Student Finance for Mature Students in England: A Guide

Money can be one of the biggest worries when you're thinking about university as an adult. You may have rent or a mortgage, bills, children or a job you can't simply stop. You might assume Student Finance is only for school leavers, or that you won't qualify. This guide explains the basics in plain English.

Please note: we're not financial advisers. This is general information only, and the rules can change. Always check the official details at gov.uk/student-finance .

What Student Finance can cover

In England, Student Finance mainly offers two loans:

Tuition Fee Loan – covers your course fees. It's paid straight to the university, so you never handle it.
Maintenance Loan – helps with living costs such as rent, food, bills and travel. It's paid to you, and how much you can get depends on things like your household income and where you live while studying.

Some students may also get extra help, depending on their circumstances. This can include support if you have children, an adult who depends on you financially, a disability, a long-term health condition or a specific learning difficulty. Some of this extra help doesn't need to be paid back.

Who can get it

There's no single answer, because Student Finance England looks at several things together:

your nationality or immigration status
where you live, and how long you've lived there
your course and where you'll study it
your age
any university study you've done before

This means two people on the same course can get different decisions.

You don't have to be a British citizen. People with other statuses, such as settled or pre-settled status, indefinite leave to remain or refugee status, may also qualify. The exact rules depend on your situation, so check gov.uk carefully.

What's changing from January 2027

The government is bringing in a new system called the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) . It's designed to give people more flexibility to study at different points in their lives, whether for a whole course or for shorter modules.

If your course starts before January 2027 , the current Student Finance system applies.
If your course starts in or after January 2027 , the LLE applies. The government's student finance site says applications open from the end of October 2026.

Under the LLE, some rules are changing, including rules about previous study and age. If you've studied before, or you're close to or over 60, it's especially important to check the official guidance on gov.uk/student-finance .

Common worries, answered

"I'm too old for Student Finance."

Age alone doesn't automatically rule you out. Some rules do depend on age, so check the details for your situation.

"I started a degree years ago, so I can't get anything."

Previous study can affect what you get, but it doesn't always mean you get nothing. Tell Student Finance England about it honestly.

"I'll have to start paying it back straight away."

You only repay once your income is above a set level, called the repayment threshold. If your income falls below it, your repayments stop. If you're employed, repayments are usually taken through your pay, like tax.

"It will be just like a bank loan."

Student loans work differently from most bank loans. Read the official repayment information at gov.uk/repaying-your-student-loan before you decide.

Where to get help with your situation

Everyone's circumstances are different, so it's worth getting advice before you apply:

gov.uk/student-finance for official rules and to apply
The university's student money or funding team , who can explain bursaries and support
Citizens Advice for free, independent advice, including how study may affect any benefits you get
Your work coach , if you receive Universal Credit or other benefits

Key takeaways

Student Finance in England mainly offers a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan.
Extra help may be available if you have children, dependants or a disability.
Eligibility depends on several things, including status, residency, age and previous study.
Courses starting from January 2027 come under the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement.
You only repay once you earn above the threshold.
We're not financial advisers. Check gov.uk and get personal advice from Citizens Advice.

Not sure where you stand? Check your eligibility for free support .

Important information

This guide gives general information about Student Finance in England. It was last updated in October 2026.

Student Finance rules depend on your circumstances and can change. Immigration status alone does not confirm eligibility, and different residence rules can apply to different groups of students.

For the latest information, visit gov.uk/student-finance or contact Student Finance England .

Orienta provides guidance and application support, but we are not financial advisers and we do not make Student Finance decisions. Final decisions are made by Student Finance England. For advice on your personal situation, you can also speak to Citizens Advice .