Advanced Learner Loan

Aged 19 or over and thinking about further education?

You may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. These loans help you to pay the fees charged by colleges and training organisations. Most students aged 19 and over, studying at Level 3, 4, 5 or 6, will qualify for these loans from the UK Government. It’s easy to apply, your household income isn’t taken into account and there’s no credit check. You won’t have to pay anything back until your income is over £25,725 a year.

Do I qualify?

To qualify you must be:

• aged 19 or over on the first day of your course (there’s no upper age limit)
• living in the UK on the first day of your course and have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for three years immediately before this unless you meet one of the exceptions detailed in the ‘Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Students’
• studying with a college or training organisation in England approved for public funding
• enrolling on an eligible course at Level 3, 4, 5 or 6, this includes A levels, Access to HE Diplomas and other Diplomas and Certificates.

These loans do not cover Degrees or other forms of Higher Education (HE).

For information on funding for HE go to gov.uk/student-finance

Applying is easy

Apply online or download an application form at gov.uk/advancedlearnerloan

Making the right choice

It’s important you consider your own circumstances and look into all options for paying for your course before choosing to take out a loan. If you want advice on managing your finances you can get impartial money advice from the Money Advice Service at moneyadviceservice.org.uk

How much can I get?

The amount you can get depends on your course, the fees charged by your college or training organisation and maximum amounts set by the Government.

The minimum loan amount is £300.

You can take out a loan for the maximum amount to cover your fee or you can pay all or part of the fee yourself.