Student Finance
This page provides an overview of student finance options that may be available to mature learners studying undergraduate courses in England.
Pursuing higher education as a mature student can involve additional financial considerations. Understanding the types of financial support available can help you plan for your studies and make informed decisions. Below is an outline of the main funding options that may be available to mature students, as well as support that is available to undergraduate students more generally.
Please note that eligibility criteria and funding amounts are set by external bodies and may change from year to year. Applicants are encouraged to check the latest information directly with Student Finance England.
Student Finance for Mature Learners
Tuition Fee Loan
Most eligible UK students, and some EU students with settled or pre-settled status, may apply for a tuition fee loan. This loan is not means-tested, meaning household income is not taken into account.
The tuition fee loan covers the cost of tuition fees up to the maximum set for the course and is paid directly to the higher education provider on the student’s behalf.
Maintenance Loan
The maintenance loan is a means-tested loan paid directly to students by Student Finance England to help with living costs. Household income is taken into account when calculating entitlement, along with factors such as where you live and when you start your course.
The maximum amount available varies by academic year and individual circumstances. Up-to-date figures are published annually by Student Finance England.
Childcare Grant
The Childcare Grant may be available to eligible full-time students who pay for registered childcare for children under 15 (or under 17 for children with special educational needs).
This grant does not need to be repaid. The amount received depends on household income and the number of children in childcare. Payments are made through the Childcare Grant Payment Service.
Adult Dependants’ Grant
Full-time students who have an adult who depends on them financially may be eligible for the Adult Dependants’ Grant. This grant does not need to be repaid and is assessed based on household income and personal circumstances.
Maximum amounts are set annually by Student Finance England.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Some higher education providers offer scholarships or bursaries based on a range of criteria, which may include age, background, academic achievement or postcode.
These awards do not need to be repaid. Availability, eligibility criteria and application processes vary by provider. Applicants should contact the relevant enrolment or admissions team for further information.
Parents’ Learning Allowance
Students studying full-time who have dependent children may be eligible for the Parents’ Learning Allowance. This allowance is means-tested and does not need to be repaid.
Funding amounts vary by academic year and individual circumstances.
Support for Student Carers
Students who have caring responsibilities may be able to access additional academic or financial support, depending on their circumstances and the policies of their higher education provider.
This may include flexibility around assessment deadlines or access to targeted financial support. Applicants are encouraged to disclose caring responsibilities during the application or enrolment process to ensure appropriate guidance can be provided.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
Disabled Students’ Allowance helps cover additional study-related costs that arise due to a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty.
DSA is available in addition to other student finance and does not need to be repaid. Support is based on individual needs rather than household income, with maximum amounts set annually.
Hardship Funds
Many higher education providers offer hardship funds to support students experiencing financial difficulty during their studies. Access to these funds is usually based on individual circumstances and subject to eligibility criteria.
UKCBC offers a hardship fund for students facing financial difficulty. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking personal circumstances into account.