Would I qualify for a tuition fee loan?

[youmademecry]

I am nearly 50, and started a degree almost 20 years ago. I wasn't able to finish it due to personal reasons. Several years ago I looked into continuing where I left off but too much time had passed for it to count anymore. I was self-funding that degree. I'm now thinking about going back to university to study something else but thinking about finances. Would I be eligible for a tuition fee loan or would I have to fund it upfront?

Iirc, the rule of 'length of current course + 1year, minus years of previous study' would be applied, even for those who previously self-funded.

www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies

Marching is correct.

How many years did you previously do? If you did one, you’ll be able to start a new degree getting a tuition fee loan for all years but won’t be able to repeat any years. If you did two, you’ll have to pay the tuition for the first year and then you’ll receive tuition fee loans for years two and three.

Thank you. Do you think there would be any allowance for extenuating personal circumstances? I was in my third year of a four year part time degree.

For extenuating circumstances you’d need to speak to student finance directly and it will be a decision made on your individual circumstances but you’ll need to provide evidence (Drs letters or any correspondence from your previous university)

When you say you’ve looked into continuing your original degree, how many universities did you speak to? I’d suggest contacting more than one to see if there is any flexibility.