How can students over 60 fund the MA?

If you're 60 or over and pursuing an MA in the arts, there are funding options available - though the standard Postgraduate Master's Loan isn't one of them in England or Wales.

England & Wales

The standard Postgraduate Master's Loan (around £12,000 – £13,000) is not available if you're aged 60 or over on the first day of your course.

Wales – 60+ Bursary

Welsh-domiciled students aged 60+ studying in Wales can apply for a £4,000 bursary through their university. This doesn't need to be repaid. However our particular course/universtiy is not yet eligible for this funding.

Scotland

There's no upper age limit for the SAAS postgraduate tuition fee loan (up to ~£7,000). However, the living-cost loan isn't offered to those 61 or over.

Northern Ireland

The postgraduate tuition fee loan (up to ~£6,500) has no age limit. Maintenance loans aren't available to older postgraduates.

Arts Council England – Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP)

Grants of £2,000 – £12,000 for individual creative practitioners to develop their practice. Open to all ages. Multiple funding rounds per year.

Creative Scotland – Open Fund

Grants from £500 to £50,000 for Scotland-based artists. Rolling programme with no age restrictions.

Arts Council Northern Ireland – SIAP

Grants of £500 – £15,000 for artists in NI to develop their practice. Usually one annual call.

Sir Richard Stapley Educational Trust

Annual grants of £650 – £1,500 for UK postgraduates with a 2:1 or above and financial need. No upper age limit.

Turn2Us and Family Action

Online grant search tools to find niche funding based on your profile, location, and background.

The decision to invest in your education and your creative practice is a powerful one and support is out there.