Mature student and fees/costs of living

Hi all,

I am 34 and thinking of starting my second degree in 2026. This will either be medical school or bioscience. I am a nurse, I live with my partner and we have a mortgage. My biggest worry is financial. I don't think that I will get a fee loan because I have a degree already (although I took my nursing degree in Italy, so I don't have a loan already in UK).

I would love to hear from people in same shoes. What support is out there? Have people done this and if so, how did they manage it financially?

Thanks

Hi all,
I am 34 and thinking of starting my second degree in 2026. This will either be medical school or bioscience. I am a nurse, I live with my partner and we have a mortgage. My biggest worry is financial. I don't think that I will get a fee loan because I have a degree already (although I took my nursing degree in Italy, so I don't have a loan already in UK).
I would love to hear from people in same shoes. What support is out there? Have people done this and if so, how did they manage it financially?
Thanks

SFE will, regardless of where you previously studied, and even if you paid for it yourself, deduct a year of eligibility for each year of previous study, unfortunately.
However, there are some exception courses: English domiciled students, Equivalent or lower qualifications, Qualifications, Eligibility, CMS user guide | HEP Services
Is there any support you can access from Italy? I know some countries offer support or loans to their citizens studying abroad.

I suggest you make a post on the Ask SFE forum to see if you would be eligible for any funding. Give details of your previous study, status (UK citizen, EU, etc.) and try to name specific courses and unis that you would consider studying at.

I am also exploring this as I am in the same boat. I am in first year of my first degree but I want to do Postgrad Medicine. I just wanna say that you're so cool!!! this is super inspiring to me. I think since its medicine you can get some type of funding but I'm just not sure how much or what. Maybe check the NHS website?

Thanks, I wish education was free really, but that's just a dream!! I am looking into medical degree apprenteships. It's a new apprenteship which some universities are rulling out or about to, worth taking a look at this as you get paid while studying.