Money for learning 16+
Full-time courses at Level 3 and below are usually free for 16 to 19 year olds. You will have to pay for your travel, books and on some courses, specialist equipment.
Students aged 19+ may have to pay some or all of the costs depending on the course level, the level of qualification you have and your circumstances - ask colleges for more information. Advanced Learner Loans are available to students aged 19 or over, studying an approved course at Level 3 up to and including Level 6. There is also an Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund for people who may be in particular hardship.
Apprentices get at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices and many get more.
Trainees may get help with travel and meals and may be able to apply for other learning support.
Other help includes...
- 16-19 bursaries; also Learner Support Fund 19+ – schools, colleges and training providers may help with some costs if you're struggling, so ask them
- Care to Learn for young parents
- Residential Bursary Fund if a course isn't available locally – also see individual college websites
- Residential Support Scheme if your course is too far away for you to live at home
- Dance and Drama Awards for courses at one of 17 specialist colleges
- Help from charities:
- Turn2Us - sources of charitable grants for anyone facing financial hardship
- Stand Alone - support for anyone estranged from their family
- Prince's Trust - help for some young people towards course costs
- City & Guilds Bursaries - for those struggling financially. Priority given for those
who would like to train to work in a sector that currently has skills shortages
- Family Action - help for some young people towards additional costs of study
- Snowdon Trust - additional support for students with physical or sensory disabilities
- Directory of Social Change - produces a Guide to Educational Grants, available in some libraries
- The General Federation of Trade Unions Educational Trust (GFTU) - members of trade unions looking for support in furthering their education
For higher education student support, see the information on the Year 13 thinking of HE page.
If you can also contact your local council ...
... if you are 25 and over and don't have a careers adviser
In Calderdale visit financial assistance for post 16 education or T: 01422 392820
In Kirklees visit financial support for parents in education or T: 01484 22100
- Login and search for our leaflet on 'Money for learning' and our guides to options after Y11, which have more information:
Get Organised 2021 - a guide to your post-16 options
Need to contact us?
Your C&K Careers school or college careers adviser can help and advise you – get in touch with the careers team in school/college.
- Ring 01484 242000 and ask for your careers adviser by name
You can also talk to one of our careers advisers via our Chat service:
It's open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Ring 01484 213856
Look out for our Facebook Messenger
Page updated July 2020
We acknowledge the use of a photo from Broadly, The Gender Spectrum Collection