Adult Learning: Can I Afford It

Many adults would potentially be interested in returning to or continuing their education but worry that they are not in a financial position to do so. However, it’s important to realise that there is financial support in place to help adult learners and that not all courses cost the same. Some are even free.

Types of Adult Learning

There are many opportunities for adult learning, offered by various types of education provider. The main types of training available are:

• Further education courses: Including A-levels and NVQs
• Higher education courses: Such as Diplomas and degrees
• Training for work: For example vocational and sector-specific courses.

Courses may be offered at colleges, university, in the workplace or even by distance learning.

Adult Learning and Affordability

Course fees for adult education vary depending on the level of the course and the type of qualification. Some courses are free.

There are other costs associated with being an adult learner (or learner of any age for that matter) including travel costs, books and equipment.

Help with the Costs of Adult Learning

The main forms of financial help for adult learners are:

• The Adult Learning Grant: The Adult Learning Grant or ALG is a non-repayable form of help for adults on full-time courses. Eligible learners could receive up to £30 per week to spend on course-related costs. More information is available in our article ‘What is the Adult Learning Grant and am I Eligible?’.

• Learner Support Funds: Learner Support Funds are available for students who are studying for a Further Education course and who are struggling to meet the financial demands of their course. Learner Support Funds are administered on a discretionary basis by colleges and learning providers.

• Bursaries: Bursaries are available for some courses. They are non-repayable and often related to a specific business or sector. Examples of these bursaries include Dance and Drama awards, City & Guilds bursaries and teacher training and nursing bursary awards.

• Career development loans: Career Development Loans are loans administered by banks to help pay for vocational learning. They have to be repaid but only when the course is complete. Career Development Loans are available from between £300 and £8,000.

• Student loans and related financial support: Adult students studying for higher education courses may be eligible for student loans and grants. Eligibility is linked to income. There is also support for higher education students who have children or dependants.

Free Learning and Other Options

Some adult learning courses are free. These include adult and literacy courses and courses which lead to studying for qualifications such as GCSEs and A-levels. Free tuition is available for people such as those who don’t already have GCSEs, A-levels or equivalent and those claiming unemployment benefits.

Most free courses must be ones which are approved by the Learning and Skills Council.

In order to spread the cost of adult learning it’s worth considering studying part-time. Courses are offered part-time at all levels including further education and higher education.

Distance learning is another option. Distance learning courses are often cheaper, can be carried out at the learner’s own pace and cut out many course-related costs which adults may face such as travel, childcare and time lost at work.