Will I pay fees?
DO YOU WORK? DO YOU THINK FREE COURSES ARE UNAVAILABLE TO YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE EMPLOYED? THINK AGAIN!
EMPLOYED
You may be able to receive full funding if you are employed or self-employed, studying up to and including Level 3, and your annual income is below £25,000. This support is awarded based on your individual gross salary. For some Level 3 courses, if you are aged 19-23, earn more than £25,000 and have not achieved a full Level 3 qualification, you may also be eligible for full funding. For some individuals, you may be required to contribute to your tuition fees or for some Level 3 courses you may be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.
LEGAL ENTITLEMENTS
Individuals aged 19+ may be fully funded for English and maths courses from Entry Level up to Level 2, if you have not already achieved a GCSE (or equivalent) at grade 4 or functional skills at Level 2.Individuals aged 19+ may be fully funded for digital skills courses from Entry Level up to Level 1, subject to your assessment being below Level 1.Individuals aged 19-23 who have not previously achieved a full Level 2 or full Level 3 may be fully funded, regardless of the earnings threshold or employment status, if the course has an eligible legal entitlement status.
NOT CURRENTLY EMPLOYED
If you are currently unemployed and are in receipt of an eligible state benefit, you may be able to receive full funding foryour tuition fees in order to study up to and including eligible Level 3 programmes. State benefits refer to Universal Credit, Job Seekers Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance. If in receipt of other state benefits, this may be considered, depending on your individual circumstances.
EMPLOYER SPONSORSHIP
If your course is being sponsored by your employer, we can organise for them to receive an invoice and we will require evidence that your employer has agreed to pay for your course. This payment option will be discussed with you prior to enrolment.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT PACKAGES
Depending on your individual circumstances you may be eligible to receive financial support in the form of a bursary, towards your travel expenses and childcare. Our Advisors will work with you to determine all available financial support.
ADVANCED LEARNER LOAN
Where funding is not available for some Level 3 courses, and where you are eligible, you could apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your tuition fees. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income, nor are there any credit checks, and you will not have to pay anything back until you are earning over £25,000. For loans taken for the academic year 2025/26, please refer to Student Finance England for repayment guidance.
PAYING FOR YOUR COURSE
If your chosen course costs £120 or more, you can choose to pay in instalments by direct debit. To pay by instalments, your payments must be a minimum of £20 per month, and a minimum of three direct debit. Your first payment will be made when you enrol, with further payments taken on the first day of the month. If you wish, you can also choose to pay by cash*
*Cash is limited to a maximum of £500.