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Funding Information for Learners Aged 19 and Over

Funding for learners who are 19 or older at the start of the academic year (or for mid-year start courses) depends on several factors. Your circumstances at the point of enrolment or when the course begins will determine what fees apply.

Because of this, we can only provide an initial indication at the application stage of any fees you may need to pay.

Key Points

Care Leavers and EHCP Holders
If you are aged 19–24 and are a care leaver or have a valid Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you will not be required to pay for your course.

Learners from Outside England but inside the UK
A funding check will be carried out. In most cases, if similar provision is available in your local area, funding will not be provided for the course. Chanel Island and IOM learners cannot be funding and applicants should contact the regional authority for advice on funding. 

Additional Qualifications
Some courses include optional add-on qualifications (e.g., specialist certificates such as spraying courses). These are not usually included in the main course fee. You can discuss these options with your tutor before enrolling.

Advanced Learner Loan
If you need an Advanced Learner Loan, details will be sent by the College towards the end of June.

Evidence for Funding
Once the enrolment period begins (from the end of June), we will contact you to provide any evidence required to support your funding application.

If you have concerns about funding for your course, please email [email protected] and we will do our best to support you. Remember, the decision will be based on your circumstances at the point of enrolment which will be between July and September in most cases. 

 

1. General UK Guidance

Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ): Adults aged 19+ who do not already hold a full Level 3 qualification can study certain approved Level 3 courses for free.

Other eligibility routes:

    • If you earn below the National Living Wage or are unemployed, you may also qualify for free Level 3 courses, even if you already have one.

If you don’t meet these criteria:

    • You may need to pay tuition fees or take out an Advanced Learner Loan.
  • Courses must be:
    • Approved by the Department for Education.
    • At least 60 guided learning hours and linked to employment outcomes. [gov.uk]

2. Liverpool City Region

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority funds Level 3 courses through its Adult Skills Fund (ASF)

Fully funded options:

    • First full Level 3 qualification for adults aged 19–23.
    • Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer for eligible adults aged 24+.

Local flexibilities:

    • Additional support for unemployed learners and those on low incomes.
    • Job outcome payments may apply if learners leave early for employment.

If you’re not eligible for full funding, you may need to pay fees or use an Advanced Learner Loan. [api.liverp...-ca.gov.uk]

3. Lancashire

Lancashire is preparing for full devolution of the Adult Skills Fund from August 2026, but current funding follows national rules.

Current position:

    • Adults aged 19+ can access free Level 3 courses under the national Free Courses for Jobs offer if eligible.
    • Other learners may need to pay or use an Advanced Learner Loan.

Future plans:

    • Lancashire’s Strategic Skills Plan aims to introduce local flexibilities to better align with labour market needs, including tailored support for priority sectors. [skillsforwork.info]

 

National Postcode Check Tool

Use this tool to enter your postcode and find out whether you are in a devolved area or not:

Liverpool City Region

Official Combined Authority site with maps and details:

Lancashire

Lancashire Combined County Authority information: