Deciding to return to education, especially when you’re over 21, can be a bit challenging. Due to responsibilities, work, and financial uncertainty, many adult learners are in doubt. However, friend, you should know that to make your journey to the UK easier, support for mature students is available through a comprehensive system.

In this special guide, we’ll open the door to everything you need to know about what support is available for mature students in the UK. Here, you’ll find details on financial support options (such as mature student finance), academic assistance, and mental wellbeing services.

We understand that navigating loans, grants, and course options can be daunting. But don’t worry! At Just Educated, we help adult learners find loans, grants, and course options with ease. You’re not alone – this comprehensive guide is the key to starting your new life.

Who is considered a mature student?

In UK Higher Education, there is a clear definition of who is classed as a mature student. Generally, a student is considered a ‘mature student’ if they are aged 21 or over on the day they start their course. Student Finance England (SFE) sometimes classifies students aged 25 or over who are not normally dependent on their parents’ income as mature students. 

This definition aims to identify adult students who are returning to study after a career break or a long break. Please note that there may be slight differences in the admissions rules of different UK institutions or universities, particularly when you are applying for university admissions as a mature student with no qualifications. But the main point is that you are eligible for special benefits as an older learner.

Financial Support for Mature Students

One of the biggest barriers to returning to study is financial. However, the UK government and various institutions are offering student finance for mature students. There are several measures in place to make it easier.

Student Loans

The main financial aid for adult students comes from the Student Loan Company (SLC):

• Tuition Fee Loans: These are provided to cover your course fees and are not based on your household income. In the 2024-25 academic year, a student can get up to £9,535 per year (usually). This loan is paid directly to the university or college.
• Maintenance Loans: These loans help to cover living costs (rent, food, etc.). The amount of this loan depends on your household income, where you are studying (in or out of London), and the location of your course. The mature student maintenance loan amount can be higher because family income (such as parents’ income) is usually not taken into account for students over 25—only your or your partner’s (if any) income is considered.

Important note: Full maintenance loans are usually limited or low for students aged 60 and over. Can a 60-year-old get a student loan? The answer is: Yes, they can get a tuition fee loan, but instead of a full maintenance loan, they may be eligible for a smaller, income-based ‘Special Support Loan’.

Grants and Bursaries

These are non-repayable funds, which do not have to be paid back.

• Grants for Mature Students UK: Many UK universities offer specific scholarships or bursaries specifically for adult students. These are often awarded based on family income, special skills or financial hardship. How much is a mature student grant? There is no specific answer to this, as it depends on the institution and your situation.

You can also explore HND in Business or HND in Healthcare Practice programmes that often come with financial or institutional support for mature students aiming for a career upgrade.

Advanced Learner Loan – ALL

If you are undertaking a Level 3 to Level 6 course (such as an Access to HE Diploma) before starting higher education, you may be able to access funding through the Advanced Learner Loan overview. The key benefits are:

• It is income-independent.
• The biggest benefit is that if you complete a higher education course (such as a degree) using this loan after completing your Access to HE Diploma, the outstanding amount of your Advanced Learner Loan is written off.

Childcare and Parent Support

Adult students who need family support can get the following additional grants (2024-25 figures):

• Childcare Grant: This covers up to 85% of your childcare costs. Up to a maximum of £193.62 per week for one child and up to £331.95 per week for two or more children.
• Parents’ Learning Allowance: You can get this additional grant depending on your family income, up to a maximum of £1,963.
• Adult Dependants’ Grant: If you have an adult dependant, you can get up to £3,438 per year.

Financial Hardship Funds

Every university usually has some emergency funds called ‘Hardship Fund’ or ‘Bursary Fund’, which are used for students who face unexpected financial difficulties. These are usually quick and university-specific emergency funding.

You are not alone in this complex world of financial aid. Our Just Educated team can help you find out which funds you are eligible for and simplify your application process.

Academic and Personal Support

When returning to education after a long break, it is important to prepare yourself academically. Universities ensure this academic support for students returning to study.

Study Skills Programs

Universities offer special workshops and modules on study skills and adjustment for mature students. These include:

• Essay writing and research
• Time management
• Digital literacy
• Exam techniques

Access to Higher Education Diplomas

The Access to HE diploma for mature students is an important pathway for older learners who do not have the necessary qualifications to enter a university degree course directly. Over 30,000 students in the UK undertake this diploma course each year, which provides the necessary foundation for success in higher education. As previously mentioned, the Advanced Learner Loan taken out for this course is waived on completion of the degree.

Student Wellbeing Services

Personal support is essential to managing the pressures of study, work, and family life. Universities offer a range of student support services, including:

• Counselling: Professional counseling services for mental health and stress management.
• Special Assistance: Special arrangements for students with physical disabilities or long-term health problems.
• Advisor: A designated academic advisor to discuss course load, schedule, and any personal issues.

Community and Social Support

In addition to studying, adapting to social life is also important.

• Mature Student Groups: Almost every student union has specific clubs or groups for adult students support groups for mature students UK. It helps you connect with people with similar experiences and build a strong social network.

Other Practical Resources

Beyond financial and academic support, there are some practical resources to make your life in the UK easier:

• Mature Student Railcard (National Rail): It’s usually called the 16-25 Railcard, but you’re eligible for it regardless of age if you’re a full-time student. It gives you a one-third (1/3rd) discount on most train journeys in the UK. Spending just £35 for a year (2024-25) could save you an average of £208 a year. It’s essential for making mature student travel affordable.
• Student Discounts: You can get massive discounts at various shops, restaurants and services through platforms like the NUS Totum Card.
• Library and IT Support: Modern education requires digital tools and research. Universities provide free library access, computer labs, and support for course materials (course materials funding).

FAQs about What Support Is Available for Mature Students

What help can I get as a mature student? 

You can get a range of financial and academic support, including tuition fees and maintenance loans, childcare grants, parents’ learning allowances, and the university’s own hardship fund.

Can a 60-year-old get a student loan? (

Yes, they can get a tuition fee loan. However, instead of a full maintenance loan, they can get a smaller, income-tested ‘Special Support Loan’.

Do mature students get Universal Credit? 

Full-time students are not generally eligible for Universal Credit (UC). However, there are some exceptions, such as if you have children, if you are disabled and assessed as having ‘limited capability for work’ before starting your course, or if you are a part-time student and are available for work.

What is the age limit for Student Finance in the UK? 

There is no upper age limit for tuition fee loans or most grants. However, the Full Maintenance Loan (living expenses) becomes a lower, means-tested loan for those aged 60 and over.

How much is the Access to HE loan written off? 

If you successfully complete a higher education course (such as a degree) after completing an Access to HE Diploma using an Advanced Learner Loan, the Access to HE Loan will have the Full amount due waived.

Can I study full-time and claim benefits? 

Most government benefits (such as UC) require you to meet certain conditions (such as being available for work), which may conflict with full-time study. Exceptions include: You can get UC if you are a child or disabled. In each case, you will need to:

How Just Educated Can Help

returning to study this exciting but complicated path of Just Educated, your trusted guide. As UK education consultants, we understand your specific needs.

We help you:

• Financial instructions: We analyse your situation and offer all types of financial aid, including tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, childcare grants and university bursaries. mature student finance. 
• Course and University Applications: Considering your previous experience and qualifications, the right adult learning guidance can simplify the application process to the universities of your choice.
• Timely advice: We keep you informed about the eligibility criteria and application deadlines, so that you don’t miss out on any opportunities.

JustEducated Secure your future investment and start your education with confidence.

Get Free Consultation Today 

Returning to study is an exciting but complicated path — that’s where Just Educated, your trusted guide, steps in. As UK education consultants, we understand your specific needs.

We help you:

• Financial instructions: We analyse your situation and offer all types of financial aid, including tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, childcare grants and university bursaries. Let us help you identify your best mature student finance options.
• Course and University Applications: Considering your previous experience and qualifications, the right adult learning guidance can simplify the application process to the universities of your choice.
• Timely advice: We keep you informed about the eligibility criteria and application deadlines, so that you don’t miss out on any opportunities.

Secure your future investment with Just Educated and start your education with confidence.

Conclusion

The decision to start your education as an adult student is not just a career change, it’s a new chapter in life. This comprehensive guide shows you that there is no shortage of support for mature students to help you succeed in the UK. From financial packages to personal adult learning guidance, everything is in place for you.

Remember, as every door closes, a new window opens. And you don’t have to walk this path alone. The experienced team at Just Educated are here to guide you. Contact us today and get personal adult learning guidance on your mature student finance and course options. Now is the time to make your dreams come true.