Going back into education as an adult can feel like a big decision, particularly if it has been years since you last studied.
You may be wondering whether your previous qualifications are enough, how you will fit university around work or family, or whether you can afford to study.
At Learner Care Education Group, we help adults across the UK explore their university options and understand the application and funding process. Whether you are 25, 40, 50 or beyond, we can help you look at suitable courses, entry routes and Student Finance options.
Our support is free to students and can cover everything from choosing a course and preparing your application to understanding your funding options.
Advisory team recognised for quality student guidance.
A wide range of UK universities and course options.
A growing community successfully placed at UK institutions.
Our admissions support costs eligible students nothing.
Returning to education does not have to mean starting from scratch. Universities offer a range of routes for mature applicants, including foundation years and other entry pathways for people who may not have traditional Level 3 qualifications. For many adults, the biggest challenge is simply understanding what options are available and how the process works.
Depending on the course and institution, mature applicants may be able to access foundation-year programmes or other routes that take previous education and experience into account.
Eligible mature students can apply for Student Finance for approved undergraduate courses, depending on their circumstances, course and previous study.
Some courses are designed with working adults in mind, delivered across fewer days a week or through evening and weekend options.
Eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, normally paid directly to the university rather than by you.
Applying to university can involve more paperwork than many people expect. You may need to compare courses, understand entry requirements, prepare supporting documents, write a personal statement and complete your Student Finance application. Our role is to make that process easier to understand.
We discuss your experience, interests and career plans before identifying suitable course options from our university partners, including in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
Your work and life experience can be valuable. We help you organise it into a clear, relevant personal statement.
Our team explains the Student Finance application process, particularly if you have children, a partner or have been out of education for years.
Once you've chosen a route, we help you work through the application and prepare the required information and documents.
Funding depends on your personal circumstances, your course and the rules that apply to your application. Depending on eligibility, mature students may be able to access support such as:
| Type of Support | What It Can Help With |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee Loan | Covers eligible tuition fees and is normally paid directly to the university. |
| Maintenance Loan | Helps with living costs such as accommodation, food and travel. |
| Childcare Grant | May help eligible student parents with registered childcare costs. |
| Parents' Learning Allowance | May provide additional support to eligible student parents. |
| Adult Dependants' Grant | May be available to eligible students who financially support an adult dependant. |
Student loans are different from commercial loans. Repayments are linked to your income rather than being a fixed monthly payment from the moment you graduate. The repayment rules depend on the student finance plan you are on, so it is important to check the rules that apply to your particular application.
Our team can help you understand the funding application, but Student Finance England remains the authority responsible for assessing your eligibility and awarding funding.
There is no single route into higher education for adult learners. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to consider several options.
A foundation year can provide an additional year of study before you move into the main degree programme. This can be particularly useful for students who do not have the traditional qualifications normally associated with direct entry. For example, some partner institutions offer four-year degree programmes combining a foundation year with a bachelor's degree.
Health and social care courses can be a natural progression for adults who already have experience in care, community work or related roles. Courses can cover areas such as health, social care, management and professional practice.
Accounting and finance degrees can provide a structured route into areas including financial management, accounting and business. Foundation-year options may be available for students who do not meet the standard direct-entry requirements.
For adults considering a career change, computing degrees can provide an opportunity to develop new technical skills. Depending on the university, courses may cover areas such as software, networking, systems and computing applications.
A CertHE is a Level 4 higher education qualification that can provide a shorter route into higher education. Depending on the institution and course, completing a CertHE may provide an opportunity to progress towards further higher education study.
If you have been thinking about returning to education but are unsure where to begin, we can help you explore your options. Tell us about your experience, the subject you are interested in and what you need from a course. We can then discuss suitable university routes and explain the next steps.