Study for free
Full Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications
If you are 19 to 23 years old and do not have a Level 2 or above qualification, you will be fully funded if you study a full Level 2 or full Level 3 qualification.
Access to Higher Education courses
You can study an Access to Higher Education course for free if:
- You are 19+ and the Access course is your first full Level 3 qualification
- You are 19+ and have a Level 3 qualification but are earning less than £27,007.50
- You are 19+ and have a Level 3 qualification but are unemployed and looking for work
If you do not fit into the categories above you may need to take out a loan [link to financial support]. If you take out an Advanced Learner Loan to fund your Access course and go on to complete a degree, you will not need to pay back the loan for your Access course.
English, maths and ESOL
If you are aged 19+ and have not previously gained a GCSE grade C/4 or higher, you will be fully funded if you study for a qualification in English or maths, up to and including Level 2.
If you are unemployed looking for work or earn less than £27,007.50 you can study our English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses for free.
Free Courses for Jobs
Any adult aged 19 and over who does not already have a Level 3 qualification or higher can study Free Courses for Jobs eligible Level 3 courses for free.
This offer is also available to adults who earn less than the National Living Wage annually or who are unemployed, regardless of their prior qualification level.
You can get a free Level 3 qualification if you:
- Are aged 19 or over and do not already have a Level 3 qualification.
- Or already have a Level 3 qualification or higher but earn below the National Living Wage annually.
- Or already have a Level 3 qualification or higher but are unemployed.
Financial support
Alongside studying a free course, you may be eligible for extra financial support. This can include travel expenses, childcare fees and essential equipment.
If you are not eligible to study a specific course for free, you may be able to access other funding options such as Advanced Learner Loans.
