Can anyone clarify this - age on first day of first term?

[Horseapples]

So I want to do a masters starting in September 2026.

The term dates say the course starts on September 18th. I will be 60 on September 10th.

Will I be eligible for a student loan?

Rules say you have to be under 60 on the first day of the first academic year.

I assumed this meant that I won't qualify, but a friend says the first day is actually September 1st, whatever the term dates, so I'd scrape in.

Does anyone know definitely?

I'd call them but im currently on holiday! Thanks.

Yes it’ll likely be taken as 1st Sept as the start of term!

Amazing! Looks like I might scrape in after all!

In fact they might even class it as 1st August.

Not your question, but do you really want a loan? I am a similar age, taking a Masters. I looked at the interest rate and felt I would be better off paying for some out of savings and some from vinted/ebay sales.

Yes, I do.

Not relevant to your situation, but I wonder whether perhaps they should look at the age limit again, bearing in mind the increase in the state pension age.

They have, and kept it at 60. They are also changing undergraduate degree loans to a max age of 60 as well - at the moment there is no age limit. But from 2027 you won't get a loan to do a first degree after 60.

I am retraining and intend to be working and paying tax for another 20 years, health willing!

Have they indeed? Well... I am on speaking terms with my local MP (and know which pub he drinks in) so I might have a word in his shell-like. They can't take away with one hand and take it away with the other as well.