Hi,
am 27 and i want to apply for PhD in the area of biological engineering. What do you think: is it not late for me?
Will my age be a barrier to taking a scholarship?

thank you!

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

I am 45 and just started my phd if that helps

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.

One of my fellow full time PhD students passed hers a few months ago at the age of 56.

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!

Nope. Never too late Alex! I'm in my second year and galloping my way towards 40. Most of my PhD peers here are in their early to mid 30s. I had been away from academia for 6 years since my Masters which was a little daunting but proved not to be an issue either. If anything then I think being that bit older is an advantage in that you have a little more work and life experience to draw on. I would love to say that it gives you more work discipline but that would be a lie :p

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.

No, there is no limit at starting a PHD or taking a scholarship and I wish you the best.

I wanted to add that there may be issues if you are a lady - you know, how to manage your time (and age) around the house, children etc. but I do not think that would be a major prolem either, unless you suffer from infertility like I do - in that case age could be a problem.

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

Yup, as everyone else has said, not a problem! Actually, 27 would make you fairly young in my department (civil and building engineering), most people seem to be in their 30s, although some are younger (and some are a lot older!) I was 36 when I started my PhD.

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 :)

I've just started a PhD in biomedical science at a Russell Group university and I'm 58 – and I've got funding for it. So I don't think you have too much to worry about. ;-)

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

I wish I was 27. I am about to start my PhD this year at current age of 44 (pending funding). What I learned from my interview that besides the research proposal topic, the supervisor also wants to see the determination and motivation of a candidate.