What Is the Adult Learning Grant and Am I Eligible

What was the Adult Learning Grant?

The Adult Learning Grant, often called ALG, was a form of financial support designed for adults returning to education in England. Unlike a loan, this was a grant, meaning recipients did not have to pay it back.

The grant provided a weekly payment to help cover everyday costs that come with studying. This included expenses such as travel, books, childcare, or other living costs necessary to focus on a course. This type of support may have significantly assisted many adult learners in continuing their education.

However, the ALG was phased out in England during the 2011/2012 academic year. If you are looking for financial support for adult learning today, you will need to explore the current funding options that have replaced it.

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What support is available now?

Several funding routes have replaced the Adult Learning Grant for adults returning to education in England.

The Advanced Learner Loan is available for courses at Level 3 to Level 6 for learners aged 19 and over. Unlike the old grant, this is a loan that you repay once you earn above a certain income threshold.

The Adult Education Budget funds free or subsidised courses for eligible adults. If you are aged 19 or over and do not already hold a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, you may be able to study certain courses for free. Eligibility often depends on your employment status and household income.

Many colleges and training providers also offer their own bursaries or hardship funds. These vary by institution and are worth asking about when you enrol.

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Support across the UK

Funding arrangements differ across the nations of the UK. If you are studying in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, separate schemes apply.

In Scotland, the Individual Training Account and other Skills Development Scotland programmes provide support for adult learners. Wales offers the Personal Learning Account for eligible employed adults, along with funding through Welsh Government programmes. Northern Ireland has its own arrangements through the Department for the Economy, including Essential Skills courses offered free of charge.

Check with your local college or the relevant government website for your nation to find out what you may be entitled to.

How to find and apply for funding

Start by speaking to the student support or advice team at your chosen college or training provider. They handle funding queries regularly and can tell you which schemes apply to your course and circumstances.

You will typically need to provide proof of identity, evidence of your household income, and details of the course you plan to study. Processing times vary, so apply as early as possible to avoid delays in receiving any support you are entitled to.

For the most accurate information on current rates, eligibility thresholds and application processes, visit GOV.UK or the relevant government website for your nation. Your learning provider can also point you towards any additional funding, such as institutional bursaries or discretionary learner support funds.

Although the Adult Learning Grant no longer exists, financial help is still available for many adult learners. Taking time to research your options before you enrol can help you make the most of what is on offer.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Student Funding Eligibility Checker lets you identifies which grants, loans, and support schemes a student or family may qualify for based on their circumstances. Try it now →