You could get financial help towards the costs of your learning, and related costs like travel and childcare. You can also get impartial advice on help available from a learning advisor by phone and email.

What sort of funding and financial support can I get?

You could be eligible for funding which you don’t have to pay back to cover all or part of your course costs.

Learner Support Funds

Learner Support Funds are available in colleges and school sixth forms to help with learning costs. The funds are prioritised for those who face financial hardship. You may be eligible if you also receive other forms of support.

Grants and bursaries

You could get a grant which you don’t have to pay back. Bursaries are similar to grants but are usually linked to certain professions.

Career Development Loans

A Career Development Loan (CDL) can help you pay for vocational or work-related learning. A CDL is a deferred repayment bank loan which allows you to borrow between £300 and £8,000.

Higher education

If you want to do a higher education course, you may be eligible for a student loan or other forms of financial support.

Learning at work

If you already work, your employer may fund your training. You could get help with costs if you are a member of a trade union. If you receive benefits you may be able do a course without losing any of your benefits.

How much will my course cost?

Some courses are free, including those for literacy and numeracy as well as some e-learning courses.

Course fees

Course fees vary depending on the subject, the length of the course and the type of qualification. You can find out about fees before you enrol.

Learning costs

There may be costs to cover things like exam fees, field trips and membership of societies or clubs. You may also need to buy materials - books, stationery and computer equipment, or for specific equipment needed for specialist courses such as art or music. You can normally find out about these costs before the start of your course.

Keeping costs down

To keep costs down you can:

  • find out if your college has a discounted shop
  • check if you are eligible for a National Union of Students (NUS) card - the card is recognised nationally and you could get discounts on products and services
  • borrow books from the library, instead of buying them
  • use computer facilities at your college, learning centre, library or UK online centre

You may be entitled to additional help towards related costs like living costs, travel or childcare. It’s worth speaking to your student support or welfare officer to make sure you’re getting all the funding you are entitled to.

 

Source: DirectGov. Crown Copyright.