Lori Meadows
Returning to education as a mature student can be a daunting task, not only from the perspective of coursework but also from the perspective of funding. Mature students often have established lives and families and are faced with the challenge of balancing university coursework and adult responsibilities, like mortgages and childcare. However, there are various funding options available for mature students, including loans, grants, scholarships, and bursaries. These can help cover tuition fees and living costs, such as food, accommodation, and travel. In addition, there are specific funds that mature students may be more likely to be eligible for, such as the Parents' Learning Allowance, Childcare Grants, and the Adult Dependants' Grant.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student loans | Tuition Fee Loans, Maintenance Loans |
| Grants | Childcare Grants, Adult Dependants' Grant, Mortgage repayment grants, Single Parents Grant, Parents' Learning Allowance |
| Scholarships | N/A |
| Bursaries | N/A |
| Employer financial support | N/A |
| University financial support | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Tuition fee loans
All full-time undergraduate students are eligible for student finance, provided they meet some basic criteria: Residency – the student is a UK national or has settled status, normally lives in their home country, and has been living in the UK, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man for three years before the beginning of the course. The student's university or college – they are studying at a recognised publicly-funded university or college (or a private institution studying a course approved for public funding). The student's course – they are studying a recognised full-time course e.g. a first degree, a foundation degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND), or an initial Teacher Training course.
Students can apply for student finance online. It is recommended that they apply as soon as possible so their funding is in place for the start of their course. Students will need to agree to the terms and conditions of the relevant student finance body. When registering, they will be given a unique Customer Reference Number, and will need to create a password and secret answer.
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Maintenance loans
The criteria for maintenance loans vary slightly across the UK, and the maximum amount you can apply for depends on whether you qualify as an 'independent student'. Usually, the maintenance funding a student receives is based on their household income. Students can also apply for a Maintenance Grant, and eligible students can also get a Special Support Grant.
Students from Scotland and the EU (excluding England, Wales, or Northern Ireland) can study for free in Scotland as the Scottish Government pays the yearly course fee on their behalf. Students from Northern Ireland who choose to study at a Northern Irish course provider will have their tuition fees capped. However, if they choose to study elsewhere in the UK, the costs will be higher. In this case, they can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the yearly course costs.
Students with children or dependent adults can apply for additional support. If you are eligible for extra financial help, this will be awarded once your household income has been assessed.
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Grants for childcare, mortgage repayment, and single parents
As a mature student, you may have additional financial responsibilities, such as childcare, mortgage payments, and single parenthood, which can make pursuing a university education more challenging. Here are some grants and funding options available to help you navigate these specific concerns:
Childcare Grants
Full-time students with children under 15 (or under 17 with special educational needs) can apply for a Childcare Grant to assist with childcare costs. The grant amount depends on your location within the UK and the number of children it will cover. For instance, in England, you could receive up to £193.62 per week for one child or up to £331.95 per week for two or more children, covering up to 85% of your childcare costs.
Adult Dependants' Grant
If you have an adult who depends on you financially, you may be eligible for the Adult Dependants' Grant. This grant is available for full-time students and offers up to £3,354 per year in England and £3,322 in Wales for the 2023/24 academic year.
Parents' Learning Allowance (PLA)
As a parent, you could claim up to £1,963 per year through the Parents' Learning Allowance, depending on your location in the UK.
University Bursaries and Grants
Many universities offer bursaries and grants for students with specific needs, including single parents. These grants can help with tuition fees and living costs.
Student Loans and Maintenance Loans
Student loans provided by the government can cover tuition fees and living costs. Repayments for these loans are income-contingent, meaning they are based on your earnings after graduation. Additionally, Maintenance Loans are available to assist with living costs, and the amount depends on your household income.
Low-Income Scholarships, Grants, and Bursaries
If your household income falls below a certain threshold, you may be eligible for financial assistance through scholarships, grants, and bursaries offered by universities. These can help alleviate the financial burden of university expenses.
It is important to note that funding options may vary depending on your location within the UK, with England offering more extensive part-time Student Finance options compared to other regions. It is always advisable to explore all funding options, including grants, scholarships, and bursaries, to maximise your financial support as a mature student.
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Scholarships
Most adult scholarships have no age restrictions and accept both part-time and full-time students, providing the flexibility that adult students often need. These scholarships are offered exclusively for "non-traditional" or "independent" students who are not currently enrolled or are considerably older than the typical 18-22-year-old undergraduate student.
There are a variety of scholarships available to mature students, including:
- The Wynetta A. Frazier "Sister-to-Sister" Scholarship - This scholarship provides financial assistance to mature African American women pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have had their education interrupted by family responsibilities or other personal demands.
- The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Altrusa International Scholarship - This scholarship is offered to students from Kent, Allegan, Ionia, Ottawa, Montcalm, or Muskegon Counties who are returning to college after sitting out of school for at least two years. Applicants must provide two letters of recommendation.
- The Boundless Opportunity Scholarship - This scholarship is available at select two- and four-year colleges and universities in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Applicants must be US citizens who are at least 24 years old.
- The Beryl Stevens Memorial Bursary for Mature Age Students at Griffith University - This scholarship provides a AU$1,000 (approx. US$750) bursary for mature students enrolled in a program within the school of Humanities at Griffith University. Applicants must be over 30 years old and permanent residents of Australia.
- The Royal Holloway’s Access Entry Mature Students Bursary - Full-time undergraduate students over the age of 21 with a household income of less than £25,000 (approx. US$33,570) can apply for this £1,000 (approx. US$1,340) per year scholarship. Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate course at Royal Holloway, University of London.
- The Ford ReStart Program Scholarship - This needs-based scholarship covers 90% of college costs.
- The Women Careers Foundation - British women over the age of 21 who are in financial need and want to further their education at any UK university can apply for this scholarship.
In addition to these scholarships, mature students may also be eligible for regular scholarships that are not specifically targeted at mature students. It is worth checking the eligibility criteria of any scholarship you are interested in to see if you qualify.
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Bursaries
As a mature student, you can apply for bursaries, scholarships, and grants, in addition to loans, to fund your university education.
The University of Leicester, for example, offers a £1,000 bursary to mature students (21 or older) starting a full-time campus-based undergraduate degree in the 2024/25 academic year. This scholarship is a single cash payment and does not require a separate application.
Postgrad.com also offers a £500 bursary to students offered a place on a postgraduate programme.
Additionally, mature students with disabilities may be eligible for extra funding through the Disabled Student Allowance. This is offered by both the government and universities themselves.
It is worth noting that funding for mature students can sometimes be more complicated than for younger students, especially if studying part-time. Part-time students are generally not eligible for government loans for living expenses, but they can apply for loans to cover tuition fees.
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Frequently asked questions
Mature students can access funding in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries.
You can apply for student finance as a mature student through the relevant regional Student Finance body. Applications open at different times depending on the organisation (e.g. Student Finance England or Student Awards Agency Scotland). It's best to apply early to ensure your finances are ready for the start of your course.
The amount of funding you can receive depends on factors such as your household income, where you live, where you plan to study, and what level of study you are applying for.
Yes, mature students may be eligible for funds such as the Parents' Learning Allowance (PLA), Childcare Grants, and the Adult Dependants' Grant. Universities may also offer grants specifically for mature students.
If you are unable to secure funding, you may want to consider working part-time alongside your studies. Talk to your employer about arranging a work schedule that fits around your course.
