Learner Support Fund
Welcome to The Learner Support Fund
On this page you’ll find all of the information that you need regarding the fund, what it is and how to know if you are eligible to benefit from it.
What Is The Learner Support Fund?
The Learner support fund (LSF) provides financial help to students who, without its assistance, would have difficulty enrolling on or completing a course.
It is in place to allow those who would otherwise have difficulty, to be able to reach their potential and study with us.
Am I Eligible?
In order to be eligible, you must be:
- Studying an eligible qualification
- Settled in the UK or have pre-settled status
- Claiming a means tested benefit
- In receipt of a low income (details of which can be found below):
Age 16-18 Household income below £30,250 (2025/26)
Age 19+ Household income below £32,000 (2025/26)
Age 19+ living alone income less than £23,492 (2025/26)
The LSF fund can help towards costs listed below:
Travel support Bus, Petrol, Train:
If you live more than 3 miles from your centre of study
Disability Travel, Bus, Petrol, Train, Taxi:
If you have a disability or ill health reason why you are unable to walk
Course-related Costs:
Equipment, Trips, Uniform, Safety Equipment, Kits
Childcare Costs:
Students Aged 20+
Care to Learn Childcare Costs:
Students Aged 16 – 19
Vulnerable Bursary:
Students Aged 16 – 18 in care, care leaver or in receipt of Universal Credit
Free College Meals:
– Students Aged 16 – 18 and are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits
– Students aged 19 – 25 who have an EHCP and are in receipt of one of the qualifying benefits
16-18
If you are aged between 16 and 18 as of 31 August 2026 and have enrolled on a course that is leading to a qualification, the tuition and exam fees are free.
However, there may be some participation costs to cover essential kit, uniform, equipment, recommended text books, or trips to support your learning. If you are eligible, our bursary scheme may be able to help with some of these costs.
For all financial support information for 16-18, please click here.
19
If you’re aged 19 or over, you may need to pay tuition fees but many students are eligible for discounts on these.
If you’re 19 to 23 and do not already hold a full Level 2 (five or more GCSEs at Grade A* to C; NVQ Level 2 or equivalent) or full Level 3 (an Access to Higher Education Course, BTEC National Certificate or Diploma, NVQ Level 3, or two or more A Levels or equivalent) qualification you will be exempt from paying tuition fee and exam fees if you undertake a full Level 2 or full Level 3 qualifications.
If you are 19 and over, undertaking an Entry Level, Level 1 or Level 2 course, you may be exempt from paying tuition and exam fees if you receive an active benefit (e.g. Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance, Job Seekers Allowance) and are seeking work.
If you are aged 19 and over and study GCSE Maths or English and do not already hold a C grade or higher in the subject that you are studying, you will be exempt from paying a tuition fee.
If you’re aged 19 or over, you could access a Level 3 qualification for free. This is part of the support available from the government to help you gain the skills that you need to get the job you want.
You can obtain a free Level 3 qualification if you:
- Are 19 or over and do not already hold a Level 3 qualification.
- Already have a Level 3 qualification or higher but meet the ‘Low Wage’ criteria by earning below the National Living Wage annually (£20,319 from April 2023).
- Already have a Level 3 qualification or higher but are unemployed (please note, not all Level 3 courses are eligible).
For all financial support information for 19+, please click here.
How To Apply
Placeholder for text
Our Policy
Placeholder for text
Examples of Income Evidence
Placeholder for text
How To Use VMC
Placeholder for text
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan?
In order to qualify for a loan, you must be aged 19 or over and living in the UK on the first day of your course, be a UK national or have “settled status” and you must have been living in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man for at least three years.
What courses can I study?
The Advanced Learner Loan covers a range of courses at Level 3 and above including A Levels, Access to Higher Education, Certificates, Diplomas and more.
Apprentices may also be able to apply for a loan if they take applicable courses in addition to their apprenticeship programme.
Can I obtain a loan if I already possess a similar qualification?
Any qualifications that you already hold will not affect your Advanced Learner Loan application.
Whilst you can only take out one loan for an Access to HE course, you can take loans out for two similar level courses (e.g 2x Level 3 qualifications).
How many loans can I take out?
You can take out up to four Advanced Learner Loans in total, these can be taken out at the same time if you wish.
What amount can I borrow?
The minimum Advanced Learner Loan is £300 and the maximum you can borrow will be the fee listed on the course webpage.
How do I apply?
Applications are to be completed online via the Student Finance England website https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan/how-to-apply
Get In touch
We can help you with questions you have about fees and finances. Contact us today.
