Student Finance for Mature Students in England: Eligibility, Funding and Common Questions

Northreach Education - Updated: June 2026

Returning to education as an adult can feel exciting, but also a little overwhelming. One of the biggest concerns for many mature students is whether they can afford university and whether they qualify for Student Finance.

The good news is that thousands of adults across England start university every year with support from Student Finance England. Whether you are changing careers, improving your qualifications, or pursuing a long-held ambition, financial support may be available to help you achieve your goals.

This guide explains who may be eligible, what student finance covers, and some of the most common misconceptions about funding.

Mature student studying in library

Can Mature Students Get Student Finance in England?

Yes, mature students can get student finance in England. The government provides financial support to help cover tuition fees and living costs for students of all ages. Whether you are returning to education after a break, changing careers, or studying part-time, you may be eligible for funding. The key is to understand the eligibility criteria and how your immigration status affects your application.

What Is Student Finance?

Student Finance England provides funding to help eligible students pay for university.

This usually includes:

Tuition Fee Loan

A Tuition Fee Loan covers the cost of your course and is paid directly to your university.

Maintenance Loan

A Maintenance Loan helps with living costs while you study, including:

• Rent

• Household bills

• Food

• Travel expenses

The amount you receive depends on your personal circumstances.

Am I Eligible?

While every application is assessed individually, you may be eligible if:

✓ You are aged 18 or over

✓ You have lived lawfully in the UK for at least the last 3 consecutive years before your course starts

✓ You hold an eligible immigration status

✓ You are applying for an approved higher education course

✓ You meet Student Finance England residency requirements

Meeting these criteria does not automatically guarantee funding, but they are a good starting point.

Immigration Status and Student Finance

British Citizens

British citizens who meet the residency requirements are usually eligible for both Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loans.

Settled Status

If you have Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you will generally be assessed in the same way as a British citizen.

This normally means you may be eligible for:

• Tuition Fee Loan

• Maintenance Loan

Pre-Settled Status

If you hold Pre-Settled Status, your eligibility will depend on your individual circumstances.

In many cases, students must have lived lawfully in the UK for at least 3 years before their course starts.

Generally speaking:

• EU, EEA and Swiss citizens with Pre-Settled Status may be eligible for both Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loans.

• Some non-EU citizens with Pre-Settled Status may be eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan but may not qualify for a Maintenance Loan.

Student Finance England will assess each application individually.

Refugee Status and Humanitarian Protection

Students with Refugee Status or Humanitarian Protection may also be eligible for Student Finance, depending on their circumstances.

Other Immigration Categories

Eligibility can also apply to some students with Limited Leave to Remain or other qualifying immigration permissions.

What Does "Lawfully Resident" Mean?

In most cases, Student Finance England expects students to have lived legally in the UK for at least 3 consecutive years before the start of their course.

Examples may include:

• British Citizenship

• Settled Status

• Pre-Settled Status

• Indefinite Leave to Remain

• Refugee Status

• Humanitarian Protection

• Other eligible immigration categories

Is There an Age Limit?

Many people believe they are too old for university.

In reality, mature students start degrees every year in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond.

Student Finance rules continue to evolve, particularly with the introduction of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE). Eligibility can depend on factors such as your age, course and circumstances.

If you are approaching age 60 and are unsure about your eligibility, we recommend seeking advice before applying.

What Does Student Finance Pay For?

Student finance covers two main costs:

Tuition Fee Loan

This loan pays your tuition fees directly to your university or college. It covers the full amount of your course fees up to the maximum set by the government.

Maintenance Loan

This loan helps with your living costs while studying. The amount depends on your household income, where you live, and whether you study full-time or part-time. For example, students living away from home in London receive higher maintenance loans due to higher living costs.

Student budgeting finances

When Do You Start Repaying?

Student loans work differently from bank loans.

You normally begin repaying your student loan from the April after you leave your course, but only if your income is above the repayment threshold applicable to your loan plan.

For many students, this means repayments will only begin once they are earning above the minimum income threshold set by the government.

Repayments are automatically deducted through the tax system, similar to Income Tax and National Insurance. If your income falls below the repayment threshold, repayments stop automatically.

Many graduates never repay the full amount of their student loan, and any remaining balance is usually written off after the applicable repayment period.

Common Myths About Student Finance

"I'm too old to go to university."

False. Mature students are welcomed by universities across England and many begin studying later in life.

"I Need A-Levels."

Not always. Many students enter university through Foundation Year programmes or by using previous qualifications and work experience.

"I Must Be a British Citizen."

Not necessarily. Students with Settled Status, Pre-Settled Status, Refugee Status and certain other immigration categories may also qualify.

"I Have to Pay Everything Back Immediately."

No. Student loan repayments only begin when your income reaches the repayment threshold applicable to your loan plan.

Still Not Sure?

Student Finance rules can be complex, especially if you have:

• Pre-Settled Status

• Previous university study

• Limited Leave to Remain

• Refugee Status

• Gaps in your UK residency history

If you're unsure about your eligibility, contact our team and we'll help you understand your options before you apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get student finance if I study part-time?

Yes, part-time students can apply for tuition fee loans and, in some cases, maintenance loans.

Do I need to reapply every year?

Yes, you must reapply for student finance each academic year.

What if I have previous student loans?

Your new loans will be added to your existing balance and repaid together.

Can I get extra support if I have children?

Yes, additional grants and allowances may be available for students with dependents.

Mature student applying for student finance online

Returning to education later in life may feel daunting, but thousands of mature students start university every year with the support of Student Finance England.

The rules can seem complicated, particularly if you have a non-standard immigration status or have been out of education for a long time. However, many students are eligible for support and are pleasantly surprised by the opportunities available to them.

If you're unsure where you stand, don't assume you're not eligible. Seek advice, explore your options and take the first step towards your future.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article was accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication (June 2026). Student Finance regulations, eligibility criteria, immigration requirements and funding arrangements can change over time.

Before making any decisions about your application or funding, we recommend checking the latest guidance directly with Student Finance England. 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