Funding advice
Government contributions
The government fully or part subsidises the cost of many courses at colleges and training organisations (providers). This subsidy is paid directly to the provider, with any balance of the course fee paid for by you, the learner. This is the amount the provider will ask you to pay when you enrol on a course.
If you open a Lifelong Learning Account, you can find out if you are eligible for government funding to help with the costs of your learning or training.
Your eligibility for government help will depend on a number of factors, such as your age, residency, your circumstances and the course you want to do. Your course must be with a provider approved by the National Careers Service, and you must have the legal right to live in England at the start of your course. Government contributions do not apply to higher education courses.
Since August 2009, the government has given all eligible adults aged 19 or over the chance to access a range of courses that are part of the new Adult Entitlement to Learning. If you are eligible, you could study for a qualification and have no course fees to pay.
Courses available as part of the Adult Entitlement to Learning could give you:
- adult basic skills in reading or maths or both
- a qualification at a level that is broadly similar to the level of five GCSEs at or above grade C
- a qualification equivalent to 2 GCE A Levels.
For more information visit the Skills Funding Agency 
website.
Recent changes to funding policy mean that providers have the discretion to fully fund individuals who are unemployed and need skills training in order to return to work. It is expected that this discretion is mainly for those who are in receipt of state benefits such as Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment Support Allowance (Work Related Activity Group). It may also benefit other individuals who are unemployed and need skills training to help them enter work.
If you are unemployed you should contact your chosen provider directly to discuss your funding options with regards to learning.
To see how much the government contributes to your chosen course, simply click on the government contributions checker below and answer the simple questions.
My Funding Information
You will need to be 19 or over to see the results of this check. The government contributions results will be correct at the time you carried out your check but may change in future.
