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British citizens

British citizen? It’s not too late for a degree

Many of the people we help are working adults who left education years ago. As a British citizen living in England, you can usually get full student finance for your first degree.

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Student finance

What you can usually get

British citizens whose home is in England can usually get full support: a Tuition Fee Loan for the course fees and a Maintenance Loan for living costs.source

The conditions

  • England is your home, for example you live and work here, and you haven’t moved here only to study.
  • You have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for the 3 years before your course starts. Holidays and other temporary absences don’t break this.
  • Funding is usually for your first higher education qualification, even if you paid for an earlier course yourself.

Already started a degree and stopped? You may still get funding when you return, and some courses, such as topping up an HND or foundation degree to an honours degree, can still be funded. We check this with you.

Under the current system there is no upper age limit for the Tuition Fee Loan, and if you are 60 or over the Maintenance Loan is limited and depends on household income. For courses starting from 1 January 2027 under the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, you must be under 60 on the first day of your course to apply for a Tuition Fee Loan.

January 2027 onwards

Starting in January 2027 or later?

Most courses that start on or after 1 January 2027 are funded through the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement. You apply through an LLE student finance account, and the course must be with a provider registered with the Office for Students.source We set up the right application with you, whichever system your start date falls under.

How we help

From first call to your first day

  1. Check your eligibilityWe go through your status, how long you’ve lived in the UK and any previous study, before you apply anywhere.
  2. Choose a course you can finishUniversities and colleges with January, May and September starts, and courses that fit around work and family.
  3. University applicationYour personal statement and application, done with you.
  4. Student finance applicationWe guide you through it by screen-share, so you stay in control of your own account.

FAQ

Questions we’re asked

Can I get student finance if I already have a degree?

Usually funding is for your first higher education qualification. There are exceptions, such as topping up an HNC, HND or foundation degree to an honours degree, and some healthcare courses. We check your history before you apply.

I left school years ago. Can I still go to university?

Yes. Many universities accept adults through access or foundation routes, and look at your work experience as well as your past grades.

Do I have to pay the loan back straight away?

No. Repayments depend on your income after you finish, under the rules set by Student Finance England.

When can I start?

Many universities and colleges run January, May and September intakes. Ask us what is still open.

Other statuses

Different status?

Indefinite leave to remain

See what you can get

EU Settled Status

See what you can get

EU Pre-Settled Status

See what you can get

Refugee status

See what you can get

Ukraine schemes

See what you can get

Find out what you can study

Tell us your status and what you’d like to study. We’ll check your eligibility and tell you honestly what’s possible.

Check my options
Sources (checked 12 October 2026)

This page is general information for students whose home is in England. Student Finance England makes the final decision on every application.