What are the funded training options for adults?

This guide gives an overview of the main options. It is not a full list of rules. Final eligibility is always checked at application or enrolment and may depend on government funding at the time.  Don't forget, you can always use our chat agent to ask a specific query about your own situation - the more information on you can give us about your circumstances, the more accurate your answer will, be, just click the envelope icon to the bottom left of the screen to start your chat now, or read on.... 

Key things that affect eligibility

When we look at whether your course can be funded, we usually consider:

Your age Funding rules often use age bands, for example (19–23, 24 and over)

Different age bands may have different support, especially for your first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification (for example, your first full GCSE-equivalent or A level-equivalent qualification).

Your highest qualification

We may ask:

- Do you already have a full Level 2 (for example, GCSEs or equivalent)?

- Do you already have a full Level 3 (for example, A levels, Level 3 diploma, or equivalent)?

If you do not already have these, you may be able to get extra support towards certain courses.

Where you live

Some funding is only available if:

- You live in England, and

- You have lived in the UK or certain other countries for a set period, or have a particular type of immigration status.

We will check this with you when you apply.

Your work and income

Your employment situation can affect funding. For example:

- You may be on a low wage (under a certain amount per year).

- You may be unemployed and looking for work.

- You may be in work but need new skills to progress.

In some cases, people on a low income can get a course fully or partly funded.

Benefits

If you receive certain benefits, such as:

- Universal Credit

- Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

you may be able to get extra support with your course fees. We will ask to see proof of this.

Immigration status / right to live in the UK

To receive public funding, you usually need:

- The right to live in the UK, and

- To have been living here (or in certain other countries) for a set amount of time.

We will check your situation and explain what this means for you.

Fully funded courses (you don’t pay the tuition fee)

For some courses, your tuition fee may be fully covered, so you do not pay the main course fee.

These are often for people who:

- Are 19–23 and studying their first full Level 2 or first full Level 3, or

- Are on a low income or certain benefits and studying eligible courses, or

- Are taking specific priority or “essential skills” courses (for example, English, maths, or some digital skills).

Example:

You are 22 and do not yet have a full Level 2 qualification. You join an eligible Level 2 course. In this case, your tuition may be fully funded.

We will confirm whether your chosen course can be fully funded when you apply.  You can explore our courses here

Reduced-fee / co-funded courses

For some courses, the government may pay part of the cost and you pay the rest. This is called co-funding or a reduced fee.

This may apply if:

- You are over 19 and already have a Level 2 or Level 3, and

- The course is not fully funded for your situation, but still attracts some public support.

Example:

You are 35, already have a Level 3 qualification, and want to retrain in a new area. The course is co-funded: the government pays part of the fee, and you pay a reduced amount.

We will tell you what your contribution is likely to be before you enrol.

Advanced Learner Loans

For some courses at Level 3 and above, you may be able to use an Advanced Learner Loan to help pay your tuition fees.

In simple terms:

- You do not pay the fee upfront.

- The government pays the college, and you repay the loan later, usually once your income is over a certain level.

- The loan is subject to eligibility rules set by the government.

This option is usually for:

- Adults aged 19+ studying eligible Level 3 or higher courses.

Example:

You are 40 and want to study a Level 3 diploma. The course is not fully funded for you, but it is eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan. You apply for the loan instead of paying all the fees upfront.

We can help explain how the loans work and direct you to official guidance.

Free Courses for Jobs (if available)

In some cases, adults may be able to study certain Level 3 courses for free through government schemes such as “Free Courses for Jobs”.

This is usually for:

- Adults without a full Level 3, or

- Adults with a low income or certain benefits taking specific approved courses.

The list of eligible courses and criteria is set nationally and can change. We will check whether:

- Your chosen course is on the approved list, and

- Your personal circumstances meet the current criteria.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship allows you to:

- Work in a real job,

- Earn a wage, and

- Study towards a qualification at the same time.

For most apprentices:

- The training cost is funded through government and employer contributions.

- You do not usually pay the training fees yourself.

Apprenticeships are available for adults of all ages, not just young people.  You can view other myths and facts here!

Example:

You are 29 and working in construction. Your employer supports you to start an apprenticeship. The cost of your training is agreed between your employer and the training provider; you do not pay the tuition fee directly.

We can discuss whether an apprenticeship might be right for you and how to get started.

Other support

Depending on your situation and the course, there may be other types of support, such as:

- Community learning or short courses

Some short, community-based or employability courses may be low cost or free, especially if they are designed to help people move towards work, improve wellbeing, or gain basic skills.

- Help with study-related costs

In some cases, you may be able to get help towards things like:

- Travel to college

- Equipment or materials

- Childcare while you attend your course

These options depend on your personal circumstances and the support available at the time. We will talk these through with you.

Evidence you may need to provide

To check your eligibility, we may ask you to bring:

- Photo ID (for example, passport, driving licence, or national ID card)

- Proof of address (for example, a recent bill or official letter)

- Benefit letters if you receive benefits

- Wage slips or a contract if low income is being considered

- Certificates or transcripts for your existing qualifications

- Immigration or residency documents, if relevant

Having these ready can speed up your enrolment. If you are unsure what you need, we will explain it step by step.

Talk to us for personal advice

Funding can feel complicated, and you do not need to work it out on your own.

Our staff speak to adults every day who are returning to learning, changing career, or studying for the first time in many years. We are here to:

- Listen to your goals

- Explain the options in plain English

- Check what funding you may be able to receive

- Support you through the application and enrolment process

If you are interested in a course or just want to explore your options, please contact us. We will review your situation, check the latest funding rules, and let you know what support might be available to you.