You may know that in some circumstances you can receive financial support for going to college… and in many cases it may cost you nothing at all. Just take a few moments to read the information below to see what opportunities are available to help you to learn within your budget.

You will not pay tuition or exam fees if:

1. you are aged 16-18 (under 19 on 31 August 2009)

2. you are over 19 on 31 August 2009 and you are in receipt of income-based benefits at the start of your course. Income based benefits include:
• Job Seekers allowance
• Working Tax Credit (if household income is under £15,050)
• Income Support
• Council Tax Benefit (not single occupier)
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Guarantee Credit
• Unwaged dependants of the above and on Jobseekers Allowance

3. you are looking to study your first full Level 2 qualification

4. you are 19-25 years old and looking to study your first full Level 3 qualification


There are many types of financial support available including:

Adult Learning Grant
This is available to learners on full-time courses (minimum 12 hours per week), aged 19 or over and studying for their first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification. The allowance is means-tested and students must not be receiving support from other government grants/training allowances, e.g. Income Support. You may receive up to £30 per week during term time, subject to good attendance. For further information and an application pack please contact the ALG – Learner Support Service on 0800 121 8989 or visit www.direct.gov.uk

Career Development Loans (CDLs)
Career Development Loans are commercial bank loans that may be available to students aged 18 or over who are studying a vocational (work related) course. CDLs from £300 to £8,000 are available. For further information and an application pack please contact the CDL Helpline on 0800 585 505 or visit www.direct.gov.uk