At King’s, we understand that your needs as a mature student may differ from those of students entering higher education having recently finished school or college.
We understand that mature students may have very varied reasons for returning to education and that not all mature students will have had the same educational background, but we hope this article will give you an insight into what returning to education might entail.
Important to know: King’s defines a mature student as any person beginning their first undergraduate degree at the age of 21 or over.
Financial support
King's Student Hardship Fund
The King’s Student Hardship Fund is intended as a source of extra financial assistance for students who are often most vulnerable to financial pressures and in need of extra help, including mature students. If you would like any more information please visit our Student Funding pages.
Undergraduate fees and funding
For information about undergraduate fees and funding, including tuition fee costs, student loans, grants, bursaries and scholarships, please visit our Student Funding pages.
Support for student parents
Starting at university is a time of change no matter what your circumstances. This is particularly true of students who are also parents. Our childcare advice guide contains a range of useful advice and information. You can also find more information below.
Childcare
Unfortunately there is no on-site provision for the children of staff or students at King's. Guy’s Hospital (London Bridge) and King’s College Hospital (Denmark Hill) Trusts provide childcare facilities for their staff and some limited, non-subsidised places are available for King's students. Visit our childcare webpages for more information.
For advice and information on your childcare needs, you can also contact one of our dedicated student advisers.
Financial support for student parents
Undergraduate full-time home students who are parents can apply for additional funding to assist with the added costs of being a parent and/or supporting an adult dependant whilst studying full-time. Below you will find some examples.
Childcare Grant
If you are a full-time student in a low income household and have a dependent child or children in registered or approved childcare, you can apply for a government Childcare Grant to receive up to 85 per cent of your actual childcare costs. To qualify your partner must not already be receiving the childcare element of Working Tax credit.
The amount you receive will depend on:
- Your level of income and the income of your household
- How many children you have in childcare
- Your actual childcare costs
Parents Learning Allowance
The Parent's Learning Allowance is an additional grant to assist student parents with the costs of books, travel etc. It is based on your household income and paid to you as part of your student funding package. You can apply for the Parent learning allowance even if you are not applying for the Childcare grant.
Applications for both the Childcare Grant and the Parent Learning Allowance can be made to Student Finance England or your Local Education Authority depending on when you started your course.
Child benefit and tax credits
Child Benefit is a tax-free payment that all home students who are parents can claim for their child. It is usually paid every four weeks but in some cases can be paid weekly, and there are separate rates for each child. The payment can be claimed by anyone who qualifies, whatever their income or savings.
Students with dependent children may also be entitled to claim Child Tax Credit from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The amount you receive will depend on your circumstances and income.
You may also be able to claim Working Tax Credit. However, if you get the childcare element of Working Tax Credit, you won't be able to claim for the Childcare Grant as well.
Services available
Student advice service
The student advice service provides central support services for all current, prospective and former students at King's College London. The service provides you with information, support and advice on a range of financial, practical, legal and personal issues.
Counselling
The student counselling service provides a free, confidential service for all students with any problems or difficulties, whether they are problems relating to studies or of a personal or emotional nature.
Disability advisory service
The disability advisory service offers information, advice and guidance to all disabled students studying at King's. They also advise prospective applicants and post-offer applicants who are thinking of coming to study at King's, including arranging an information visit.
Careers & Employability
King’s Careers & Employability department provides information, advice and events to help students navigate their way through the career options available to them.
The support on offer includes help with finding work experience, developing a CV, application and interview coaching and networking with professionals and employers.
KCL Mature Student Society
KCL Mature Student Society is a place for anyone interested in the mature student experience. The society's key aims are to ensure that all mature students can receive the support and guidance they need to positively engage with their time at King's, as well as to enable them to meet the wider community of mature students.
You can get in touch with the Mature Student Society via their Instagram profile.