Are you thinking of studying a level 3 (further education) course but may struggle to afford it?
Then Advanced Learner Loans could help you study on a course or support you in a change of career.
NEW: In the last spending review the government stated: ‘The government will expand tuition fee loans to 19 to 23 year olds at levels 3 and 4, and 19+ year olds at levels 5 and 6 to provide a clear route for learners to develop high-level technical and professional skills.’*
Funding of loans for 19-23 year olds does not remove the entitlement for the first full Level 3 qualification to be free.
Advanced Learner Loans have been introduced to help you pay for some or all of your college tuition.
- You don’t pay back a penny until your income is over £27,000 a year
- No credit checks and a low interest rate
- Your household income isn’t taken into account
- Enhanced employability – fast-track your career
Please note: If your Higher Education loan is through Student Finance England and is for an Access to Higher Education programme (a further education course) and you progress to complete a Higher Education programme, you will not have to pay back your Further Education loan!
Who can apply?
To qualify for a loan you need to be:
- Starting a relevant course on or after 1st August of the academic year
- Aged 19 or over at the start of your course
- Resident in the UK for the past 3 years
- A UK national or having “settled status” in the UK
- You can still apply for a loan if you are unemployed
When you can apply?
You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan (formerly known as the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan) from May 2024 for courses starting on or after 1st August 2024. Please do not apply until you have received your Learning & Funding Information Letter from the college.
How to apply
Please be aware that Advanced Learner Loans aren’t the only means of supporting the cost of your studies. For independent advice on financial advice go to The Money Advice Service website.
Further information on Advanced Learner Loans is available from the National Careers Service website.