Advanced Learner Loan FAQs

Advanced learner loans are available for learners aged 19+ to study qualifications from Level 3 to Level 6, at any approved college or training provider in England.

Advanced learner loans cover tuition costs and are administered by Student Finance England.

The loan can cover any qualification from Level 3 to Level 6. Level 3 qualifications are A levels or equivalent vocational qualifications. Level 6 qualifications are at graduate level.

No, getting a loan does not depend on your income neither is it subject to credit checks. Any learner who meets the criteria will be able to apply for a loan, regardless of their current
employment status.

You must be 19 years old or more and fulfil residency criteria. Check that the qualification you want to study, and the college/training provider are both eligible for loan funding. You can ask your college or training provider any questions you have about your eligibility and the course eligibility, and they will have the necessary details for you to apply.

For most qualifications you can apply for up to 4 loans and you can get more than one at the same time. The exceptions to this are:

• A Levels: You can apply for a loan to fund each course you take towards your A levels – up to a maximum of 4 A levels. This means you can have up to 8 loans if you’re taking each A level as 2 separate courses (the courses must be in the same subject to qualify for a full A level.) You can also get 3 more loans for non-A level courses either before or after your A levels.
• You can only receive one loan for an Access to Higher Education diploma.
  
  

• The type of course
• Your course fees
• The maximum loan available for your course.

Your annual repayment amount will be 9% of any income you receive over the repayment threshold (currently £27,295 per annum).
Example repayment amounts:

• If you earned £30,000 a year, your monthly repayment would be £20
• If you earned £35,000 a year, your monthly repayment would be £57
• If you earned £40,000 a year, your monthly repayment would be £95

You can use the Money Advice Service to work out the cost of borrowing.