Free Courses

Everyone likes something for free, right? Eligibility is based on three key factors – your age, employment status and choice of qualification. You don’t normally have to pay course fees if any of the following applies:

Age

Employment status

Courses you can study for free

16-18

Any

All level 1, 2 and 3 courses are free.

Any

Any

Entry level English and maths, GCSE English and maths and functional skills English and maths are free, as long as you have not already achieved grade C, 4 or above before you enrol.

19-24 holding an education health care plan (EHCP)

Any

All courses until you reach the age of 25.

19-23

Any

You can study your first level 1, 2, or full level 3 qualification for free, if you have not already achieved a qualification at that level. For non-full level 3 courses you would need to apply for an advanced learner loan.

19+

Unemployed, looking for work and in receipt of eligible benefits*

There is no cost for studying a level 1 or 2 qualification, even if you already have a qualification at that level – unless your prior qualification is not a full level 2 and the course you wish to study is not a full level 2, in which case course fees do apply.

19+

Any

Students aged 19 or over who earn up to £17,364.50 annual gross salary are entitled to free courses on level 1 and 2 – unless your prior attained qualification is not a full level 2 and the course you wish to study is not a full level 2, in which case course fees do apply.

*Eligible benefits include Job Seekers’ Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit. Wider benefits will also be considered on an individual basis.