Student loans for very mature students

t0rt0ise

I studied for a degree late. I started whan I was about 35. In those days the department I applied to (Philosophy) were glad to have people study who simply wanted to learn for its own sake as I did. It's only been since that people seem to think that education for its own sake isn't worth it. I think that's a terrible shame. When I studied part-time I got the fees paid and a small payment given to me for books and stationery.

Good luck to anyone that studies at whatever age, it's a great thing to do.

Growler I'm so sorry that you didn't get to finish your degree. Things have changed, and not for the better.

davestretty

Well the time has finally arrived. I start an undergraduate degree (BA) next week at my local college! Yippee! So all you doubters and naysayers should hang your heads in shame. I was accepted on my chosen course and now have the opportunity to achieve a goal I missed out on in my youth. I will be 59 when the course starts and this entitles me to a tuition fee AND maintenance loan for the duration of the full time course (4 years) just as I predicted. As my parents are dead and my wife is unemployed I have also received a significant maintenance grant (not to be payed back) which will help finance my studies and living costs. It will also mean I can continue in a smaller way to help my daughter who is starting the 2nd year of a 5 year course at University. Her course is very intensive and doesn't allow for a part-time job and her maintenance loan only just covers her rent (scandalous) so she relies on me to provide luxuries such as food!. BTW due to my status daughter will also now receive a maintenance grant.
It took a lot of research and effort as help and information is not easy to get but now I have done it I hope others out there will be encouraged to follow suit. DONT BE WRITTEN OFF AT 60!

tomtontom

davestretty wrote: »

Well the time has finally arrived. I start an undergraduate degree (BA) next week at my local college! Yippee! So all you doubters and naysayers should hang your heads in shame. I was accepted on my chosen course and now have the opportunity to achieve a goal I missed out on in my youth. I will be 59 when the course starts and this entitles me to a tuition fee AND maintenance loan for the duration of the full time course (4 years) just as I predicted. As my parents are dead and my wife is unemployed I have also received a significant maintenance grant (not to be payed back) which will help finance my studies and living costs. It will also mean I can continue in a smaller way to help my daughter who is starting the 2nd year of a 5 year course at University. Her course is very intensive and doesn't allow for a part-time job and her maintenance loan only just covers her rent (scandalous) so she relies on me to provide luxuries such as food!. BTW due to my status daughter will also now receive a maintenance grant.
It took a lot of research and effort as help and information is not easy to get but now I have done it I hope others out there will be encouraged to follow suit. DONT BE WRITTEN OFF AT 60!

Best of luck - your daughter must be so proud! :rotfl:

davestretty

Thankyou - I just hope that I have the health and stamina to complete (Also I have developed an irrational fear of teenagers! hahaha, how will they accept an old fart in there midst, can't wait to start partying though, as long as they end in time for bed at 9pm!)

eskimo26

I tried to apply for a second degree last year and a few places insisted on current qualifications, last 5 years i think it was, so worth bearing in mind.

I'm now doing an access course and will then continue to uni.

ViolaLass

davestretty wrote: »

Well the time has finally arrived. I start an undergraduate degree (BA) next week at my local college! Yippee! So all you doubters and naysayers should hang your heads in shame. I was accepted on my chosen course and now have the opportunity to achieve a goal I missed out on in my youth. I will be 59 when the course starts and this entitles me to a tuition fee AND maintenance loan for the duration of the full time course (4 years) just as I predicted. As my parents are dead and my wife is unemployed I have also received a significant maintenance grant (not to be payed back) which will help finance my studies and living costs. It will also mean I can continue in a smaller way to help my daughter who is starting the 2nd year of a 5 year course at University. Her course is very intensive and doesn't allow for a part-time job and her maintenance loan only just covers her rent (scandalous) so she relies on me to provide luxuries such as food!. BTW due to my status daughter will also now receive a maintenance grant.
It took a lot of research and effort as help and information is not easy to get but now I have done it I hope others out there will be encouraged to follow suit. DONT BE WRITTEN OFF AT 60!

Small point but I doubt the status of your parents was relevant.

davestretty

No not in my case as I am married - i was just making the point that my daughter's loan/grant still depends on her parents income, and that loan/graant doesn't come close to covering her living expenses for the year, so Bank of Dad has to make up the difference!

FBaby

Thankyou - I just hope that I have the health and stamina to complete (Also I have developed an irrational fear of teenagers! hahaha, how will they accept an old fart in there midst, can't wait to start partying though, as long as they end in time for bed at 9pm!)

well I think you should tell them what you've written here and see how well they receive you....knowing that they will have to repay everything themselves. If I was one of the students, I certainly would want to associate with someone like you who is proud of getting a free university education that will never benefit society.

Bank of Dad has to make up the difference!

Just picking up on this, surely you mean Bank of the tax payers?

ViolaLass

Your daughter can't work during the holidays?

davestretty

She is studying medicine (6 years study!) and doesn't get the holidays that other courses get. The course is so intensive there is little "spare time" for paid work.