granny bee, my son and his wife both took their masters in their 40s, they have worked since they left university at 21yrs old. so it doesn't necessarily follow that this chap was not working, paying tax or contributing to a pension s scheme. [or others who do similar] on the subject of student loans, i believe the debt incurred will come home will to bite us. one of the things talked about in the recession was the enormous personal debt, i.e. credit card, h/purchase, mortgage debt, personal loans, ect. to add to that 400,000 domiciled students every yr. carrying ave. £44,000 each in debt , which in the next few years could outstrip personal debt, i don't think you would have to be a mathematician, to work out we are on a collision course with debt in this country.