PhD Discussion Forum

No. Others factors such as previous grades will come into play but age will not be a factor.

Not at all. I started mine when I was 30 and got extra money as I was a mature student returning. In fact, the extra money may have made a difference as to whether or not a PhD was financially viable.

I'd had a break from education of some five years and feel that was a help, as I was fairly fresh (without study fatigue) and a little more mature than some of the early 20s people entering a PhD straight from first degree or masters. That difference allowed me to develop some sort of structure as time went on.

A PhD was more like a job than study to me, another big help at least in the early stages.

Of course it's not too late. I started mine at 29 and it wasn't a problem, lots of people do PhDs in their 30s so I don't think 27 will be considered 'old' at all.

The only thing to consider is that unless you're currently working in a research or relevant industry environment, then the interviewers will want to know what you've done to keep up with what's going on in research, and keep your scientific knowledge fresh and up to date. So it might be a good idea to do some revision and reading to prepare.

Good luck with your application!

Age is certainly no barrier. I am on full funding (in first year of PhD) and I am 40 next year.
You are young enough to have a long career ahead of you and so will be employable, and having work experience you will have the skills of working in a team, dealing with a boss (now to be your supervisor) and getting on with your work without guidance all the time.
Some people go into postgrad study because they don't know what to do, you obviously have chosen this and so are more likely to stick with it and complete. Supervisors are judged on how many of their students drop out before thesis so you are more of a safe bet, this can only work in your favour.

Age is certainly not a barrier and it may even be an advantage as you may be seen as more responsible than younger candidates;-)

There is a guy who is 55+ in my office who has taken about 6 years to do his PhD so definitely not a problem!! During my interview I said I was concerned that I had a taken a year off to work and that I might have forgotten things. My supervisor said he wouldn't even take that kind of thing into consideration until someone had been out of uni for 10+ years so don't think you will have any issues! Good luck :)

If all goes well, I will start it next month , I am in early 30s. I wish I was 27 ;)