Access to HE Diplomas are allocated public funding by the Department for Education in England, Medr in Wales and the Education Authority in Northern Ireland.

England

In England, the Adult Skills Fund is available to learners aged 19-23 who do not have a Level 3 qualification. Learners aged under 19 are funded by exception only, and at the discretion of providers.

Advanced Learner Loans are available to students in England aged 19 or older, including those who already hold a Level 3 qualification. Loan repayments start when you earn over £27,295 per year. Students completing a QAA-recognised Access to HE course who then go on and complete a degree or other recognised higher education course have the balance of their Access to HE loan written off.

The fees set by colleges vary from college to college and course to course. Costs may also change from year to year.

We have published a short video explaining all about the Advanced Leaner Loan and how Access to HE Students can apply. There is also more information on Advanced Learning Loans and repayment arrangements on the Government website.

The funding status of courses can be checked at Find a Learning Aim.

Wales

Medr funds Access to HE tuition for learners aged 19 or over, and by exception for those aged under 19. Learners in Wales may also be eligible for the Welsh Government Learning Grant or Education Maintenance Allowance, dependent on eligibility criteria including age and domicile.

The funding status of courses can be checked at Qualification Wales.

Northern Ireland

Financial support is available for students whose homes are in Northern Ireland and are studying a further education course in Northern Ireland or elsewhere in the UK or Republic of Ireland. For full time study this includes help with tuition fees, and maintenance and childcare grants. For part-time study grants are available for childcare and some incidental costs.

The funding status of courses can be checked at The Education Authority website.