Adult Courses

You can now apply for a loan from the Student Loans Company (SLC) to pay for your course. It’s easy to apply for, household income isn’t taken into account and there’s no credit check. Importantly, you won’t have to pay anything back until your income is over £26,575 a year. In fact if your income doesn’t ever rise above £26,575, you will never need to make a loan repayment. You can apply if: • You’re aged 19 and over • A UK resident • Studying an eligible course at Level 3 up to Level 6 Look out for the symbol throughout this guide to see which courses are eligible for the Advanced Learner Loan Advanced Learner Loan – a great way to pay your course fees Study an Access to HE Diploma for FREE! If you take out an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of your Access to HE Diploma and go on to successfully complete a degree, the Government will write off the loan that covered your Access course. Course Fees Fees vary depending on the course and its duration and usually include the tuition fee and exam fees (where applicable). Find out more by searching a course on our website, or call us on 01202 205205. Help with course expenses We’re given a fund each year from the Government which we use to help students with expenses such as equipment, course materials and childcare. However they can’t be used to pay course fees. They’re ‘means-tested’ and are made available according to individual circumstances. Funds are limited, so you should apply as early as possible. Spread the cost of your course You can pay your course fees in full when you enrol, or in instalments depending on the duration and total cost of the course. If you choose to spread the cost of your course, you’d pay 20% of your total fee by credit/debit card when you enrol, followed by Direct Debit payments. Professional and Career Development Loans These are bank loans and can be used to pay for courses and training that help with your career or to get you back into work. If you’re aged 18 and over and not receiving a discretionary award, you may be eligible to apply for one. The loans are usually offered at a low interest rate and the Government pays the interest while you’re studying. Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) The Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC) promotes lifelong learning amongst members of the Armed Forces. If you’re in receipt of these credits, you could use them to fund eligible Level 3 courses here at The College. Employer support Your employer may choose to pay for your course fees. If they do, there would be no cost to you and we would invoice your employer instead. thecollege.co.uk/money-matters Money matters 9 Naomi humphrys “Without the Advanced Learner Loan I wouldn’t have been able to do my Access to HE Diploma. It’s really easy to apply for and the interest is minimal. Plus I don’t have to pay anything back until I’m earning over a certain amount.” For more information and to watch an interview with Naomi visit thecollege.co.uk/ advanced-learner-loan