The definition of a ‘mature student’ varies, but it doesn’t necessarily mean someone who wears a cardigan and slippers and drinks a nice cup of cocoa before a sensible bedtime. For the purpose of student finance, ‘mature’ means a first-time undergraduate over the age of 25.

There’s not a great deal of difference in the funding available for mature students and their slightly younger counterparts. Almost any full-time student – mature, youthful or just plain childish – is entitled to the student loan up to the age of 60. Mature students should be eligible for the new maintenance grant and have a good chance of qualifying for extra help from the Access to Learning Fund.

Mature students are automatically classed as being independent, which means your parents’ income doesn’t matter a jot when you are being assessed for loans, grants and fee contributions.

Instead it’s your wonga that counts – and, if applicable, that of your husband, wife, civil partner or same sex partner.

If you’re thinking about going back to studying and becoming a mature student, as a first step you might want to have a look at www.lifelonglearning.co.uk

Remember, if you’re married or an independent student living with a partner, your other half's income will be assessed in the same way as parents’ incomes would be assessed for most students.

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