Returning to education as an adult can open the door to new career opportunities, better qualifications and a fresh professional direction. But before choosing a university course, many mature students ask an important question: which courses qualify for student finance?
You might be interested in business management, computing, accounting, healthcare, law or teaching. Perhaps you want to change careers, improve your current qualifications or finally study a subject you have always wanted to pursue.
The good news is that financial support is available for a wide range of eligible higher education courses in England. However, not every qualification or training programme qualifies for the same funding.
Your eligibility depends on several factors, including the type of course, the education provider, your previous study, your age and your nationality or residency status.
Student finance rules are also changing. Courses starting before 1 January 2027 generally fall under the existing student finance system, while most eligible courses starting from that date will come under the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).
This guide explains the main subject areas to consider, the qualifications that may qualify for funding and what mature students should check before applying.
Which Types of Courses Qualify for Student Finance?
Under the current Student Finance England system, eligible qualifications can include a range of undergraduate and certain other higher education courses.
Examples include:
First undergraduate degrees, such as BA, BSc and BEd.
Foundation degrees.
Certificates of Higher Education (CertHE).
Diplomas of Higher Education (DipHE).
Higher National Certificates (HNCs).
Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).
Eligible initial teacher training courses.
Integrated master's degrees.
Eligible pre-registration postgraduate healthcare courses.
Certain Level 4 and Level 5 courses approved as Higher Technical Qualifications.
These are examples of qualifying course types, not a guarantee that every course with one of these names will receive funding. The institution and the specific course must meet the relevant requirements.
You can check the official GOV.UK student finance eligibility guidance before deciding which course to pursue.
1. Business and Management
Business and management degrees are worth considering if you want to move into management, develop commercial skills or progress into a more senior position.
Depending on your interests and career plans, potential options include:
Business Management.
Business Administration.
Human Resource Management.
International Business.
Project Management.
An eligible first undergraduate degree in these fields may qualify for student finance, subject to the usual course and applicant requirements.
For mature students who have already spent years working, a business-related degree may also help develop existing professional experience into formal academic qualifications.
Before enrolling, consider the course content, teaching schedule, assessment methods and how the qualification relates to your career goals.
2. Accounting and Finance
Accounting and finance courses may appeal to adults who want to enter the financial sector, progress in an existing role or develop commercial and analytical skills.
Possible areas of study include:
Accounting and Finance.
Finance and Economics.
Financial Management.
Business Finance.
Banking and Finance.
An eligible undergraduate degree in one of these areas may qualify for student finance.
However, a university degree is not the only route into accounting. Professional qualifications and standalone vocational courses can have different funding arrangements, so do not assume that every accounting qualification is covered by a Tuition Fee Loan.
If you already have a degree, check the rules carefully before applying for another qualification, because previous study can affect your entitlement under the current system.
3. Computing and Information Technology
Computing and technology are other subject areas that adults may consider when planning a career change.
Courses can cover practical technical skills, software development, digital systems and more specialised areas of computing.
Examples include:
Computer Science.
Software Development.
Information Technology.
Cyber Security.
Data and Computing.
Other eligible technology-related degrees.
An eligible first undergraduate degree in computing may qualify for student finance.
Under the existing system, some graduates seeking a second degree in computer science or certain related subjects may also qualify for limited funding, depending on the circumstances and course requirements.
The rules for second degrees are different from those for first degrees, so check your eligibility before committing to a course.
4. Healthcare and Social Care
Healthcare and social care are important options for mature students who want to develop their existing experience or enter a new profession.
Potential courses include:
Nursing.
Midwifery.
Allied health professions.
Health and Social Care.
Social Work.
Eligible healthcare-related degrees.
Some approved healthcare qualifications have specific funding arrangements, including exceptions to certain previous-study rules.
For example, eligible pre-registration postgraduate healthcare courses may receive undergraduate-style student finance rather than relying on the usual postgraduate master's funding route.
However, healthcare funding can be particularly course-specific. Some students may be subject to NHS bursary arrangements or other funding conditions.
Check the exact qualification and the funding arrangements with the university before applying.
5. Law, Social Sciences and Humanities
Law, social sciences and humanities can also provide routes into a wide range of careers.
Examples include:
Law.
Psychology.
Sociology.
Politics.
History.
English.
Other eligible arts and humanities degrees.
An eligible first undergraduate degree in one of these areas may qualify for student finance.
However, funding is not determined simply by the subject title. The course structure, qualification level and previous qualifications can all matter.
For example, someone applying for a first law degree may be assessed differently from someone who has already completed a degree and now wants to study law.
Before applying for a second degree, ask the university and Student Finance England whether your particular course is eligible.
6. Teaching and Education
Teaching and education courses may be suitable for adults who want to work in schools, early years education or other educational settings.
Eligible routes can include:
Initial Teacher Training.
Certain undergraduate teacher training courses.
Eligible postgraduate teacher training courses.
Some Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programmes.
Student finance arrangements differ depending on the qualification and whether you are studying at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
Some teacher-training programmes may also offer bursaries or other financial support, subject to separate eligibility criteria.
If your aim is to qualify as a teacher, research the course requirements, placement arrangements and available funding before making a decision.
See the official GOV.UK teacher training funding guidance for further information.
7. Engineering, Science and Technical Qualifications
Adults interested in technical careers may also want to investigate engineering, science and practical higher technical qualifications.
Eligible options can include certain:
Engineering degrees.
Science degrees.
Technology-related degrees.
Level 4 and Level 5 Higher Technical Qualifications.
The exact qualification matters. A course does not automatically qualify simply because it is described as technical or professional.
Check whether the course is an eligible qualification offered by an approved provider.
Can You Get Student Finance for a Foundation Year?
A foundation year can provide a route into a degree if you do not meet the university's standard entry requirements.
This can be particularly relevant for mature applicants who have been away from formal education for several years or do not have the traditional qualifications requested by a university.
However, it is important to understand the difference between a foundation degree and a foundation year.
A foundation degree is a higher education qualification in its own right. A foundation year is usually an additional preparatory year attached to a degree programme.
Their funding arrangements should not be assumed to be identical.
An integrated foundation year may be eligible as part of a qualifying degree course, but you should confirm the funding arrangements for the exact programme with the university or college before accepting an offer.
Not having A-Levels does not necessarily mean that university is out of reach. Different institutions have different admissions requirements and may consider alternative qualifications or relevant experience.
If you are unsure which route is appropriate, explore Learner Care's mature student admissions guidance for information about entry routes and applications.
Can Mature Students Get Student Finance for Part-Time Courses?
Yes, eligible part-time students may be able to receive student finance.
Under the current system, a part-time course generally needs a course intensity of at least 25% to qualify for student finance. Course intensity measures how much of the equivalent full-time course you complete each academic year.
Eligible students may be able to apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and, where the course and circumstances qualify, a Maintenance Loan.
However, not every part-time course qualifies for both forms of funding.
There are also additional restrictions for some distance-learning students. For example, under the existing rules, a part-time distance-learning student may only qualify for a Maintenance Loan in certain circumstances, including where distance learning is necessary because of a disability.
If you need to continue working while studying, compare part-time, full-time and distance-learning options carefully.
The official GOV.UK guidance for part-time students explains the current requirements.
What About Postgraduate Courses and Professional Qualifications?
Postgraduate study can be more complicated because different qualifications have different funding arrangements.
A standalone master's degree may qualify for a separate Postgraduate Master's Loan if you meet the relevant conditions.
Eligibility depends on factors including the course, provider, age, residency status and whether you have already received funding for a master's degree.
Integrated master's degrees and certain postgraduate teacher-training or healthcare qualifications may follow different routes.
Professional qualifications, short courses and private training programmes may not be eligible for standard undergraduate student finance, even when they are valued by employers.
Do not assume that every postgraduate course or professional qualification will be funded in the same way as an undergraduate degree.
You can review the official Postgraduate Master's Loan eligibility rules for further information.
Does Previous University Study Affect Student Finance?
Yes. This is especially important for mature students who already have a degree or previously started a course without completing it.
Under the current student finance system, funding is generally more restricted for people who already hold a higher education qualification. However, limited funding may be available in certain circumstances.
Relevant factors can include:
Whether you completed your previous course.
The number of years you studied.
Whether you received a qualification.
Whether you are changing courses or returning after withdrawing.
Whether your proposed course falls under a recognised exception.
Some healthcare courses and other specified subjects have different previous-study rules.
What is changing for students starting in 2027?
The new Lifelong Learning Entitlement is due to apply to most eligible courses and modules starting on or after 1 January 2027.
It is designed to provide a more flexible way of funding eligible higher-level study over a person's working life, including some shorter qualifications and modules.
Under the new system, eligible learners will usually have a total Tuition Fee Loan entitlement equivalent to four years of full-time tuition at the current reference rates. Previous government funding for higher-level study will generally reduce the amount remaining.
The LLE can therefore change the options available to returning learners, including some people who already hold a degree.
There are important conditions. Eligibility depends on the course, provider, age, residency, credits studied and previous funding.
For courses starting on or after 1 January 2027, tuition-fee funding under the LLE generally requires you to be under 60 on the first day of your course. Some people aged 60 or over may qualify for limited living-cost support instead.
For the latest details, consult the official GOV.UK Lifelong Learning Entitlement guidance.
Which Courses Will Be Covered by the Lifelong Learning Entitlement?
The LLE is intended to cover most eligible qualifications at Levels 4 to 6, as well as some Level 7 courses.
This includes many undergraduate degrees and certain postgraduate and further education qualifications.
Depending on the course and your circumstances, support may include a Tuition Fee Loan, a Maintenance Loan or additional grants and allowances.
However, the LLE does not mean that every short course, module or professional qualification automatically qualifies for funding.
For example, the provider must meet the relevant requirements, and the number of credits studied can affect eligibility and entitlement.
Applications for LLE funding for eligible courses starting from January 2027 are due to open at the end of October 2026.
If you are planning to start university in 2027, check the new rules rather than relying exclusively on information written for the current system.
How to Check Whether Your Course Qualifies for Student Finance
Before applying, work through the following steps.
Step 1: Confirm the exact qualification
Identify whether you are applying for a bachelor's degree, foundation degree, HNC, HND, postgraduate qualification or another course type.
Step 2: Check the university or college
Ask the provider to confirm whether the exact course is eligible for student finance and which funding route applies to your intended start date.
Step 3: Consider your previous study
If you already have a degree or have previously attended university, check how your study history affects your entitlement.
Step 4: Check your personal eligibility
Your age, nationality, residency status and other circumstances can affect which funding is available.
Step 5: Check the course start date
Courses starting before 1 January 2027 generally follow the current funding arrangements. Most eligible courses starting from that date will come under the LLE, although some types of postgraduate funding have separate rules.
Step 6: Compare the complete costs
Even if a course qualifies for a Tuition Fee Loan, you should consider accommodation, transport, food, study materials and any costs that the loan will not cover.
A Maintenance Loan may not cover every living expense, and funding is not guaranteed until your eligibility has been assessed.
Can You Get Student Finance if You Are Over 30?
Yes, being over 30 does not automatically prevent you from receiving student finance.
Under the current Student Finance England system, there is no upper age limit for Tuition Fee Loans. Other eligibility requirements still apply.
The position changes for most eligible courses starting on or after 1 January 2027, when tuition-fee funding under the Lifelong Learning Entitlement generally requires applicants to be under 60 at the start of the course.
Mature students should therefore check the rules applicable to their course start date rather than assuming that age has no bearing on every form of funding.
How Learner Care Can Help You Explore Your Options
Choosing the right course involves more than finding a qualification that interests you. You also need to consider entry requirements, your previous education, the time commitment and the funding arrangements that may apply.
Learner Care supports mature applicants exploring university routes, alternative entry options and course choices.
If you are returning to education after years of working or raising a family, start by reviewing the available pathways and identifying the qualifications that fit your goals.
Explore Learner Care's mature student admissions guidance to learn more about possible routes into higher education.
If you are based in London, you can also visit the dedicated mature student admissions in London page.
You can also browse the Learner Care courses page to explore available study options.
Final Thoughts
Student finance can make higher education more accessible for adults, but the important question is not simply whether a subject is eligible. It is whether your particular course, provider and personal circumstances meet the funding requirements.
Business, accounting, computing, healthcare, teaching, law and other subject areas can offer possible routes into higher education, provided the specific qualification meets the applicable rules.
If you have studied before, are considering a second degree or want to return to university in 2027, check your eligibility carefully before committing to a course.
Your education does not have to stop after your first qualification. Understanding the available pathways can help you make a more informed decision about what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which courses qualify for student finance in England?
Under the current system, eligible courses include many first undergraduate degrees, foundation degrees, CertHE and DipHE qualifications, HNCs, HNDs, certain teacher-training courses, integrated master's degrees and approved higher technical qualifications. The exact course and provider must meet the relevant requirements.
Can I get student finance for a second degree?
Under the current system, funding for a second degree is generally restricted, although some exceptions apply, including certain courses and circumstances. From 1 January 2027, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement will provide a different system of funding for eligible returning learners, subject to remaining entitlement and other eligibility requirements.
Can mature students get funding for a foundation year?
Potentially. A foundation year that forms part of an eligible degree may qualify, but you should confirm the funding arrangements for the exact course. A foundation degree and a foundation year are different qualifications.
Can I get student finance for a part-time degree?
Eligible part-time students may receive student finance. Under the current system, a course generally needs an intensity of at least 25%. The types of loans available also depend on the course and the student's circumstances.
Can I get student finance for an online course?
Some online higher education courses may qualify for a Tuition Fee Loan. Maintenance Loan eligibility can be more restricted for distance-learning students, so check the rules for your specific course.
Can I get a student loan for a master's degree?
A qualifying standalone master's course may be eligible for a separate Postgraduate Master's Loan. Eligibility depends on your course, provider, age, residency status and previous qualifications or funding.
Does student finance cover every subject?
No. Eligibility is based on the particular qualification, provider and applicable funding rules rather than simply the subject title. Some subjects and courses also have special funding arrangements.
Is student finance changing in 2027?
Yes. From 1 January 2027, most eligible new courses and modules will come under the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. It introduces a different approach to funding eligible qualifications, modules and returning learners. Check the official guidance before applying.
Important: This article focuses on student finance in England. Different arrangements apply to students whose home is in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Funding rules and eligibility requirements can change, so always verify your position with the relevant official student finance service before enrolling.
