69 year old UEA student urges government to support older learners
Ex-soldier set to graduate with a history degree at UEA is calling for fairer funding for over-sixties returning to education.
Last updated 29th May 2026
A sixty-nine year old from Norwich is about to graduate from the University of East Anglia, after returning to education later in life to study history. But says there’s not enough support for older students who want to keep learning.
Mike Marshall left school at fifteen with no qualifications, and went on to serve in both the British Army and the police.
Since retiring, he chased his lifelong dream and will soon graduate with a 2:1 degree in history from UEA.
" Ive always loved History, I can distinctly remember doing a school trip to the cathedral in 1970s. A member of staff came up and said, did you know that you're touching the same stone that someone touched and laid back in the 1100s?
And I just found that incredible. And ever since then, I've been very curious."
Despite his success in attending Univerity, Mike says the government is failing mature students when it comes to funding postgraduate study.
Current rules mean those over sixty can’t access student loans for further education in England, so Mike has written to his MP, asking for change.
In his letter, Mike wrote:
"Like many others in my position, I am unable to self-fund these studies, which leaves me unable to fulfil my academic ambitions and contribute further,
As someone who devoted a lifetime to public service, I believe lifelong learning opportunities should not be limited by age,
Veterans and retired police officers like me can offer unique perspectives and valuable experience in academic settings, contributing to the richness of intergenerational education and strengthening our communities."
Mike says studying alongside younger students has been hugely rewarding, and mature students like him bring valuable experience to the classroom.
He hopes his story will encourage others to do the same – and wants the government to make it easier for older students to do the same.
The department for education say those aged 60 and over qualify for a tuition fee loan and can also apply for help with their living costs.
A spokesperson said: "For the 2026/27 academic year, students aged 60 or over on the first day of the first academic year of their course qualify for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,790 for a designated full-time course and up to £7,335 for a designated part-time course.
2Older Students aged 60 or over on lower incomes who are attending full-time undergraduate courses qualify for a reduced rate fully-means tested loan of up to £4,582 in 2026/27 to help them with their living costs."