Yes, you can go to university at 40, 50 or older. Universities accept adults of any age, and 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. Many adults start with a degree that includes a foundation year, which does not need A levels.
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Am I too old for university at 40 or 50?
No. Universities do not set an upper age limit for applicants, and many people start a degree in their 40s or 50s after years of work or raising a family. What changes with age is mostly the practical side: fitting study around a job, children or caring, and how Student Finance applies to you.
Is there funding for adults over 40?
For courses starting on or after 1 January 2027, Student Finance in England moves to the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. Gov.uk says you must be under 60 on the first day of your course to apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. If you are 60 or over, you may be able to apply for a loan to help with living costs instead. Read more on the Student Finance age limit.
The Tuition Fee Loan is paid straight to your university or college. You repay it only once you have finished or left your course and earn over the repayment threshold set by government. You can also apply for a Maintenance Loan for living costs if you attend your course in person.
"Government funded courses for over 40s": what that really means
Degrees in England are not free, but the government lends you the fees through Student Finance. Some other options are free or grant-funded:
- A free level 3 course. Gov.uk's Free Courses for Jobs page says adults aged 19 or over could get a free level 3 qualification, depending on income and the rules in your area.
- Access to HE with the loan written off. If you take an Access to Higher Education Diploma with an Advanced Learner Loan, Student Finance England writes off what is left of that loan once you complete an eligible higher education course.
- Grants you do not pay back. If you have children or an adult who depends on you, or a disability, you may get extra help. See grants for mature students.
I already have a degree. Can I get funding again?
Possibly. Under the new rules gov.uk says you may be eligible even if you have studied before, including for a second undergraduate degree, as long as you have Tuition Fee Loan entitlement left. Funding you have had before is usually taken off your total. See how much Student Finance you can get.
University courses for adults: the usual routes
- A degree with a foundation year. An extra first year that prepares you for degree study. Many accept adults without A levels, with entry based on an interview or a short task. See university without A levels.
- A foundation degree or Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ). Shorter, job-focused qualifications that can often be topped up to a full degree later.
- An Access to HE Diploma at a local college, if your chosen course asks for it.
To get Student Finance you normally need to study between 30 and 180 credits a year. A full-time year is usually 120 credits.
Fitting a degree around work and family
Most adults we speak to keep working while they study. Timetables vary by course and university: some teach on set days, some in the evening or at weekends, and some mix campus and online study. We check the timetable against your week before you apply. See studying around work.
How Dream Wise helps
We help adults living in England choose a course, apply to university and prepare their Student Finance England application, free to students. Universities decide on places and Student Finance England decides on funding, so we never promise either.
Related guides
- Is there an age limit for Student Finance?
- Grants for mature students in the UK
- Can you go to university without A levels?
Quick answers
Can I go to university at 40?
Yes. Universities accept adults of any age, and many people start a degree in their 40s. 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.
Is there an age limit for Student Finance?
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. If you are 60 or over you may be able to get a loan for living costs.
Are there government funded courses for over 40s?
Degrees are not free, but the government lends you the fees through Student Finance. Adults aged 19 or over could get a free level 3 course through Free Courses for Jobs, depending on income and local rules.
Can I get Student Finance if I already have a degree?
Possibly. For courses from 1 January 2027 you may be eligible for a second degree if you still have Tuition Fee Loan entitlement left. Student Finance England confirms this.
Do I need A levels to go to university as an adult?
Not always. Many degrees with a foundation year accept adults without A levels and assess you by interview or a short task. Each university sets its own entry requirements.
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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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