Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Mature study and retraining

Talk to other Mumsnetters who are considering a career change or are mature students.

Original poster

Student Finance question for returning oldie!

12 replies

Carmelalefou · 04/05/2023 13:18

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!

OP posts:
CapaciousHag · 04/05/2023 18:37

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.)

Funding for postgraduate study

Postgraduate funding - find grants, loans, studentships and scholarships.

https://www.gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study

Original poster
Carmelalefou · 04/05/2023 18:53

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

OP posts:
CapaciousHag · 09/05/2023 07:46

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

Original poster
Carmelalefou · 09/05/2023 09:17

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.

OP posts:
FannythePinkFlamingo · 09/05/2023 13:36

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.

Original poster
Carmelalefou · 09/05/2023 14:31

FannythePinkFlamingo · 09/05/2023 13:36

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.

OP posts:
Original poster
Carmelalefou · 09/05/2023 14:37

Sorry should have said its on thr approved list!

OP posts:
Rummikub · 09/05/2023 14:38

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.

Original poster
Carmelalefou · 09/05/2023 14:38

Rummikub · 09/05/2023 14:38

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

OP posts:
Rummikub · 09/05/2023 14:39

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

Rummikub · 09/05/2023 14:39

That’s good.

Rummikub · 09/05/2023 14:41

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
New posts on this thread. Refresh page