Financial support for adult learning courses

Tuition fees

Getting your course paid for

You can get your course tuition fee paid for if any of the following applies:

You receive:

• Job Seekers Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance (work related activity group only)
• Universal Credit (mandated to training)

Or studying:

• a Skills for Life course (not English for speakers of other languages - ESOL)
• an entry or level 1 course - if you’re unemployed and on a state benefit or aged between 19-23 years and do not already have a full level 2 qualification and require this to move onto to a level 2 course.

Courses are also free if you’re unemployed and claiming other means-tested benefits and need the skills to get a job. You must sign a self-declaration form to confirm that you intend to get a job and you need the qualification to do so.  The learning must be directly relevant to both your employment prospects and the needs of the local labour market.

Getting a 70% discount

You pay 30% of the full course tuition fee if:

• you’re on a course

and

• you're on a low income (single household income of £20,120, joint household income of £25,368) 

or you receive any of the following benefits or are dependent on anyone receiving any of these benefits:

• Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit (excluding Single Person Discount)
• Income Support
• Pension Guarantee Credit (Savings Credit only is not eligible)
• Employment Support Allowance (must not be attending Work Related Activity Group)
• Asylum Seeker claiming Asylum Support assistance
• Working Tax Credit (conditions apply)
• Incapacity Benefit
• Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment
• Carer’s Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Attendance Allowance

For example: A course that has a full cost of £29.70, you will only pay £8.94.

Learner Support Fund

The Learner Support Fund is available to help learners with course costs. 

You may be able to apply for help with:

• Leicestershire Adult Learning Service exam fees
• child care
• transport
• books and materials

if you’re on a low income (single household income of £20,120, joint income of £25,368) or your receive certain benefits. Please ask at enrolment.

Course fee loans

24+ Advanced Learning Loan

If you’re 24 or older, you can apply for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan to help with the fees charged by colleges and training organisations.

The course must have started on or after 1 August 2013 and be an eligible level 3 or above course. For more information and how to apply see the Gov.uk website.