Archive Website of the UK government

Get on a free course

Skills and qualifications can help open up new options for work and further study - or with everyday things like helping your child with their homework.

There’s a range of courses available free of charge, especially if you lack qualifications at the moment. So what have you got to lose?

Free courses to improve your reading, writing and number skills

Looking to boost your reading, writing or number skills? Courses in literacy and numeracy are often available free of charge.

See ‘Improving your reading, writing and number skills’ for more on literacy and numeracy courses. You’ll also find out how to contact a Get On advisor for free help finding a course to suit you.

• Improving your reading, writing and number skills

Free tuition to help you get new qualifications

If you don’t already have GCSEs, A levels or equivalent qualifications, you may be able to study for them without having to pay any tuition fees.

For learners starting their course in the 2011/12 academic year the Government may meet the tuition costs for:

• a course which leads to your first full Level 2 qualification
• a course which leads to your first full Level 3 qualification, if you’re under 25

For learners starting their course in the 2012/13 academic year the Government may meet the tuition costs for:

• a course which leads to your first full Level 2 qualification if you’re under 24
• a course which leads to your first full Level 3 qualification if you’re under 25

Getting a Level 2 qualification can help you develop skills suitable for a range of jobs - and a Level 3 qualification could get you into university or higher education.

A full Level 2 is equivalent to five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C, and a full Level 3 to two A levels. But you’re not limited to just GCSEs and A levels. You could, for example, choose to do an NVQ or BTEC qualification that fits in with your career plans.

• Qualifications explained

Free tuition for other courses

If you are starting in the 2011/12 or 2012/13 academic year the Government may also meet the tuition fees for courses that are designed to help you into work if you’re getting one of the following:

• Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance (in the Work Related Activity Group)

Colleges and training providers may also be able to meet the costs of your tuition if you are on other benefits but only if your course is designed to help you into work. You will need to check with your college or training provider to find out whether this applies.

Find a free course that suits you

Choose a course

Follow the link below for information on choosing a course, and to use the National Careers Service course search.

• National Careers Service course search Opens new window

Check whether you can get free tuition

If you’re not sure whether the course you want to do is funded by the Skills Funding Agency, check with the college.

Remember that you’ll need to show them that you qualify for free tuition - for example, proof that you’re getting one of the benefits listed above.

Even if you can’t get free tuition, some colleges offer discounts in certain circumstances - ask them when you apply.

Check whether you can get financial help while you’re on your course

Whether you qualify for free tuition or not, there may be other charges you need to pay - like registration or exam fees.

You may be able to get financial support to help with these and other costs while you’re learning - like travel and childcare.

• Help with learning costs: an introduction

Other opportunities to learn for free

Learning for free at work

Many employers are keen for their staff to develop new skills, and may offer free training relevant to your job.

If you’re looking to get back into work, you may be able to take part in the New Deal or other programmes for unemployed people.

• Training and learning for work

Free learning online

Anyone can learn on the internet for free. The BBC website offers free courses in literacy, numeracy, computers, languages and many other subjects.

• Online courses from the BBC Opens new window

More useful links

• Benefits and financial support (money, tax and benefits section)

Useful contacts

• Adult learning contacts