Student Finance question for returning oldie!

[Carmelalefou]

I am 57. I have a degree but obtained many moons ago in the late 80s. I am thinking of doing a Counselling diploma but wondering if i would qualify for studetn finance if I did a degree course instead.

It would be a part time course and I work and earn over the threshold for payback - does anyone know If I leave my job or my salary drops below the threshold do I have to continue paying it back or is it paused? Thank you!

[CapaciousHag]

Speaking from a position of very similar experience - you would surely be much better off doing a Masters course. Then, if you’re quick and start before you’re 60, you’d be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Loan. Loan repayment regs set out on website.

I also did my first degree in the 80s. Masters in middle age in a completely different subject. No problem at all in getting straight onto the postgraduate course. (With just a little amateur experience in the new subject.)

[Carmelalefou]

Yes I would but all the ones near me are full for September so I'd have to wait a year.

[CapaciousHag]

Not sure if you’re still in need of advice, @Carmelalefou ?

[Carmelalefou]

Yes, still don't know if I start paying loan back straight away (as its a part time course and I will be working and earning over the threshold) and also if I consequently leave my job so fall under the repayment threshold will I then have my repayments paused.

Thanks anyone!

It's a part time foundation degree with option to top up to a BA.

[FannythePinkFlamingo]

I'm pretty sure you can't get student finance for an undergraduate degree if you already hold one. You'd be better applying for a Masters and getting a Masters loan.

[Carmelalefou]

@FannythePinkFlamingo

I'm pretty sure you can't get student finance for an undergraduate degree if you already hold one. You'd be better applying for a Masters and getting a Masters loan.

I think you can if you've never had a loan before.

[Carmelalefou]

Sorry should have said its on thr approved list!

[Rummikub]

This is from the SFE website:

If you’ve studied beforeYou’ll usually only get student finance if you’re doing your first higher education qualification - even if your previous course was self-funded. You may still be eligible for limited funding in certain circumstances and for some courses.

[Carmelalefou]

@Rummikub

This is from the SFE website:

If you’ve studied beforeYou’ll usually only get student finance if you’re doing your first higher education qualification - even if your previous course was self-funded. You may still be eligible for limited funding in certain circumstances and for some courses.

Yes sorry its an 'approved' course

[Rummikub]

I don’t know what circumstances they consider but might be worth calling them.

[Rummikub]

That’s good.

[Rummikub]

Think this answers your op:


The earliest you’ll start repaying is:

• the April after you leave your course
• the April 4 years after the course started if your course is longer than 4 years, for example if you’re studying part-time or doing a Postgraduate Doctoral course
• April 2026 if you’re on Plan 5

Your repayments automatically stop if either:

• you stop working
• your income goes below the threshold