Student Finance for Mature Students in England: A Simple Guide
Updated: 2 days ago
Northreach Education - Updated: June 2026
Thinking about going to university as an adult?
One of the first questions you may have is: “Can I get Student Finance?”
For many mature students in England, the answer is yes.
There is no requirement to go to university straight after school. People start or return to higher education in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.
Student Finance may help with your tuition fees and, depending on your circumstances, your living costs while you study.
The rules can look complicated, particularly if you have lived outside the UK, have an immigration status, or have studied at university before. This guide explains the basics in plain English.
What is Student Finance?
Student Finance England provides financial support to eligible students who normally live in England.
The two main types of support are:
Tuition Fee Loan
This helps pay your university or college tuition fees.
The money is normally paid directly to your university or college, so it does not arrive in your bank account.
Maintenance Loan
This is money to help with your living costs while you study.
You can use it towards everyday expenses such as:
rent
food
household bills
transport
study costs
The amount you can receive depends on your circumstances. This can include factors such as your household income, where you live while studying and your study arrangements.
Not everyone who qualifies for a Tuition Fee Loan will automatically qualify for a Maintenance Loan.
Who Can Get Student Finance?
There is no single rule that determines whether someone is eligible. Student Finance England will look at several things, including:
your nationality or immigration status
where you normally live
how long you have lived in the UK or another qualifying area
your course
your university or college
your age
whether you have studied higher education before
This is why two students attending the same university and studying the same course can receive different Student Finance decisions.
Do I Have to Be British?
No.
You do not necessarily need to be a British citizen to receive Student Finance.
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify if you have another eligible nationality or immigration status.
For example, eligibility may apply to some people who have:
British or Irish citizenship
Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme
Pre-Settled Status
Indefinite Leave to Remain
Refugee Status
Humanitarian Protection
certain other types of immigration permission or protected status
However, simply holding one of these statuses does not automatically mean that you will receive full Student Finance.
Your residence history and other circumstances may also be considered.
Am I Too Old for Student Finance?
Probably not.
Under the current Student Finance system for courses starting before January 2027, there is no upper age limit for the Tuition Fee Loan.
There are different rules affecting Maintenance Loans for students aged 60 or over.
Student Finance is also changing with the introduction of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) for most eligible courses starting on or after 1 January 2027.
Because the rules depend on when your course starts, students approaching or over 60 should check which funding system applies to their course.
What If I Have Studied at University Before?
Previous study is very important.
If you have previously attended university or another higher education course, this can affect how much Student Finance you can receive.
This can apply even if:
you did not finish the course
you left during the first year
you studied several years ago
you studied a different subject
you studied outside your current university
However, previous study does not automatically mean that you cannot receive funding.
There are exceptions under the current system, and the rules are changing significantly under the Lifelong Learning Entitlement for eligible courses starting from January 2027.
If you have studied before, always mention it when checking your eligibility.
What Is Changing in 2027?
Student Finance in England is changing.
For most eligible courses and modules starting on or after 1 January 2027, students will apply through the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) system.
The LLE is designed to make funding more flexible and will cover eligible courses and modules at different levels.
Previous study will still matter, but it will be treated differently from the current Student Finance system.
If your course starts before January 2027, the existing Student Finance rules normally apply.
If your course starts on or after 1 January 2027, you should check whether the LLE rules apply to you.
Can I Get Student Finance for a Foundation Year?
Potentially, yes.
A Foundation Year can qualify for Student Finance when it forms part of an eligible undergraduate course.
However, funding rules and tuition fee limits can depend on the course and when it starts.
Always check that the specific course you are applying for is eligible for Student Finance.
Can Part-Time Students Get Student Finance?
Yes, eligible part-time students may be able to receive Student Finance.
The amount and type of support available depend on the course, study intensity and personal circumstances.
Maintenance support for part-time study also has additional conditions, so you should not assume that part-time and full-time students receive the same funding.
Can I Get Extra Financial Support?
Possibly.
Depending on your circumstances, additional support may be available if you:
have children
have an adult who depends on you financially
have a disability
have a long-term health condition
have a mental health condition
have a specific learning difficulty
Some types of additional support do not have to be repaid.
When Do I Repay My Student Loan?
Student Finance is not repaid in the same way as a normal bank loan.
You do not normally start making repayments simply because you have graduated.
Repayments depend on factors including your loan repayment plan and your income.
If your income is below the applicable repayment threshold, you normally do not make repayments. If your income later falls below the threshold, repayments normally stop.
For employees, repayments are usually collected automatically through the tax system.
The exact repayment rules depend on which Student Finance repayment plan applies to you.
Not Sure If You're Eligible?
Student Finance eligibility can become complicated when previous study, immigration status and residence history are involved.
You don't need to work it all out by yourself.
Check your eligibility with Orienta and tell us a little about your circumstances. We'll review your information and help you understand the university and Student Finance options that may be available to you.
At Orienta, our guidance is free for eligible UK students.
We counsel, we don't sell.
Please remember that Orienta can provide guidance and application support, but the final decision about Student Finance eligibility and funding is always made by Student Finance England.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Student Finance before I have a confirmed university place?
In many cases, yes. You do not always need to wait until everything is finalised before starting your Student Finance application.
Do I apply for Student Finance every year?
Generally, yes. For a course lasting more than one year, you normally need to apply for funding for each academic year.
What if I already have a student loan?
Having an existing student loan does not automatically prevent you from applying again. However, previous study and previous funding can affect your entitlement.
Can I receive help if I have children?
Potentially, yes. Additional financial support may be available depending on your circumstances.
Does Student Finance pay my tuition fees into my bank account?
No. Tuition Fee Loans are normally paid directly to your university or college.
Maintenance Loans are normally paid to you to help with living costs.
Can Orienta guarantee that I will receive Student Finance?
No. Only Student Finance England can make the final decision about your eligibility and entitlement. We can help you understand the rules and application process, but we cannot guarantee approval.
⚠️ Important Information
This guide provides general information about Student Finance in England and was updated in September 2026.
Student Finance rules depend on individual circumstances and can change. Immigration status alone does not confirm eligibility, and different residence rules can apply to different categories of students. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official Student Finance England website or contact their team directly: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
Contact Student Finance England:https://www.gov.uk/contact-student-finance-england
Orienta provides guidance and application support but does not make Student Finance eligibility decisions. Final decisions are made by Student Finance England.
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