24+ Advanced Learning Loans

What Are They?

24+ Advanced Learning Loans are for learners aged 24 and above in further education and training studying at Level 3 or 4, including Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships, for those starting their course or apprenticeship on or after 1 August 2013.

You can apply for a loan to meet the upfront costs of your qualification which will be paid directly to the College on your behalf.

The loans application process will launch in April 2013 for the academic year 2013/14. 24+ Advanced Learning Loans are similar to higher education loans, but will be introduced for further education students. To qualify you’ll need to be:

• aged 24 and over at the start of the course
• a resident in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the course
• studying with a college or training organisation in England approved for public funding
• enrolling on an eligible course at level 3 or 4, such as: A levels, Access to HE Diplomas, other Diplomas and Certificates, Advanced Apprenticeships or Higher Apprenticeship.

The loans are not means tested or credit checked and any individual who meets the criteria will be able to apply for a loan whether they’re employed or unemployed – the loan will then be paid directly to the college on your behalf. More information on applying and to process an online application please visit www.sfengland.slc.co.uk.

You don’t pay anything up front for your course fees and if you’re not earning over £21k per year or £1750 per month, you won’t pay anything back! That’s not all – outstanding balances are written off after 30 years!

also

If your loan is for an Access to Higher Education programme AND you progress to complete a Higher Education programme, you will not have to pay back your FE loan!

For apprenticeships the learner and employer are expected to share the costs of the course, so the loan you would take out would only be for half the course cost.

For more information on 24+ Advanced Learning Loans policy please visit BIS website.

For an SFE Factsheet 24+ Advanced Learning Loans Factsheet

Your questions answered 24+ Advanced Learning Loans FAQs 

Financial and Learning Support

A bursary to help with other course costs including up to 50% of Ofsted registered childcare costs and any additional learning support needs will be available to learners in receipt of a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan. Applications for support should be made to Student Services on 01909 504500.

Note Learners wishing to finance their own course will not be eligible to apply for bursary support.

For information on how North Nottinghamshire College will assess and administer the bursary please read the 24+ Advanced Learning Loans Bursary Policy.

You can also get support from our friendly student services team on 01909 504500.