from Hacker News

Is it weird to go back to school for my masters in Europe later in life?

by ampham on 8/18/22, 4:45 PM with 1 comments

In much of Europe, people usually get their masters in their early 20s because it’s more financially viable and accessible than somewhere like the US. Life panned out differently for me (had to get out of poverty first), and I’d like to go back to school for either another bachelors or my masters in my mid-30s since I have the opportunity now to be able to focus on school for a couple of years without the burden of a full time job. Would that be acceptable in Europe? Is there any sort of age discrimination when applying to schools at this age?

  • by yorwba on 8/18/22, 6:09 PM

    It may depend on where in Europe you're planning to study, but I rather doubt your application would be judged on anything other than the formal acceptance critera.

    However, some financial assistance may only be available for younger people. E.g. to receive BAföG funding for a master's degree in Germany, you'd usually need to be younger than 35, unless you can prove special hardship.

    FWIW, during my undergrad I was in a study group with a 60-year-old who was just passing the time until his official retirement.