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Financial support for adult learning courses

If you receive certain benefits you can get either a 70% discount on GoLearn! adult learning courses or may be entitled to attend for free. Even if you’re not receiving benefits, you may still be entitled to help.

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.

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