support for Mature Students

Beyond standard loans, mature students can access extra grants. These recognise your specific circumstances and do not need to be repaid. UCAS financial support guidance provides full details.

Childcare Grant helps with registered childcare costs:

• Covers up to 85% of your actual costs
• Maximum £199.62 per week for one child
• Maximum £342.24 per week for two or more children
• Available during term-time and holidays

Parents' Learning Allowance gives extra help:

• Up to £2,024 per year for course-related costs
• Helps with books, materials, travel, and equipment
• Amount depends on your household income
• Both parents can claim if you are both studying

Disabled Students Allowance provides support for:

• Specialist equipment and software
• Non-medical helpers and note-takers
• Extra travel costs because of your disability
• Not affected by household income

Pro tip: Apply early for these grants. Processing takes up to 6 weeks, so do not wait until your course starts.

How Household Income Impacts Your Funding

Students aged 25 and over get a major advantage here. You are automatically classed as an "independent student". Your parents' income becomes completely irrelevant. Only your own earnings and your partner's income (if you have one) affect your funding.

If you are under 25, you must prove independence. You need to show you are financially self-supporting, have dependent children, or are estranged from your parents. University of Leeds mature student support explains how to provide this evidence.

Here's how income affects your Maintenance Loan:

Household Income	Loan (Living Away, Non-London)
£25,000	£10,544
£45,000	£7,532
£62,377+	£4,915

Lower household income means higher loans. The system recognises that mature students often have more financial responsibilities, especially those with families.

Your Childcare Grant eligibility has different income limits. With one child, your household income must be under £20,107. With two or more children, the limit is £28,914.

Part-Time Study & Open University Funding

Part-time study works well for mature students. You can continue working while you learn. This helps you keep your income while gaining new qualifications.

Part-time funding rules:

• You must study at least 25% intensity
• The maximum Tuition Loan is £7,145 per year in England
• You can still get the Childcare Grant
• Maintenance Loan is reduced proportionally

Open University fees offer excellent value for mature students:

• £3,892 per 60-credit module
• £7,784 per year for full-time equivalent study
• Total degree cost: £23,352
• Traditional university cost: £28,605

This saves you £5,253 over a full degree. You also get complete flexibility to study at your own pace. The Open University's fee structure provides more information about payment options.

Scotland and Wales have different funding rules for OU students. Check your regional student finance body for specific details. Funding can vary significantly by location.

Repayment Rules Demystified (Plan 5 Updates)

Students starting from August 2023 are on the new Plan 5 repayment system. Understanding these rules helps you make informed borrowing decisions.

Plan 5 student loans work like this:

• Repayment threshold: £25,000 per year
• You pay 9% of income above the threshold
• Interest rate: RPI only (4.4% as of June 2025)
• No additional percentage above RPI
• Loans written off after 40 years

Compare this to the older Plan 2 system:

• Higher repayment threshold (£28,470)
• Variable interest (RPI to RPI+3%)
• Written off after 30 years

Key reassurance: Repayments work like a tax. They come automatically from your salary through PAYE. They cannot affect your credit rating or mortgage applications. If your income drops below £25,000, repayments stop automatically.

The loan repayment threshold stays at £25,000 until at least 2026/27. This means more graduates will start repaying their loans sooner than under previous systems.

The Lifelong Loan Entitlement (LLE): 2025's Game-Changer

Important update: The LLE launch has been delayed. Applications will open in September 2026 for courses starting from January 2027. This is later than the 2025 launch originally planned. Office for Students guidance provides the latest information.

When launched, the Lifelong Loan Entitlement will provide:

• £38,140 total funding (in today's fees)
• Money for individual modules, not just full degrees
• Funding for second degrees at any level
• No "Equivalent Level Qualification" restrictions
• Available for people up to age 60

This transforms opportunities for career-changers. You can study specific modules relevant to your work without committing yourself to a full degree. You can also get maintenance support for short courses.

Currently, second-degree loan options remain very limited. The LLE will change this completely. It will fund technical bootcamps, professional development courses, and career change qualifications.

This flexibility suits mature students perfectly. You can learn exactly what you need, when you need it, without taking on unnecessary debt. If you’re considering retraining or a career change, you may want to explore the top courses currently in demand across the UK to align your study choices with strong career prospects.

Application Checklist & Pro Tips

Meeting deadlines is crucial for mature students. Apply by mid-May for September starts to guarantee funding before the term begins. Earlier applications mean less stress later.

Essential documents you need:

• P60 or recent pay slips for income evidence
• Your partner's income evidence (if applicable)
• Birth certificates for any dependent child
• Proof of independent status if under 25

Common mistakes mature students make:

• Not updating Student Finance when moving house
• Forgetting to check the childcare provider registration
• Missing changes to household income

The Student Finance Calculator helps you estimate your funding before applying. Use it to understand what you will receive and plan your budget accordingly.

The SLC application deadline is the last date to guarantee funding, not the last date to apply. You can still apply after the deadline, but processing may take longer. UCL's mature student guidance offers excellent preparation advice.

Beyond Loans: Scholarships, Bursaries & Emergency Hacks

Government loans are just the start. Additional funding exists if you know where to look. Many mature students miss out simply because they do not know about these opportunities.

Mature student bursaries are available from:

• Your chosen university (check their website)
• Blackbullion's Funding Hub (searchable database)
• Professional bodies in your field
• Employers who offer study sponsorship

University hardship funds provide emergency help:

• Non-repayable grants for unexpected costs
• Available for genuine financial crises
• Each university sets its own criteria
• Apply through student services

Budget reality: Maintenance loan shortfall affects most students. Your loan rarely covers all living costs, especially in expensive areas. Plan for this gap through part-time work, savings, or additional grants. Cardiff University's mature student support offers practical budgeting workshops.

Many universities now recognise cost of living student pressures. They offer food banks, subsidised childcare, travel passes, or emergency loans. Always ask student services what support is available. And suppose you’re aiming for a career in hospitality. In that case, it’s worth checking out the best universities for hospitality management in the UK, since many institutions offer additional scholarships and strong industry links.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get student finance for a second degree as a mature student?

The current system rarely funds second degrees. Exceptions exist for healthcare courses. However, the Lifelong Loan Entitlement changes from 2027. You will be able to get funding for equivalent qualifications. Even lower-level courses become possible. Check if your subject qualifies for existing second-degree support.

Do maintenance loans cover London living costs?

London students can receive up to £13,762 annually. This sounds like a lot, but London costs run higher. Rent alone might be more than this amount. Most students need additional income. Consider part-time work or university bursaries. Budget carefully before committing to a London study.

What if I'm over 60? Can I still get a loan?

Yes! Tuition Fee Loans have no age limit. You can study at 60, 70, or beyond. However, you will not get standard Maintenance Loans. Instead, you qualify for Loans for Living Costs. Maximum £4,461 based on household income. The system supports lifelong learning.

How does my partner's income affect my funding?

If you are 25+, only the partner's income counts. Parents become irrelevant for funding calculations. Higher partner income reduces your Maintenance Loan. The sliding scale starts at £25,000. A full loan requires a household income below this. Childcare Grant thresholds are different from maintenance calculations.

Can I study part-time and get childcare support?

Yes. Childcare Grants apply to part-time students. Your course needs 25%+ intensity. The grant covers 85% of costs. Same weekly maximums apply as full-time. This works well for parents balancing study and family. Just ensure your provider is Ofsted registered.

Will my previous degree disqualify me from funding?

Currently, yes for most subjects. Previous degrees usually block funding. But Lifelong Loan Entitlement changes everything. From 2027, the previous study will not disqualify you. You can fund equivalent or lower qualifications. Meanwhile, check healthcare and teaching exceptions.

Are Open University degrees cheaper for mature students?

Open University costs £7,784 annually for a full-time pace. Traditional universities charge £9,535. That saves you £1,751 per year. Total savings reach £5,253 for a degree. But funding rules vary by region. Scottish and Welsh students face different support levels.

Conclusion: Your Education, Your Future

Student loans for mature students work differently from other debts. You only repay when you can afford it. If your career does not take off immediately, you are protected. This makes education a smart investment at any age.

The funding system recognises mature students' unique needs. From childcare grants to flexible study options, support exists for your circumstances. Thousands of mature students successfully explore this system each year.

Take time to research your options thoroughly. The funding is there for student loans for mature students who are ready to take the next step. Your age and experience are assets, not barriers. Start your application at Student Finance England.

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