Is 47 Too Old to Earn a Degree? Facts, Options & Tips for Mature Students

When you turn 47, a handful of friends might start asking, “Are you thinking of going back to school?” The truth is, you’re not an outlier. In the UK, more than 40% of university enrolments are by learners over 30, and the number of students aged 45‑54 has risen by 18% since 2015. So the short answer? No, 47 isn’t too old to earn a degree - it’s actually a smart move for many.

Key Takeaways

• Age is not a barrier; mature students make up a growing share of university cohorts.
• Part‑time, online and blended programmes give flexibility for work‑family balance.
• Financial aid options exist specifically for adult learners.
• Employers increasingly value a degree at any stage of a career.
• Preparation and mindset are the most critical success factors.

Below we’ll break down what it actually looks like to start a degree at 47, from admissions myths to practical study hacks.

Age Myths Debunked

mature student is defined as anyone who begins higher‑education after the traditional age of 22. The myth that universities favour only fresh‑out‑high‑school grads is outdated. In fact, the Office for Students reports that mature students enjoy higher completion rates (71%) compared with the overall average (68%). Why? Life experience brings discipline, clearer goals and stronger time‑management skills.

Admissions officers look at academic readiness, not birth certificates. Your personal statement can emphasise professional achievements, community involvement and the purpose behind your degree - all of which can outweigh a modest GCSE record.

Age discrimination legislation (Equality Act 2010) also protects applicants. While unconscious bias can still creep in, many institutions have dedicated support teams for mature learners, ensuring a level playing field.

Study Pathways: Part‑time, Online & Blended

Part‑time study offers classes spread over evenings or weekends, typically extending a three‑year degree to five or six years. This model suits those who need to maintain a full‑time job. Tuition fees are usually pro‑rated, meaning you pay only for the modules you take each semester.

Online learning has exploded since 2020. Platforms like FutureLearn, Open University and many traditional universities now provide fully accredited online university degrees. You can study from Manchester, a coffee shop in London or even while traveling, using a laptop and a stable internet connection.

Blended programmes combine face‑to‑face workshops with online modules, giving the best of both worlds - personal interaction for networking and the flexibility of remote study.

When choosing a pathway, consider your learning style. If you thrive on live discussion, part‑time with weekly seminars might be best. If you need to fit study around unpredictable shifts, a fully online route offers unmatched adaptability.

Financing Your Degree at 47

Money worries are common, but there are several funding streams aimed at adult learners. Financial aid for mature students includes:

• Advanced Learner Loans: Available for students over 24, covering tuition up to £10,000 per year for most courses.
• Employer tuition reimbursement: Many UK firms (especially in the tech and public sectors) will fund up to 50% of tuition if the degree aligns with your role.
• Scholarships for mature learners: Examples include the Open University’sMature Student Scholarship and various charity‑funded awards for fields like nursing, engineering and business.
• Tax‑free training vouchers through the government's Skills Development Fund, which can cover short courses that count toward a degree.

Apply early - many scholarships close six months before the academic year starts. Also, remember that part‑time tuition is lower per semester, spreading the financial load.

Balancing Life, Work & Study

Success hinges on realistic planning. Here’s a quick framework:

1. Audit your weekly hours: Identify blocks of 2‑3 hours you can protect for study. Treat these slots like non‑negotiable meetings.
2. Set micro‑goals: Break assignments into bite‑size tasks (e.g., “read chapter 3” instead of “finish the module”).
3. Leverage campus resources: Most universities offer mature‑student mentors, writing clinics and study‑skill workshops.
4. Communicate with your employer: A supportive manager can help you negotiate flexible hours or a reduced workload during exam periods.
5. Prioritise self‑care: Sleep, exercise and regular breaks boost retention and reduce burnout.

Use technology to stay organised - apps like Notion or Trello work well for tracking deadlines and notes across devices.

Addressing Age Bias in Admissions & the Workplace

While legislation protects you, practical steps can smooth the process. In your application, focus on:

• Transferable skills: Highlight leadership, project management or analytical abilities gained in your career.
• Clear motivation: Explain why the degree matters now and how it advances your long‑term goals.
• Recent academic preparation: Mention any MOOCs, certificates or short courses you’ve completed to show readiness.

During interviews, be ready to discuss how you’ll manage commitments. Employers often worry about “time away from work”, so outline a realistic study schedule and emphasize that your degree will enhance your productivity.

Success Stories: Real‑World Examples

Jane, 48, left a 20‑year career in retail to study a BSc in Business Management part‑time at the University of Manchester. Within two years, she secured a promotion to Operations Manager, citing her new strategic planning skills as the catalyst.

Mike, 47, used the Open University’s online BA in History while working night shifts as a paramedic. He completed his degree in three years, later transitioning to a teaching role at a local college - a dream he’d postponed for decades.

These stories underscore that the combination of life experience and fresh academic knowledge can create powerful career momentum.

Next Steps Checklist

• Identify your desired subject and research universities offering part‑time or online versions.
• Check entry requirements - many mature‑student routes accept professional experience in place of formal qualifications.
• Gather financial information: calculate tuition, explore Advanced Learner Loans, and list potential employer support.
• Draft a personal statement that ties your career history to your academic goals.
• Set up a weekly study timetable and share it with family or colleagues for accountability.

Bottom line: at 47 you have the experience, motivation and a growing range of study options to make a degree not just possible, but powerful. Embrace the journey - the next chapter could be your most rewarding yet.