Funding options for adult learners in England before you pay for a course: free courses for jobs, Skills Bootcamps, Advanced Learner Loans, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, employer support and more.
Before paying for a course yourself, check whether it could be free or funded. Adults in England have several options, depending on age, existing qualifications, income and the type of course. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own schemes, noted at the end.
1. Free courses for jobs
Adults aged 19 and over in England can study selected level 3 qualifications (equivalent to A level) for free if they don't already have a level 3 qualification, or if they earn below a threshold or are unemployed. Courses focus on skills employers need, such as accounting, digital, engineering and health and social care. Some level 2 qualifications, for example in construction and engineering, are also included for eligible adults. Check the course list and eligibility on GOV.UK.
2. Skills Bootcamps
Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for adults aged 19 or over, in areas such as digital, construction, green skills and HGV driving. They can lead to a job interview with an employer. If your employer puts you on one, it pays part of the cost.
3. Basic skills, English and maths
Adults without GCSE English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above can usually study for them for free. Essential digital skills courses are also free for eligible adults.
4. Advanced Learner Loans and the Lifelong Learning Entitlement
Advanced Learner Loans help adults aged 19 and over pay for level 3 to 6 courses at approved colleges and training providers in England. They are repaid like student loans, only once you earn over the threshold.
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) is replacing parts of the student finance system for courses starting from 1 January 2027. It will provide a loan entitlement equivalent to four years of tuition fees, usable over your working life for full courses and, increasingly, for individual modules. Applications open ahead of courses starting in 2027. Check GOV.UK for current details.
5. Open University and part-time degrees
Part-time students in England can usually get tuition fee loans for degree-level study, including with the Open University. Repayment depends on your income after study.
6. Your employer
- Ask about training budgets. Many employers pay for job-related courses.
- Apprenticeships are available at any age, including for existing employees, with costs met by the employer and government.
- Check any "clawback" clause: some employers ask you to repay costs if you leave soon after training.
7. Unions, professional bodies and charities
Trade unions often offer free or discounted learning. Professional bodies, local councils and charitable trusts may offer bursaries, especially for career changers or people on low incomes. Your local library may provide free access to online learning platforms.
8. Benefits and Jobcentre support
If you claim Universal Credit and are looking for work, your work coach may be able to help you access training. Tell them before starting a course, as study can affect your claim.
Outside England
- Scotland: check Skills Development Scotland and the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
- Wales: Personal Learning Accounts offer free courses for eligible adults.
- Northern Ireland: check nidirect for skills and student finance.
Before you pay
- Check the course leads to a recognised qualification if you need one.
- Check the provider is registered (for example, on the Office for Students register for higher education).
- Read cancellation and refund terms. Online purchases from businesses usually have a 14-day cancellation period, which may be lost once you start accessing content.
- Talk to the National Careers Service for free advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get funding for a second degree?
Usually limited, but there are exceptions for some subjects. The LLE is intended to make retraining more flexible.
Is there tax relief on training?
Self-employed people can sometimes claim training that updates existing skills as a business expense, but not training for a new field.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Free courses for jobs
- Skills for Careers: Skills Bootcamps
- GOV.UK: Advanced Learner Loan
- GOV.UK: Lifelong Learning Entitlement overview
- National Careers Service
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.