There is no upper age limit for a tuition fee loan in England, so you can apply at 30, 45 or 60. The maintenance loan is different: students aged 60 or over at the start of their course can usually only get a reduced amount.
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Tuition fee loan: no upper age limit
The tuition fee loan covers your course fees and is paid directly to your university. Your age does not stop you applying. What matters is your course, your residency and immigration status, and any previous higher education study.
Maintenance loan: age can affect the amount
The maintenance loan helps with living costs. To be considered for the full loan you normally need to be under 60 on the first day of the first academic year of your course. If you are 60 or over, a smaller amount may be available. The current rules and amounts are on gov.uk/student-finance.
Does being older change repayments?
No. Repayments are based on what you earn, not your age. You repay a percentage of your income above the repayment threshold, and nothing while you earn below it. Any balance left at the end of the repayment term is written off. The current terms are on gov.uk.
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 the income-assessed part of the 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.
- Previous study: higher education you have already done can reduce the funding left. 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. There is no upper age limit for a tuition fee loan in England, and students under 60 at the start of their course can be considered for the full maintenance loan, subject to the usual eligibility rules.
Can I get Student Finance over 60?
You can still apply for a tuition fee loan. For the maintenance loan, students aged 60 or over at the start of their course can usually only get a reduced amount. Check gov.uk for the current 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.
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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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