At the age of 72, I recently graduated with an Honours Degree from the Open University; throughout my studies I had a Student Loan for the full amount. When I started, aged 64, I was working but earning less than the threshold requirement of ₤25,000, so qualified for a loan. I wanted to continue to a Masters Degree but find that the Department of Education will not fund anyone over the age of 59 for a Masters or Post Graduate Degree. Their response to my enquiry said” I would like to explain that the funding available for student support is finite and it is necessary to put limits in place to ensure that all eligible students who wish to study a higher education (HE) qualification for the first time can do so. Consequently, those who have already achieved a HE qualification do not qualify for support for a second qualification which is equivalent or lower to the one they already hold. So unfortunately you would not be eligible to obtain another loan for undergraduate study  The postgraduate master's loan provided by Student Finance England is available to individuals who are aged 59 or under on the first day of the first academic year of their course. Government recognises that this will allow the loan to provide support for those changing or developing careers, whilst also ensuring value for money. In this way the loan will be available to those able to repay their loan and to make a significant contribution to the economy, this level of education boosts earnings, contributes to higher employment, and increases tax revenues for the Exchequer. However, the upper age limit of the master’s loan was put in place to ensure that the overall scheme remains affordable and offers value for money to the taxpayer."  However, I’m now studying, as an undergraduate for a higher degree and have been given funding!!! A Masters Degree (taking 3yrs) cost around ₤6,000 and an Undergraduate  (up to 12 years) in the region of ₤18,000, where is the logic?

This whole question is surely, age discrimination, something that is illegal in the UK. In their response, they did not address the fact that, retirement age has already risen and many more are working to 65yrs or longer, who may also be under the threshold. We all want to comply with the government health directive of keeping ourselves healthy in body and MIND. By using our brains to study we are helping to stave off Dementia, a condition which, if requiring health care would cost considerable more.