From August 2013 students aged 24 and over on a level 3 and 4 course will no longer be entitled to grant funding.
Students aged 24 and over will have to either:
– Pay the course fees themselves
– Have fees paid for by an employer or sponsor
– Apply for a 24+ advanced learning loan to help pay for the course fees
To qualify for the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan you’ll need to be:
– Aged 24 or over at the start of your course
– Enrolling on a course at level 3 or 4, which includes: A levels, Access to HE Diplomas, other Diplomas and Certificates, Advanced Apprenticeships or Higher Apprenticeships
– A UK resident at the start of your course and for 3 years prior to the start of the course
Check your eligibility for the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan NOW (click Eligibility Tool in the menu):
www.24plusmicrosite.com
The loan doesn’t depend on your income and there are no credit checks. Any individual who meets the criteria will be able to apply for a loan whether they’re employed or unemployed – the loan will then be paid directly to the college on your behalf.
You won’t need to pay anything up front for your course fees and you won’t have to pay anything back until you earn more than £21,000 a year.
How to apply
You will need a ‘Learning and funding information’ letter from us before starting your application online at:
www.gov.uk/advanced-learning-loans
If you decide to apply for the loan, please complete your application form as soon as possible after enrolment.
If your loan is for an Access to Higher Education programme and you progress to complete a Higher Education programme, you will not have to pay back your 24+ loan!
For apprenticeships, the learner and employer are expected to share the costs of the course, so the loan you would take out would only be for half the course cost.
Impartial money advice
It is important you consider your own circumstances and explore all available options. The Money Advice Service can help with impartial advice www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk