Home > Funding > What is the Adult Learning Grant and am I Eligible

What is the Adult Learning Grant and am I Eligible

By: Sarah O'Hara BA (hons) - Updated: 29 Feb 2024 | comments*Discuss
 
Learning College Grant Education Alg

The Adult Learning Grant, or ALG, is in place to help adults who want to study be able to afford to do so. It is a non-repayable grant of up to £30 a week and is intended to help adult learners with the costs associated with returning to education.

It is available to adults studying on all sorts of courses and training programmes.

Who Qualifies for the Adult Learning Grant?

A wide range of adult learners are eligible for the Adult Learning Grant but there are restrictions relating to:

  • Age: To be eligible for the ALG claimants must be aged 19 or over.
  • Location: Applicants for the ALG must be studying for a course in England.
  • Income: There is an upper income threshold for eligibility for ALG and those that have earned above it can’t claim. Currently these thresholds are £19,513 for a single person and £30,810 for someone who lives with a partner or is married.
  • Course Being Studied: Not all education courses qualify for the ALG, although many do. Firstly, in order to be eligible the college or institution that you’re studying at must be recognised by the Learning and Skills Council. Individual colleges can advise as to whether they are approved.The course being studied for must also lead to the claimant’s first full Level 2 (equivalent to five or more A to C GCSEs or NVQ 2) or Level 3 qualification (equivalent to two A-levels or NVQ 3).
  • Study Hours: For an adult learner to be eligible for the ALG their course must be full-time and include attendance of at least 12 hours per week (or 150 hours per term).

The Adult Learning Grant and Benefits

Those receiving benefits because they’re out of work are not eligible for the ALG. These disqualifying benefits include Jobseeker’s Allowance and Income Support.

Other types of benefit and part-time work don’t usually affect eligibility for the ALG but there are some exceptions.

The ALG: How Much Could You Receive?

The amount of Adult Learning Grant students are eligible to receive depends on their income. Single applicants earning under £11,810 are eligible for the full amount of £30 per week. This amount then decreases in increments up to the income of £19,513.

Those who live with their partner or are married will be eligible for the full £30 if their combined income is less than £20,817. This amount then decreases in increments up to the combined income of £30,810.

What can the ALG Be Used For?

The Adult Learning Grant can be used for costs related to studying including:

  • Books
  • Equipment
  • Travel
  • Learning materials

Applying for the Adult Learning Grant

The ALG can be applied for through colleges and learning institutions or by requesting an application pack from the Learner Support Helpline on 0800 121 8989.

Guidance is provided on how to fill in the application form and payments are made directly to adult learners’ bank accounts. It is best to apply for the ALG before courses actually start but it’s possible for ALG payments to be backdated.

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[Add a Comment]
I am looking to do an animal physio course of 3200 but I earn £22k unfortunately that doesn’t go far these days. I would be going down to one less day a week should I be able to do this course meaning I would then be earning less. Would I be eligible? It’s an independent training provider with chance to earn level 4/5 diploma.
Tc - 29-Feb-24 @ 7:49 AM
Hi I'm looking at doing a level 2 dog grooming course but I'm on univsal credit and can not get it funded because it's level 2 the course is 1200 and the certificate 300 would I be able to get help with this
Gem - 26-Feb-24 @ 6:01 PM
I have the opportunity to retrain but the course fees are £3000. As I have no savings and work freelance my economic stability is often up and down I have been guaranteed a job on completion of the course but due to having no spare cash it seems I going to have to dream on! So frustrating. I’m sure many are in the same boat.
Windy - 10-Aug-23 @ 12:02 PM
I’m trying to get help with a dog grooming course to start my own business, it’s 3000, would I be eligible
Yss - 2-Sep-20 @ 8:08 PM
I have found an online course that I want to do, but I need higher maths and english to do it, I have found all the online courses which I can work around my part time job and children but I don't know how to go about getting funding for it
Phoenix - 13-Jan-20 @ 7:06 PM
Im currently off work with depression and my life has exploded meaning my relationship withmy partner kids andfamily are all at risk unless i turn my lifecaround im desperate for help as dnt know what will happen if i keep going if you can offer ne information or help how i can gain some forward direction and give me some self direction into getting into a electrical course or plumbing as ive been off work for 6 months
BigAl - 10-Jan-20 @ 12:38 PM
I am currently doing a level 3 TA course online ... would this be something I can apply for? Thanks for your help
Shell - 15-Aug-19 @ 7:16 PM
PLEASE CAN YOU REMOVE THE ADULT LEARNING GRANT INFORMATION. THE FUNDING CLOSED YEARS AGO. THANKS
Dios - 22-Jul-19 @ 10:19 AM
I have called the provided support number 2 times and I was told that the Adult grant is no longer available, is it correct?
Nina - 22-Jul-19 @ 10:16 AM
Hi , my name is Zhala I’m doing teaching assistant level3 this september,I have two children am I eligible for grants
Zhala - 9-Jul-19 @ 11:37 PM
I graduated last year with a degree in primary education but it didn't come with QTS. I have to now do my English, maths and science GCSE to be able to apply for my PGCEto teach. Is there any free GCSE courses?
Vi - 6-Jul-19 @ 10:14 AM
Hi am looking to enroll for a beauty therapy course, I have already qualified in Swedish massage and Indian Head massage, and looking to gain more qualifications.
Lyds - 25-Jun-19 @ 12:02 PM
My daughter will be 21 this year and she works for specsavers. She wants to start the optical dispensingcourse this September. Would she be legible for funding? She lives at home and earn £12000 yearly.
Barbara - 13-May-19 @ 1:57 PM
hi i want to study a course in higher education in Skills for the workplace 4 . But student fiance will not give me any funds will i be able to claim adult learning grant £30. My course is 2 years long at the university of wales. thanks
zuby - 14-Apr-19 @ 11:28 AM
hi i am interested in doing a course in certificate of higher Education in Skills for the workplace level 4 at university of wales trinity saint david birmingham. But student finance will not give me any funds for this course. will i be able to apply for a adult learning grant 30 pounds. My course is for 2years long. thanks
zuby - 14-Apr-19 @ 11:19 AM
Hi i am 32 and currently looking to study acupuncture with a view of practicing this therapy as a living. Im looking at a course which is accredited. Am i eligibke for any funding at all?
Stacey - 10-Apr-19 @ 12:36 PM
Hi I am 25 years old. I am currently on universal credit been signed off work but I want to do a barbering course at college. Will I be able to get help with the funds for tj course and travel ?
Freddie - 3-Jan-19 @ 6:33 PM
Hi I am 39 and am looking to do an nvq in beauty therapy level 2 and 3. Would I qualify for help with this? I am a full time carer on carers allowance and have mental health problems also.
Stephen - 8-Dec-18 @ 9:00 PM
I am on esa can I apply to do a course and get funding.
Marj - 26-Nov-18 @ 2:31 PM
caz - Your Question:
Hi, My daughter is 22 years old and has been accepted on a full time Science Access to Higher Education course. She has mental health issues and therefore is currently on ESA/PIP. She does not have to pay for this course as she has no education higher than GCSE's.However, she needs a lap top and several expensive text books. She also will have to pay for essential day trips etc.Is she eligible to get a grant for her educational equipment?

Our Response:
You would have to speak to the course organisers directly. Turn2Us may be able to help also, please see the link here .
FundingEducation - 7-Sep-18 @ 11:27 AM
Hi, My daughter is 22 years old and has been accepted on a full time Science Access to Higher Education course. She has mental health issues and therefore is currently on ESA/PIP. She does not have to pay for this course as she has no education higher than GCSE's.However, she needs a lap top and several expensive text books. She also will have to pay for essential day trips etc. .Is she eligible to get a grant for her educational equipment?
caz - 5-Sep-18 @ 5:46 PM
Hi, I’m 29 currently on maternity leave, planning to go back to work part time and with a joint household income of around £45,000. I am wanting to do at least a level 2 course in childcare is there any help I can receive to help me manage achieving this a juggling having kids?
D1989 - 29-Aug-18 @ 2:59 AM
I am married and earn £11000. My husband earns £50000. Am I eligible please?
Jo - 15-Aug-18 @ 1:37 PM
Hi, I did not complete my secondary education and I am 37 yrs now, I felt left out by the time because of my education, I want to educate my self, Please give me some advice, I want to complete my education..
Na - 20-Jul-18 @ 12:46 PM
Rhiannon - Your Question:
Hi I am 21 years old and I am going back to college in September to study an access to Higher Education course. I am currently on Universal Credit but this will be stopped when I attend college as it is Full time Education. I am very confused to what help I can receive towards equipment and travel costs whilst I find a part time job.

Our Response:
The Turn2Us link here may help answer your question (as you have not given any background information regarding your particular circumstances).
FundingEducation - 19-Jun-18 @ 9:43 AM
Hi I am 21 years old and I am going back to college in September to study an access to Higher Education course. I am currently on Universal Credit but this will be stopped when I attend college as it is Full time Education. I am very confused to what help I can receive towards equipment and travel costs whilst I find a part time job.
Rhiannon - 18-Jun-18 @ 12:10 PM
Hi, I'm starting a GCSE science course in September. I'm 41 years old and a single parent to two kids. I work part time, I'm wondering what help I can get to cover the cost of the course which is £800.
Jen - 11-Jun-18 @ 11:19 PM
Hi, I'm 40 and unemployed I'm looking at going back to college and doing and plumbing course, I have to start at level 2 which there is a cost to, level 3 and above quality for advanced learner loans is there funding available for the level 2?
Joe - 18-May-18 @ 3:54 PM
TINA - Your Question:
I am single 56 year old professional work full time no dependents. I am in a low paid job with no prospects and want to undertake additional qualification ie counselling degree.i cannot afford to give up my job as I have a mortgage. Any advice on how to achieve this qualification please

Our Response:
You would be able to train part-time or in your spare-time. Much depends upon what type of counselling you wish to do. You can see more via the likes of relate via the link here , which may help. Or you can look online to see whether there are any courses that fit your requirements.
FundingEducation - 26-Mar-18 @ 11:22 AM
I am single 56 year old professional work full time no dependents. I am in a low paid job with no prospects and want to undertake additional qualification ie counselling degree....i cannot afford to give up my job as i have a mortgage. Any advice on how to achieve this qualification please
TINA - 24-Mar-18 @ 7:34 AM
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