Money for learning 16+
Full-time courses at Level 3 and below are usually free for 16 to 19 year olds. You will have to pay for your travel, books and on some courses, specialist equipment.
Students aged 19+ may have to pay some or all of the costs depending on the course level, the level of qualification they have and their circumstances - ask colleges for more information. Advanced Learner Loans are available to students aged 19 or over, studying an approved course at Level 3 up to and including Level 6. There is also Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund for people who may be in particular hardship.
Apprentices get at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices and many get more.
Trainees may get help with travel and meals and may be able to apply for other learning support.
Up to your 20th birthday, your parents or carers will get Child Benefit and may get support through Universal Credit for you.
Other help includes...
- 16-19 bursaries; also Learner Support Fund 19+ – schools, colleges and training providers may help with some costs if you're struggling, so ask them
- Care to Learn for young parents
- Residential Bursary Fund if you're course isn't available locally – see individual college websites
- Residential Support Scheme if your course is too far away for you to live at home
- Dance and Drama Awards for courses at one of 17 specialist colleges
- Help from charities:
- Turn2Us - sources of charitable grants for anyone facing financial hardship
- Stand Alone - support for anyone estranged from their family
- Prince's Trust - help for some young people towards course costs
- Family Action - help for some young people towards additional costs of study
- Snowdon Trust - additional support for students with physical or sensory disabilities
For higher education student support, see the information on the Year 13 thinking of HE page.
If you can also contact your local council ...
... if you are 25 and over and don't have a careers adviser
In Calderdale visit financial assistance for post 16 education or T: 01422 392820
In Kirklees visit financial support for parents in education or T: 01484 22100
Search:
- Login and search
for our leaflet on 'Money for learning' and our guide to options after Y11, which have more information
Get organised 2020 - a guide to your post-16 options
Get Ahead 2020 - Entry level and level 1 opportunities
Need to contact us?
Your C&K Careers school or college careers adviser can help and advise you – get in touch with the careers team in school/college.
Or:
- Ring 01484 242000 and press '0' to speak to someone who can help
- Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Page updated October 2019
We acknowledge the use of a photo from Broadly, The Gender Spectrum Collection