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Money and learning costs support

See what financial support is available to help you learn, complete training or move towards your dream job.

Help to pay for a course

Loans, bursaries or grants you can get to help with course fees.

Free level 3 qualifications

The government will pay for you to do a level 3 qualification if you either:

  • do not already have a level 3 qualification
  • have a level 3 qualification but you earn less than the National Living Wage

Search free level 3 courses on the National Careers Service website.

Advanced Learner Loan

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of a course at a college or training provider. You might be able to get a loan no matter what your income is.

You'll need to be 19 or older on the first day of your course.

See how to get an Advanced Learner Loan on GOV.UK.

Adult bursaries and grants

If you’re an adult, you can apply for grants and bursaries to help pay for courses and training.

The bursaries and grants you can apply for depend on your circumstances.

View grants and bursaries for adult learners on GOV.UK.

Student finance

You might be able to borrow money to help pay for university or college tuition fees.

If you’re a full-time student with children, you might be able to get extra help called Parents’ Learning Allowance.

Find out about student finance for undergraduates on GOV.UK.

If you’re starting a course from January 2027 and need student finance, the way student finance works will change for you. The UK government is introducing the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

Find out about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) from Student Finance England.

Get careers advice

A careers adviser can help you:

  • take the first step in your career
  • work out what jobs you might enjoy
  • change jobs or progress in your current career
  • decide on an ideal training choice

Speak to a National Careers Service adviser.


You might be able to get help to pay for things related to studying such as travel, books and equipment.

Learner support

Help with the costs for things you need to attend a further education course, if you're aged 19 or older.

Find out about Learner Support on GOV.UK.

Care to Learn

The Care to Learn scheme can help with childcare costs while you study if you’re a parent under 20.

Find out about the Care to Learn scheme GOV.UK.

16 to 19 bursary fund

Get help with costs if you’re 16 to 19 and in education, training or doing unpaid work experience.

Learn about the 16 to 19 bursary fund on GOV.UK.

Help with transport costs to sixth form or college

Find out what services or discounts are available in your area to help with travel costs to sixth form or college. You'll need to be 16 to 19 years old and in education.

Help with transport costs for 16 to 19 year olds on GOV.UK.


Other support available

Find out what support you might be able to get to help with your living costs.

Find out about help with money you could get if you're a care a leaver or have been looked after.

See what government funded childcare support is available and check what you can get.

Support to help with everyday living costs.