Yes, for courses starting on or after 1 January 2027 you must be under 60 on the first day of your course to get a Tuition Fee Loan in England. If you are 60 or over, you may still be able to get a loan to help with living costs. There is no minimum age for adults, so you can apply at 25, 40 or 59.
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Courses starting from 1 January 2027: under 60
From January 2027, Student Finance in England moves to the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement. Under these rules, gov.uk says you must be under 60 on the first day of your course to apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. What counts is your age on the day your course starts, not the day you apply.
If you are 60 or over
If you are 60 or over when your course starts, you may be able to apply for a loan to help with living costs, but not a Tuition Fee Loan. You would need another way to pay the course fees, for example savings, an employer, or a university bursary or scholarship. Talk to us before you apply so you know the options for your course.
Courses that started before 1 January 2027
Under the older rules, for courses that started before 1 January 2027, there was no upper age limit for a Tuition Fee Loan, and students aged 60 or over could usually only get a reduced Maintenance Loan. These rules still apply to students already on those courses.
Does being older change repayments?
No. Repayments are based on what you earn, not your age. You only repay once you earn over the repayment threshold set by government, and nothing while you earn below it. Any balance left at the end of the repayment term is written off.
Mature students are usually assessed on their own income
If you are 25 or over at the start of the academic year, Student Finance England normally treats you as an independent student. That means your own income, and that of a partner you live with, is used for an income-assessed Maintenance Loan. Your parents' income is not. See our guide to independent student status.
What matters more than your age
- Where you live: the routes we support are for people living in England.
- Your status: residency and immigration status are checked on every application. See am I eligible for Student Finance.
- Previous study: funding you have used before is taken off your entitlement. See how many years of Student Finance you can get.
How Dream Wise can help
Many of the people we help start university in their thirties, forties and fifties. We talk through your situation, explain what Student Finance England will ask for and help you prepare your application. Our guidance is free to students, and Student Finance England makes all decisions on eligibility and amounts.
Quick answers
Can I get Student Finance at 40 or 50?
Yes. For courses starting from 1 January 2027 you can get a Tuition Fee Loan if you are under 60 on the first day of your course, subject to the usual eligibility rules.
Can I get Student Finance over 60?
For courses starting from 1 January 2027, you cannot get a Tuition Fee Loan if you are 60 or over on the first day of your course, but you may be able to get a loan to help with living costs. Check gov.uk for the current rules.
I am 59. Can I still start in January 2027?
Yes, if you are still under 60 on the first day of your course you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, as long as you meet the other eligibility rules.
Am I too old to go to university?
No. Universities accept students of all ages, and many degree routes are designed for adults returning to study, including degrees with a foundation year.
Who decides whether I am eligible?
Student Finance England. Dream Wise is an independent consultancy and cannot decide or promise any outcome.
Talk to an adviser, free
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For adults living in England who haven’t studied at university before.
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Next step: get free help with your Student Finance England application, or check if you're eligible for Student Finance.
This article is general information only, not financial or legal advice, and is not affiliated with Student Finance England, UCAS, any university or government body. Rules, amounts and processes can change. Always confirm current details at gov.uk and with the relevant provider. © 2026 Dream Wise Education Ltd.
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