Need help with the cost of your course? Apply for an Advanced Learner Loan
If you are an adult looking to start a course, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of your fees*. This is perfect for those who want to apply for a course at Chesterfield College without the worry of the cost that comes alongside it.
Check if you are eligible here
The loan does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks in place. If you are 19 years of age or older (there is no age limit!), you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.
* Your course must be a Level 3, 4, 5 or 6 qualification – please note Higher Education courses such as degrees can be financed through Student Finance England
How much money will I get?
It depends on the type of course you are taking, your course fees and the maximum loan available for your course.
The loan is designed to be flexible; you don’t have to borrow the full cost of your course – you can choose to pay for some yourself and then use the loan to fund the rest.
Find out more about loans here
When do I have to repay the loan?
It works the same as a university student loan. You will have to start repaying the loan when you start earning a certain amount of income. This allows you to complete your education and have the security of a job before you start repaying any money.
What happens if I can’t repay the entire loan?
You’ll only ever have to make repayments in line with your income if you earn more than £25,000. Any loan balances which remain after 30 years will be written off.
Loan bursary fund
You might be able to get some extra help with studying costs, childcare, travel or trips related to your course through the loan bursary fund. This does not need to be paid back and is in addition to your advanced learner loan.
Find out more about bursary’s here
Advanced learner loans – Access to HE
If you did not gain the traditional qualifications required to progress to Higher Education when you were at school, such as A levels, Access to Higher Education Diplomas offers an alternative route. If you want to take an Access course and you are over the age of 19, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for the course fee. If you complete this and then go on to complete a course in Higher Education, the remaining balance of your Advanced Learner Loan, including any interest on it, will be written off.
For further information please visit gov.uk/advancedlearnerloan
What if I want to study a qualification that’s not eligible for a loan?
If you want to undertake a qualification that’s not eligible for a loan then you’d need to agree on another method of funding the course with the college or training organisation. Most providers, including Chesterfield College, can arrange payment in instalments.
How can I get help if I have a disability or learning difficulty?
If you have a medical condition or disability, or a learning difficulty such as dyslexia, then you could be entitled to Disabled Students Allowances. These provide practical support such as specialist laptops, recording software, mentor support etc. You can apply for this alongside your student loan.
More information here: www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa
Can I apply for a loan after my course has started?
You should apply as early as possible to make sure Student Finance England can pay your college or training organisation at the start of your course. However, you can apply for a loan at any time during your course, but not after you’ve completed it.
If you wish to apply for a loan during your course, you’ll need to agree to this with your college or training organisation in advance, as you’ll already have discussed with them how you’re going to pay your fees. Deciding to take out a loan will change this arrangement.
The college or training organisation will also need to provide you with information so you can complete your application.
How do I apply?
You can apply online or by post. You will get a letter confirming your loan, within 2 weeks after sending off your application.
Check with us that your course qualifies for the loan before applying. You cannot apply until you get a ‘learning and funding information letter’ from Chesterfield College.
More information on the advanced learner loan can be found on the GOV.UK website