Become a fleet driver trainer

How to qualify as a fleet driver trainer

You can apply to join the voluntary register of fleet driver trainers if you specialise in training fully qualified drivers of fleets of cars and vans.

You must be an approved driving instructor to join the register.

You’ll have to take a training course accredited by DVSA to qualify as a fleet driver trainer.

You must join the register within 1 year of completing the course.

When you’ve qualified

When you’ve qualified and joined the register:

your details will be given to people looking for fleet driver training

you can advertise yourself as a ‘Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency registered fleet driver trainer’

Your registration as a fleet driver trainer will last for 4 years.

Apply to become a fleet driver trainer

To apply, download and fill in the application form and send it to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Training course already done

You can send the form to DVSA if you’ve already done an accredited training course. You’ll need to include:

the registration fee of £120

your driving licence number if you have a photocard driving licence, or a passport-style photo if you have an old-style paper licence

a copy of your course certificate

You must have done the course within the last year.

Managing your registration

Your registration will last for 4 years from when you join the register.

You’re responsible for remembering when your registration runs out and renewing it.

To renew your registration, download and fill in the application form and send it to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) with the fee of £120 and a passport-style photo.

You can re-join the register without having to qualify again within 12 months of your registration running out.

Replace a certificate

You should write to DVSA if your registration certificate is lost, stolen or destroyed.

You can get a new certificate by sending a passport-style photo to DVSA and paying £3.60.

Advertising your services

You’ll be able to advertise yourself as a ‘DVSA registered fleet driver trainer’. You can also apply to use the official DVSA logo.

Taking standards checks

You have to take regular standards checks as an approved driving instructor (ADI). This assesses your continuing ability to instruct someone with a provisional or full driving licence.

You don’t have to take a separate check to stay on the fleet driver trainer register.

How the test works

Standards checks are based on the examiner observing a normal lesson which should last for around an hour. After the lesson you should allow at least 15 minutes for the debrief.

You can bring a learner driver or a full licence holder who can be:

a driver you haven’t assessed

a driver you have assessed

A driver you haven’t assessed

You can bring a driver you haven’t assessed and:

give a presentation on occupational risk

introduce them to the training vehicle, covering safety checks

do a driver assessment and profile to establish their main risk areas and provide the necessary coaching

A driver you have assessed

You can bring a driver you’ve already assessed. You’ll need to tell the examiner what main risk areas you intend to provide coaching for during the standards check.

Your standards check result

You’ll get a grade at the end of your standards check. This works the same as a normal ADI standards check.

Being removed from the register

You’ll be removed from both the ADI register and the register of fleet drivers if you:

fail the standards check

don’t attend your standards check appointment


16 to 19 Bursary Fund

Overview

You could get a bursary to help with education-related costs if you’re aged 16 to 19 and:

studying at a publicly funded school or college in England - not a university

on a training course, including unpaid work experience

A publicly funded school is one that does not charge you for attending it.

There’s a different scheme in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

If you’re 19 and over

You could also get a bursary if you either:

are continuing on a course you started aged 16 to 18 (known as being a ’19+ continuer’)

have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

What a bursary is for

A bursary is money that you, or your education or training provider, can use to pay for things like:

clothing, books and other equipment for your course

transport and lunch on days you study or train

What you'll get

There are 2 types of 16 to 19 bursary:

a discretionary bursary

Bursary for students in vulnerable groups

You could get a bursary worth up to £1,200, depending on your circumstances and benefits.

Discretionary bursary

You could get a discretionary bursary if you need financial help but do not qualify for a bursary for students in vulnerable groups. Your education or training provider decides how much you get and what it’s used for.

If you’re over 19, you’ll only be eligible for a discretionary bursary.

Your provider will decide how you get your bursary. You might get:

an instalment paid by cash, cheque or bank transfer

things like a travel pass, free meals or books

Some providers also offer one-off payments to cover study trips or travel for university interviews.

Your provider could stop payments if you break their rules, for example about attendance or how your bursary is used.

Eligibility

You must:

be at least 16 and under 19 on 31 August 2021

study at a publicly funded school or college, or be on an unpaid training course

meet the residency requirements - your school or college can check this

You may be able to get a bursary if at least one of the following applies:

you’re in or you recently left local authority care

you get Income Support or Universal Credit because you’re financially supporting yourself

you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit

you get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name and either ESA or Universal Credit

The amount you may get depends on the costs you have and what you need for your course. This might include money for books, equipment or travel costs to school or college.

Discretionary bursary

Your school or college will have their own criteria for discretionary bursaries. They’ll look at your individual circumstances - this usually includes your family income.

Ask student services about their criteria and any evidence you’ll need.

You can apply to a discretionary bursary if you’re over 19 and either:

continuing on a course you started aged 16 to 18 (known as being a ‘19+ continuer’)

How to claim

Apply to your school, college or training provider. Ask student services or your tutor to explain what you need to do.

When to apply

Apply once you know where you’ll study or train, so you’ll get your bursary as soon as possible.

You might need to reapply for a bursary for each year of your course. Check with your provider.

Help

Your tutor or student services can help you decide if you’re eligible for a bursary and explain how to apply.

Contact the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) if your tutor or student services cannot answer your question.

You think a decision is unfair

Speak to student services if you’re unhappy with a decision. Follow their complaints process if you cannot resolve the problem.

Emergencies and hardship

You might be able to get more support if your circumstances change or you have an emergency. Your provider might also have a separate hardship fund. Speak to student services if you need extra help.


Advanced Learner Loan

Overview

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of a course at a college or training provider in England.

Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks.

Check if you’re eligible before you apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Different funding is available if you want to study in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales.

When you repay your loan

You’ll have to start repaying your loan when your income is over a certain amount (the ‘threshold’ amount).

You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment.

Access to Higher Education (HE) course

Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay it.

The higher education course must be eligible for student finance.

Loan Bursary Fund

You may also be eligible for money from the Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund if you need help with some costs while studying, for example childcare, travel or trips related to your course.

Use the Money Advice Service to work out the cost of borrowing.

What you'll get

How much you get depends on:

the type of course

your course fees

the maximum loan available for your course

The minimum loan you can get is £300 and is paid directly to your college or training provider.

You do not have to borrow the full cost of your course - you can pay for some of it yourself.

Number of loans you can get

You can apply for up to 4 loans and you can get more than one at the same time.

You can apply for another loan to take the same level of a course, for example the same level qualification in History if you’ve already had a loan for the same level in Maths.

You can only apply once for an Access to Higher Education course.

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 get 3 more loans for non A Level courses either before or after your course of A Levels.

Eligibility

Whether you qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan depends on your:

age

course

college or training provider

nationality or residency status

You must be 19 or older on the first day of your course.

Your course must be:

a Level 3, 4, 5 or 6 qualification, for example A Levels or graduate certificate

at an approved college or training provider in England

Ask your college or training provider if you do not know if your course is eligible.

Your nationality or residency status

In most cases, all of the following must apply. You must:

be living in the UK on the first day of your course

be a UK national or have ‘settled status’ (this means there are no restrictions on how long you can stay)

have been living in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man for 3 years before starting your course

If you have settled status because you’re a victim of domestic violence, you do not need to have lived in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man for 3 years.

You may also qualify if you’re:

a UK national, or someone with settled status, but you live in the European Economic Area (EEA)

an EU national or a family member of one

not a UK national but you’ve lived in the UK for at least 20 years (or at least half of your life)

a refugee or a relative of one

a migrant worker

the child of a Swiss national

the child of a Turkish worker

under humanitarian protection or a relative of someone who has been granted it

staying in the UK as a stateless person (or their family member) and your course started on or after 1 August 2018

a serving member of the UK armed forces (or their spouse, civil partner or a dependent parent or child living with them) doing a distance learning course from outside the UK that started on or after 1 August 2017

someone granted ‘Calais leave’ to remain or a child of someone granted ‘Calais leave’ to remain - if your course starts on or after 1 August 2020 and you’ve lived in the UK for at least 3 years before the first day of the first academic year of your course

Student finance for EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic or Liechtenstein nationals from August 2021

If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to get student finance.

You need to have started living in the UK before 31 December 2020 to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. If you’re coming to the UK from 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa to study in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme. They can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if they wish to - for example, to apply on behalf of a child.

How to apply

Check with your college or training provider that the course qualifies.

Ask them for a ‘Learning and funding information’ letter - you need this to complete the application. It contains the details about your course.

Apply online - you’ll need to register first. You can apply by post if you cannot apply online.

You’ll get a letter confirming your loan - usually within 2 weeks if you apply online (postal applications take longer).

What you need to know

You cannot apply until you get a ‘learning and funding information letter’ from your college or training provider.

You can apply for a loan without a National Insurance number but you must have one before the loan can be paid.

Apply by post

If you cannot apply online, apply by post - the address is on the form.

Proof of identity

If you’re a UK national, include your UK passport details in your application as proof of identity. If you forget, use the ‘UK passport details form’.

If you do not have a UK passport (or it has expired), send your original birth or adoption certificate to Student Finance England.

Include your name and address. You should also include your customer reference number if you have one. This is an 11-digit number. You can find it on letters or emails you’ve had from Student Finance England.

If you’re from an EU country, send your EU passport or identity card the first time you apply.

Supporting information

Use the ‘Evidence return form’ if you need to send extra information to support your application, such as proof of residency status.

Change an application

Once your application has been approved you can log in to your account to make a change online.

If you just want to change your loan amount you can use the loan request form instead.

Bursary fund

You may apply to get money from the Loan Bursary Fund after you’ve received a letter approving your Advanced Learner Loan.

The money can help pay for things like:

accommodation and travel

course materials and equipment

childcare

classroom assistance for a disability or learning difficulty - once you’re assessed by your college or training provider

How to apply

Apply to your college or training provider - each one has its own application process. How much you get depends on the provider’s scheme and your circumstances.

Speak to student services if you need support with your application.

How the money is paid

Your college or training provider decides how the money is paid. You’ll normally be paid direct. You might be able to arrange for the money to be paid to someone else instead, for example your landlord or childcare provider.

In some situations fund money must be paid back. This is generally if you’re a student experiencing a temporary financial difficulty and need a loan, for example for help with your mortgage or rent.

Eligibility

You can apply even if you get other types of funding, for example:

Professional and Career Development Loans

Disability Living Allowance

You cannot apply if you’re:

getting student finance for higher education

on an apprenticeship training scheme

on a Community Learning course

Appeal a decision

Contact your college or training provider to appeal a decision from the Loan Bursary Fund.


Become an apprentice

How apprenticeships work

Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

As an apprentice you’ll:

be an employee earning a wage and getting holiday pay

work alongside experienced staff

gain job-specific skills

get time for training and study related to your role (at least 20% of your normal working hours)

Apprenticeships take 1 to 5 years to complete depending on their level.

Levels of apprenticeship

Apprenticeships have equivalent educational levels.

| Level | Equivalent educational level

Intermediate | 2 | GCSE

Advanced | 3 | A level

Higher | 4,5,6 and 7 | Foundation degree and above

Degree | 6 and 7 | Bachelor’s or master’s degree

Some apprenticeships may also give you an additional qualification, such as a diploma.

Who can start an apprenticeship

To start an apprenticeship, you’ll need to be:

16 or over

living in England

not in full-time education

You can apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school but you’ll need to be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship.

If you need more experience

If you feel you’re not ready for an apprenticeship, a traineeship is a course designed to prepare you for one.

Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Different organisations deal with apprenticeships in:

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

What you'll get

As an apprentice, you’ll get:

paid and be entitled to the National Minimum Wage

time for training or study as part of your apprenticeship

holiday pay and other employee rights

Apprentice pay and the National Minimum Wage

There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you’re in.

Your employment contract should confirm your rate of pay.

Aged 16 to 18

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £4.30 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and in your first year

Aged 19 or over and have completed your first year

You’re entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age.

Check you’re being paid the minimum wage with the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator.

Time apprentices are paid for

You must be paid for:

your normal working hours

training that’s part of your apprenticeship (at least 20% of your normal working hours)

study towards English and maths qualifications, if they’re part of your apprenticeship

Your normal working hours should be in your employment contract (this might be your apprenticeship agreement).

There are rules about how many hours you can work in a week and being paid overtime.

If you’re studying for English and maths qualifications which are part of your apprenticeship, your employer should allow you time to study during your normal working hours.

Training

As an apprentice, at least 20% of your normal working hours must be spent on training.

Your training might happen every week, every month or in a separate block of time.

The training might take place:

at your place of work

somewhere else like at a college or training provider

online

Your training provider will be able to tell you when and where your training will be.

Holidays

You’ll get at least 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.

Use the holiday calculator to check holiday entitlement for apprentices.

If you’ve been in local authority care

If you’re under 25 when you start your apprenticeship and have previously been in local authority care, you may be eligible for a bursary payment.

Ask your training provider for more information about what you’ll get, if you’re eligible and how to apply.

Help and advice

Your school, college or training provider may be able to give you advice about apprenticeships.

Contact Acas for free and confidential advice on your rights at work.

Contact the Support Service for Apprentices for mental health support and advice.

Apply for an apprenticeship

There are 3 steps to applying for an apprenticeship.

Search for an apprenticeship.

Sign in or create an account.

Complete and submit your application.

The National Careers Service has advice on writing applications and what to do at interviews.

If you’re applying again because you were made redundant from your last apprenticeship, call the Apprenticeship helpline. You can also talk to your training provider.

If you’re unsuccessful

You can ask for feedback if you do not get selected for an interview or for the apprenticeship.

You can complain if you think you were not successful because you were discriminated against, or your treatment in the interview or application process was unfair.


Employing an apprentice

Overview

Apprentices are aged 16 or over and combine working with studying to gain skills and knowledge in a specific job.

Apprentices can be new or current employees.

You must pay the apprentice at least the minimum wage.

Your apprentice must:

work with experienced staff

learn job-specific skills

get time for training or study during their working week (at least 20% of their normal working hours)

Hiring your apprentice

There are several steps to taking on an apprentice.

Choose an apprenticeship for your business or organisation.

Find an organisation that offers training for the apprenticeship you’ve chosen.

Check what funding is available for training and other costs to your organisation.

Advertise your apprenticeship - you or your training provider can do this through the recruit an apprentice service.

Select your apprentice and make an apprenticeship agreement and commitment statement with them.

If you do not want to hire and train the apprentice yourself, you can use an apprenticeship training agency. The apprentice will be employed by the agency but will work in your organisation.

How long it lasts

Apprenticeships must last for at least a year. They can last up to 5 years depending on the level the apprentice is studying.

Get help

Fill in the enquiry form or contact the National Apprenticeship Service for more information.

You can get more information or use the webchat service on the apprenticeship service employer support site.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Contact your apprenticeship authority if you’re an employer in:

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

Get funding

You can get help from the government:

as an incentive payment for other costs

Help to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment

The amount you get depends on whether you pay the apprenticeship levy or not. You pay the levy if you’re an employer with a pay bill over £3 million each year.

If you do not need to pay the levy

You pay 5% towards the cost of training and assessing your apprentice. You need to:

agree a payment schedule with the training provider

pay them directly for the training

The government will pay the rest (95%) up to the funding band maximum. They’ll pay it directly to the training provider.

You could be eligible for extra funding depending on both your and your apprentice’s circumstances.

You contribute 10% towards the cost of training and assessing your apprentice and the government pays the rest (90%) if your apprentice started before 1 April 2019. This rate continues until your apprentice completes their training.

If you pay the levy

You’ll receive funds to spend on training and assessing your apprentices. The government will add 10%.

How you get your funds and pay for training depends on whether you’re in:

England

Scotland

Wales

Northern Ireland

Help to pay for other costs

You can claim for an incentive payment for new apprentices who join your organisation.

You can claim £3,000 for apprentices who start between 1 April 2021 and 30 September 2021.

The closing date for applications is 30 November 2021.

Find out if you are eligible, what you can use the payment for and how to apply.

Register for a digital service account

Register for an apprenticeship service account to access funds or pay for training. You’ll be able to apply for the incentive payment after you add new apprentices to your account.

If you pay the apprenticeship levy and use an apprenticeship training agency, you cannot use funds from your digital account to pay for the training agency’s services.

Get help

Pay and conditions for apprentices

You are responsible for:

giving your apprentice their contract of employment

paying your apprentice’s wage

signing an apprenticeship agreement

Pay for apprentices

You must pay apprentices at least the National Minimum Wage.

There’s different rates of pay for apprentices depending on their age and what year of their apprenticeship they’ve completed.

The contract of employment should make it clear what wage you’ll pay your apprentice and for what hours.

Aged 16 to 18

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £4.30 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and in their first year

Aged 19 or over and have completed their first year

Apprentices will be entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for their age.

Use the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage calculator to check if you’re paying your apprentices correctly.

Conditions

Apprentices must work towards an approved apprenticeship. Their training must last at least 12 months.

They must be employed in a real job that gives them the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills they need to pass their assessment.

Training and study

You must pay your apprentice for time spent training or studying for their apprenticeship.

Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their normal working hours training.

The training might take place:

at their place of work

somewhere else (for example, a college or training provider)

online

If your apprentice is also studying for English or maths qualifications required by their apprenticeship, they are entitled to paid study time during their normal working hours.

Employee rights

You must offer apprentices the same conditions as other employees working at similar grades or in similar roles. This includes:

paid holidays

sick pay

any benefits you offer such as childcare voucher schemes

any support you offer such as coaching or mentoring

Apprentices and redundancy

Apprentices have the same employment rights as your other employees. Follow the process for making staff redundant if you have to make an apprentice redundant.

Get legal advice if you want to end the apprenticeship early for another reason.

Support for apprentices

Your apprentice can get support if they’re being made redundant or are at risk of redundancy.

They can get:

financial and legal advice

support for their health and wellbeing

help finding another apprenticeship

Make an apprenticeship agreement

You must sign an apprenticeship agreement with your apprentice.

This gives details of:

the skill, trade or occupation the apprentice is being trained for

the name of the apprenticeship they’re working towards

the start and end dates for the apprenticeship

the amount of training you’ll give them

You can write your own apprentice agreement or download an apprenticeship agreement template.

Commitment statement

You must sign a commitment statement with your apprentice and the training provider.

You can write your own commitment statement or use the ESFA apprenticeship commitment statement template.

It must include:

the planned content and schedule for training

what is expected and offered by the employer, the training provider and the apprentice

how to resolve queries or complaints


Further education courses and funding

Overview

Further education (FE) includes any study after secondary education that’s not part of higher education (that is, not taken as part of an undergraduate or graduate degree).

Courses range from basic English and maths to Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).

FE also includes 3 types of technical and applied qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds:

level 3 tech levels to specialise in a specific technical job

level 2 technical certificates help get employment or progress to another tech level

applied general qualifications to continue general education at advanced level through applied learning

Funding

Many courses in reading, writing and basic maths are free, and you may not have to pay for tuition if you’re under 24 and studying for your first qualification equivalent to GCSE or A level.

Find out about financial support, for example for your course or day-to-day living costs.

Find a course

Use the National Careers Service course search to find further education (FE) courses by course name, provider or subject.

You can also take courses through the internet or email (known as ‘distance learning’).

Comparing FE colleges

You can compare survey data from employers and learners about FE colleges.

Advice

You can get free advice from the National Careers Service if you need help choosing a course.

If you're 16 or 17

If you’re aged 16 or 17 you can study a further education (FE) course:

full-time at school or college

while at work

If you’re coming towards the end of a school or college course, you’re guaranteed a place on an FE course the following autumn if you’re under 18 years old.

Contact your school or local council to find out what’s on offer.

Advice

Get advice to help you decide on the right course from a National Careers Service adviser.

Financial help

You may be able to get help with the costs of:

your course

day-to-day living costs

childcare

Depending on your circumstances and the subject you’re studying, you may qualify for:

Learner Support

Residential Support Scheme

Care to Learn

Dance and Drama Awards

16 to 19 Bursary Fund

a loan to help with the costs of a college or training course if you’re 19 or older - called an Advanced Learning Loan

Funding for essential skills

In most cases you will not have to pay for level 1 and 2 English and maths courses. You might be able to take other courses for free.

Funding if you’re on benefits

You can get free training if you’re unemployed and:

claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance

in an Employment and Support Allowance work-related activity group

required to do training as part of your Universal Credit claim

Your Jobcentre work coach will tell you what training you can do.

If you’re claiming other benefits or cannot get free training through your job centre, you may be able to get funding from colleges and training providers.

Funding from a charitable trust

Use the Family Action grant search to check if you can get help from a charitable trust.

Advice

Find out more about courses and what financial help you can get through the National Careers Service.


Get funding for college accommodation

Overview

You may be able to get help with the cost of term-time accommodation if you’re studying a further education course that’s far from your home.

How much you get depends on your household income.

You will not be able to get help with boarding school fees.

What you can apply for

You may be able to apply to get money from the following:

Residential Bursary Fund (RBF), if you study at a specialist residential centre

Residential Support Scheme (RSS), if you do not study at a specialist residential centre

Residential Bursary Fund

You may be able to get help with the cost of accommodation from the Residential Bursary Fund (RBF).

Eligibility

You must:

meet the residency requirements (your college will check this)

be at least 16 and under 19 on 31 August 2021

You may be eligible if you’re 19 and either:

continuing on a course you started aged 16 to 18

have an education, health and care plan (EHCP)

Your course must:

be too far to travel to each day (your college must agree with this)

be full-time

be ‘16 to 19 funded’ (your college can confirm this)

What you’ll get

Your college will decide how much you get. It depends on your household income.

You can get payments for a maximum of 3 years.

How to claim

Contact the student support officer at your college for an application form and help with applying.

Residential Support Scheme

You may be able to get help with the cost of accommodation from the Residential Support Scheme (RSS).

Eligibility

You must:

not be on housing benefit

have a household income of less than £30,993

be studying your first level 2 or level 3 qualification (for example 2 or more A levels, a diploma or a national vocational qualification)

Your course must:

not be at a specialist residential centre (your college can confirm this)

be full-time at a college in England

Your course must also be more than either 15 miles or a 2 hour round trip from your home, and not available any closer than that.

What you’ll get

The table shows the maximum you can get each year. The actual amount you can get depends on your accommodation costs.

Gross household income | Studying outside London | Studying in London

Up to £21,000 | Up to £3,458 | Up to £4,079

£21,001 to £25,704 | Up to £2,305 | Up to £2,685

£25,705 to £30,993 | Up to £1,152 | Up to £1,355

£30,994 or more | No award | No award

How to claim


Learner Support

Overview

If you’re aged 19 or over, on a further education course and facing financial hardship, you could get Learner Support.

You apply to your learning provider (for example your college) for Learner Support. How much you get depends on your circumstances.

The money can help pay for things like:

accommodation and travel

course materials and equipment

childcare - if you qualify

What you'll get

Your learning provider (for example, a college) decides how much you get. It depends on their scheme and your circumstances.

How the money is paid

The money could be:

a direct payment to you - which you don’t have to pay back

a loan - which you have to pay back

paid to someone else, for example a landlord

Your learning provider decides how the money is paid to you. It depends on their scheme and what the money is for.

Check with the student support staff at your college or the National Careers Service about other funding you could get.

Eligibility

To get Learner Support you must be:

19 or over

studying at a learning provider funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (check with your college)

You must be 20 or over to get help with childcare costs. If you’re 19, apply for Care to Learn instead.

You can apply even if you get other types of funding, for example:

Professional and Career Development Loans

Care to Learn

Disability Living Allowance

Who can’t apply

You can’t claim if you’re:

getting student finance for higher education

on a Community Learning course

How to claim

Apply directly to your learning provider (for example, a college) - they each have their own application process.

Speak to your student support services to:

get help applying

find out what’s available

Appeal a decision

If you’re not happy with the decision about your Learner Support, contact your learning provider to appeal it.


What qualification levels mean

Overview

Most qualifications have a difficulty level. The higher the level, the more difficult the qualification is.

If you need to know the level of a qualification, you can:

see a list of qualification levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

use the Register of Regulated Qualifications - if you know the name of the qualification and the exam board that runs it

compare qualification levels from other countries

Qualifications at the same level sometimes cover different amounts of the same subject.

Help

Contact the National Careers Service for advice about qualification levels if you’re in England.

For the rest of the UK, contact:

Skills Development Scotland

Careers Wales

Northern Ireland Direct

England, Wales and Northern Ireland

There are 9 qualification levels.

Entry level

Each entry level qualification is available at three sub-levels - 1, 2 and 3. Entry level 3 is the most difficult.

Entry level qualifications are:

entry level award

entry level certificate (ELC)

entry level diploma

entry level English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)

entry level essential skills

entry level functional skills

Skills for Life

Level 1

Level 1 qualifications are:

first certificate

GCSE - grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G

level 1 award

level 1 certificate

level 1 diploma

level 1 ESOL

level 1 essential skills

level 1 functional skills

level 1 national vocational qualification (NVQ)

music grades 1, 2 and 3

Level 2

Level 2 qualifications are:

CSE - grade 1

GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C

intermediate apprenticeship

level 2 award

level 2 certificate

level 2 diploma

level 2 ESOL

level 2 essential skills

level 2 functional skills

level 2 national certificate

level 2 national diploma

level 2 NVQ

music grades 4 and 5

O level - grade A, B or C

Level 3

Level 3 qualifications are:

A level

access to higher education diploma

advanced apprenticeship

applied general

AS level

international Baccalaureate diploma

level 3 award

level 3 certificate

level 3 diploma

level 3 ESOL

level 3 national certificate

level 3 national diploma

level 3 NVQ

music grades 6, 7 and 8

tech level

Level 4

Level 4 qualifications are:

certificate of higher education (CertHE)

higher apprenticeship

higher national certificate (HNC)

level 4 award

level 4 certificate

level 4 diploma

level 4 NVQ

Level 5

Level 5 qualifications are:

diploma of higher education (DipHE)

foundation degree

higher national diploma (HND)

level 5 award

level 5 certificate

level 5 diploma

level 5 NVQ

Level 6

Level 6 qualifications are:

degree apprenticeship

degree with honours - for example bachelor of the arts (BA) hons, bachelor of science (BSc) hons

graduate certificate

graduate diploma

level 6 award

level 6 certificate

level 6 diploma

level 6 NVQ

ordinary degree without honours

Level 7

Level 7 qualifications are:

integrated master’s degree, for example master of engineering (MEng)

level 7 award

level 7 certificate

level 7 diploma

level 7 NVQ

master’s degree, for example master of arts (MA), master of science (MSc)

postgraduate certificate

postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE)

postgraduate diploma

Level 8

Level 8 qualifications are:

doctorate, for example doctor of philosophy (PhD or DPhil)

level 8 award

level 8 certificate

level 8 diploma

Other countries

Qualifications outside England, Wales and Northern Ireland use different level systems.

Scotland

You can compare qualifications in Scotland with those in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Outside the UK

You can:

compare European qualifications

contact the UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC) to compare a UK qualification with any non-UK qualification - there’s a fee for this


Appeal against an exam result

Overview

You can challenge the results of an exam or qualification if you think it’s wrong.

GCSEs, AS levels or A levels

You can ask your school or college to get an exam result looked at again - this is called requesting a review.

If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, your school or college can make an appeal to Ofqual.

Other qualifications

Ask your school or college to appeal to the awarding organisation about the results for any other qualification, for example a BTEC or an NVQ.

You can appeal directly to the awarding organisation if you’re a private student, for example, if you are home schooled or are a mature student.

The awarding organisation will send you a final report after they’ve reviewed the result.

If you’re not happy with the outcome of the appeal, you can contact Ofqual to make a complaint.

Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Find out more about the appeals process in:

Wales

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Request a review

You can challenge the result of a GCSE, AS level or A level exam.

You can also challenge the result of another qualification.

Who can request a GCSE, AS level or A level review

You can ask your school or college to get an exam result looked at again (known as ‘requesting a review’). You cannot request a review yourself unless you’re a private candidate, for example you were home schooled.

What happens next

The mark will be changed if the reviewer thinks it’s wrong. The new mark may be higher or lower than the original.

You can ask your school or college’s exams officer for more information about their internal appeals procedure and their policy on reviews of marking and moderation.

You can appeal against a review if you’re unhappy with the decision.

You or your school may have to pay if the mark is not changed.

Deadlines

The deadlines for requesting a review are:

A levels - 4 February 2021

GCSE English language and maths - 18 February 2021

all other GCSEs - 18 March 2021

Check with your exam board to find out the deadline for other qualifications.

Appeal against a review

If you asked for an exam result to be reviewed and you’re not happy with the decision, you can appeal to Ofqual.

Ask the exams officer, headteacher or principal at your school or college to make an appeal. You cannot make an appeal yourself unless you’re a private candidate, for example you were home schooled.

You need to appeal within 21 days of getting the result of a review.

Read more about making appeals to Ofqual.

What happens next

Ofqual will tell you if your review is going ahead and will keep you updated.

If your review is rejected, Ofqual will tell you why.

If you cannot apply online

Contact Ofqual if you cannot apply online or have any questions about the appeal process.


Scholarships for children whose parent died in service

Overview

You can apply for help with the costs of further and higher education if all of the following are true:

one of your parents died as a result of their service in the armed forces

your parent died on or after 1 January 1990

you’re 16 or over and in full-time education

you or a surviving parent receive bereavement benefits from the Armed Forces Compensation scheme, War Pension scheme or Armed Forces Attributable Benefits scheme

You cannot apply if you were the foster child of the person who died.

What you can use the scholarship for

You can use the money to pay tuition fees and your maintenance for:

a further education course of up to 3 years

your first undergraduate course at a UK university or other higher education institution (such as a college or art school) - this can include study abroad if it’s part of the course

a higher level technical education course at qualification levels 4, 5 or 6

If you’re unsure about the type of course ask the college or university you want to apply to.

What you'll get

In the 2018 to 2019 academic year you can apply for up to:

£1,500 for a further education course

£9,250 for tuition fees and £4,950 for a Maintenance Grant for a higher education or higher level technical education course

If you’re studying in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales, you can apply for up to £9,000 for tuition fees and £4,950 for a Maintenance Grant.

How the payments are made

Payments are made 3 times a year no later than:

31 October

31 January

30 April

Your college or university must have confirmed that you’re registered for a course and attending before any payment is sent.

Payments can be backdated in some circumstances, for example you become eligible for a scholarship and apply while studying.

Further education scholarships are paid to either you or your parent or guardian.

University and other higher education scholarships are paid directly to you.

All scholarships are tax free.

How to apply

Download and fill in the bereavement scholarship scheme application.

Post your application to the address on the form.

If you’re applying for a higher education scholarship (for example, an undergraduate degree from a UK university), also include:

a letter from the college or university confirming that you’ve accepted their offer of a place

proof of the fees, for example a photocopy of your tuition fees invoice

Deadlines

Veterans UK must receive your application by 31 January in the academic year of your further education or university course.

You can apply from 1 April in the academic year you’ll begin studying.

What happens next

The Veterans UK Scheme Administrator will get in touch to confirm whether you’re eligible for the scholarship you’ve applied for.

How long it takes to find out if you’re eligible depends on the evidence you provide with your application.

If you’re applying for a university or higher education scholarship

Register with the Student Loans Company to ensure you’re charged UK student fees for your course.

Appeals

If you disagree with the decision you must appeal to Veterans UK in writing.

Help with your application

Contact the Veterans UK helpline if you have any questions about the scholarships, for example what you need to do to apply or how to fill out the application form.


Adult Dependants' Grant

Overview

If you’re a full-time student in higher education and an adult depends on you financially, you can apply for an Adult Dependants’ Grant of up to:

£3,190 for the 2021 to 2022 academic year

£3,094 for the 2020 to 2021 academic year

The grant:

does not have to be paid back

is paid on top of your other student finance

You cannot get an Adult Dependants’ Grant if you’re getting a Postgraduate Loan.

What you'll get

The maximum Adult Dependants’ Grant is:

You do not have to pay this money back.

Adult Dependants’ Grant will affect any income-related benefits and tax credits you might get.

What it’s based on

The amount you get depends on:

your income

the adult dependant’s income

your personal circumstances, for example if you’re married or have children

what other grants you’re receiving, for example Childcare Grant

How you’re paid

The money is paid in 3 instalments (one at the start of each term) directly into your bank account.

Eligibility

Usually the adult dependant will be:

your husband, wife, partner or civil partner

a relative, such as a parent or grandparent

If you’re under 25, the adult dependant cannot be your partner unless you’re married or in a civil partnership.

You’re not eligible if the adult dependant is:

your child

a relative who earns more than £3,796 a year

getting student finance

How to apply

Fill in the Adult Dependants’ Grant section on your main student finance application  - you’ll need to give estimates of your household income.

Student Finance England will assess your application and contact you if they need more information.

Student Finance England will send you a letter telling you if you qualify and how much money you’ll get.

Supporting information

Student Finance England may contact you and ask for further information on your financial circumstances. This can include a copy of:

your P60

Child Benefit details

family tax credits details

financial information from your partner, for example bank statements


Doctoral Loan

Overview

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD.

There’s different funding if you normally live in Wales. Moving somewhere to study does not count as normally living there.

You can also get extra support if you have a disability.

You will not be eligible for an Adult Dependants’ Grant, a Childcare Grant or Parents’ Learning Allowance from Student Finance if you’re studying a doctoral course.

When you can apply

You’ll be able to apply for funding for the 2021 to 2022 academic year from summer 2021. Applications are not yet open - this guide will be updated as soon as they are.

When you repay your loan

You’ll have to start repaying your loan when your income is over a certain amount (the ‘threshold’ amount).

You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment.

What you'll get

You can get up to:

£27,265 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2021

£26,445 if your course starts between 1 August 2020 and 31 July 2021

£25,700 if your course started between 1 August 2019 and 31 July 2020

The amount you’ll get is not based on you or your family’s income.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may take account of the loan when working out any benefits you receive.

The loan is paid directly to you. You can use it for your course fees and living costs.

The loan will be divided equally across each year of your course.

If you apply after your first year

You can apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan in any year of your course. But if you apply after your first year, you might not get the maximum amount.

You can get up to:

£11,570 each year if your course starts on or after 1 August 2021

£11,222 each year if your course started between 1 August 2020 and 31 July 2021

£10,906 each year if your course started between 1 August 2019 and 31 July 2020

When you’re paid

You get the first payment after your course start date, once your university or college confirms that you’ve registered.

The loan will be paid in 3 instalments of 33%, 33% and 34% each year. After your application has been approved you’ll be sent a letter with your payment dates or you can check them in your online account.

Eligibility

Whether you qualify depends on:

your course

your age

your nationality or residency status

You will not be able to get a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan if:

you’ve received or will receive Research Council funding (for example, studentships, stipends, scholarships and tuition fee support)

you’re already getting a social work bursary

you’re already getting an Educational Psychology bursary and your course starts on or after 1 August 2020

you’re eligible to apply for an NHS bursary (even if you’re not receiving it)

you’re already getting payments from Student Finance England for another course that you’re studying

you’ve received a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan before - unless you left your course due to illness, bereavement or another serious personal reason

you already have a doctoral degree, or a qualification that’s equivalent or higher

you’re receiving a doctorate by publication

you’re behind in repayments for any previous loans from the Student Loans Company

Your course

It must:

be a full, standalone doctoral course (not a top-up course)

have started on or after 1 August 2018

last between 3 to 8 academic years

be provided by a university in the UK with research degree awarding powers

If more than one university delivers your course and one is overseas, you’ll still be eligible for the Postgraduate Doctoral Loan so long as:

the UK university is the lead institution

you spend at least 50% of your study time over the whole course in the UK

It can be:

full-time or part-time

taught or research-based, or a combination of both

Examples of postgraduate doctoral qualifications include:

PhD / DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy)

EdD (Doctor of Education)

EngD (Doctor of Engineering)

Integrated doctorals

You can apply for a loan if your doctoral programme includes an integrated master’s degree (even if you already have a master’s degree).

You must register for a full doctoral degree.

You will not be able to apply for a separate Postgraduate Master’s Loan.

Distance learning

To qualify for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan for distance learning, you’ll need to be living in England on the first day of the first academic year of your course.

You’ll also need to live in:

England for the whole of your course, if you’re an EU national

the UK for the whole of your course, if you’re not an EU national

This usually does not apply if you’re:

serving in the armed forces

a spouse or civil partner of a serving member of the armed forces

a dependent parent living with a serving member of the armed forces

Your age

You must be under 60 on the first day of the first academic year of your course.

The academic year is a period of 12 months starting on:

1 September, if your course starts between 1 August and 31 December

1 January, if your course starts between 1 January and 31 March

1 April, if your course starts between 1 April and 30 June

1 July, if your course starts between 1 July and 31 July

Your nationality or residency status

You can apply for the Postgraduate Doctoral Loan if all of the following are true:

you’re a UK or Irish national or have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or indefinite leave to remain so there are no restrictions on how long you can stay

you normally live in England

you’ve been living in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland for 3 continuous years before the first day of your course, apart from temporary absences such as going on holiday

You may also be eligible if you’re a UK national (or family member of a UK national) who either:

returned to the UK on or after 1 January 2018 and by 31 December 2020 after living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

was living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein on 31 December 2020 and has been living in the UK, the EU, Gibraltar, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein for the past 3 years

If you’re an EU national or a family member of an EU national

You may be eligible if you’re an EU national, or a family member of an EU national, and all the following apply:

you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (no restrictions on how long you can stay)

you’ve normally lived in the UK, Gibraltar, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein for the past 3 years (this is also known as being ‘ordinarily resident’)

you’ll be studying at a university in England

You could also be eligible if you’re:

the child of a Swiss national and you and your parent have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

a migrant worker from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, or a family member of one with settled or pre-settled status

a resident of Gibraltar who is a UK or EU national, or their family member

Student finance for EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic or Liechtenstein nationals from August 2021

If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to get student finance.

You need to have started living in the UK before 31 December 2020 to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. If you’re coming to the UK from 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa to study in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme. They can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if they wish to - for example, to apply on behalf of a child.

If you have a different residency status

You may also be eligible if your residency status is one of the following:

refugee (including family members)

humanitarian protection (including family members)

child of a Turkish worker who has permission to stay in the UK - you and your Turkish worker parent must have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020

a stateless person (including family members)

an unaccompanied child granted ‘Section 67 leave’ under the Dubs Amendment

a child who is under the protection of someone granted ‘Section 67 leave’, who is also allowed to stay in the UK for the same period of time as the person responsible for them (known as ‘leave in line’)

granted ‘Calais leave’ to remain

a child of someone granted ‘Calais leave’ to remain, who is also allowed to stay in the UK for the same period of time as their parent (known as ‘leave in line’)

you’ve been given settled status but not under the EU Settlement Scheme

you’ve been given indefinite leave to remain because you’ve been the victim of domestic violence

you’ve been granted indefinite leave to remain as a bereaved partner

you’re the family member of a person of Northern Ireland and you have pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

If you’re a non-UK national and have lived in the UK for a certain number of years

You could also be eligible if you’re not a UK national and are either:

under 18 and have lived in the UK for at least 7 years

18 or over and have lived in the UK for at least 20 years (or at least half of your life)

You must have been living in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 3 continuous years before the first day of your course.

How to apply

You can apply now for courses that start or started in the following academic years:

2020 to 2021

2019 to 2020

2018 to 2019

You can apply in summer 2021 for courses that start in the academic year 2021 to 2022. Applications are not yet open - this guide will be updated as soon as they are.

Check whether you’re eligible before you apply.

You only need to apply once for the Postgraduate Doctoral Loan. Student Finance England will write to you in the summer to tell you how much you’ll get in the next academic year.

Apply online

If you’ve taken out a loan with Student Finance England before, use your account to apply.

If you do not already have one, set up an account.

Apply by post

If you cannot apply online, apply by post – the address is on the form.

If your course starts in the 2020 to 2021 academic year

If your course starts in the 2019 to 2020 academic year

If your course started in the 2018 to 2019 academic year

Read the student finance privacy notice to find out how the information you provide will be used.

When to apply by

The deadline for applying depends on when you start your course.

You need to apply within 9 months of the first day of the last academic year of the course.

The academic year

The academic year is a period of 12 months.

Course start date between | First day of academic year

1 August and 31 December | 1 September

1 January and 31 March | 1 January

1 April and 30 June | 1 April

1 July and 31 July | 1 July

Proof of identity

Include valid UK passport details in your application.

Use the ‘UK passport details’ form if you need to send the details after your application. Do not send the passport itself.

If you do not have a UK passport (or it has expired), send your original birth or adoption certificate to Student Finance England.

Include your name and address. You should also include your customer reference number if you have one. This is an 11-digit number. You can find it on letters or emails you’ve had from Student Finance England.

If you’re an EU national, send your passport or national identity card.

Supporting information

You should use the evidence return form for extra information to support your application, for example evidence of your residency status.

You may also be asked to complete the UK employment status form.

Change an application

Use your online account to change your personal details, for example bank or contact details. Contact Student Finance England directly if you do not have an account.

Change the amount you’ve asked for

Use the loan request form to change the amount you’ve applied for - you cannot do this online.

If your course starts in the 2020 to 2021 academic year:

If your course starts in the 2019 to 2020 academic year:

Other changes

Use the change of circumstances form if you need to change any other details, for example your university or course. You cannot do this online.

Taking a break or withdrawing from your course

Tell Student Finance England and your institution straight away if you need to withdraw from your course. It may affect your future payments and eligibility for funding.

Extra help

You may qualify for other funding, for example grants from charities or trusts.

Student Finance England also has more information about other kinds of student finance.

Disabled students

If you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty (for example dyslexia) you can apply for:

Disabled Students’ Allowance

extra help if you’re experiencing financial hardship

You may also qualify for disability related benefits.

Further information

You can learn more about the Postgraduate Doctoral Loan at the Student
Room website.

Contact Student Finance England if you have further questions.


Master's Loan

Overview

A Postgraduate Master’s Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master’s course.

Funding for postgraduate loans is different if:

you normally live in Scotland

you normally live in Wales

you normally live in Northern Ireland.

Moving somewhere to study does not count as normally living there.

You can also get extra support if you have a disability.

You will not be eligible for an Adult Dependants’ Grant, a Childcare Grant or Parents’ Learning Allowance from Student Finance England if you’re studying a master’s course.

When you can apply

You’ll be able to apply for funding for the 2021 to 2022 academic year from summer 2021. Applications are not yet open - this guide will be updated as soon as they are.

When you repay your loan

You’ll have to start repaying your loan when your income is over a certain amount (the ‘threshold’ amount).

You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment.

What you'll get

You can get up to:

£11,570 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2021

£11,222 if your course started between 1 August 2020 and 31 July 2021

£10,906 if your course started between 1 August 2019 and 31 July 2020

The amount you’ll get is not based on your income or your family’s.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may take account of the loan when working out any benefits you receive.

The loan is paid directly to you. You can use it for your course fees and living costs.

If your course lasts for more than a year, the loan will be divided equally across each year of your course.

When you’re paid

You get the first payment after your course start date, once your university or college confirms that you’ve registered.

The loan will be paid in 3 instalments of 33%, 33% and 34% each year. After your application has been approved, you’ll be sent a letter with your payment dates. You can also check them in your online account.

If you change university or college

Your new university or college has to confirm the change with Student Finance England before you receive any more payments.

Eligibility

Whether you qualify depends on:

your course

your age

your nationality or residency status

You will not be able to get a Postgraduate Master’s Loan if:

you’re already getting payments from Student Finance England for another course that you’re studying

you’ve received a loan or grant for a master’s course before - unless you got a Disabled Students’ Allowance or you left your course for a serious personal reason like illness or bereavement

you already have a master’s degree, or a qualification that’s equivalent or higher

you’re behind in repayments for any previous loans from the Student Loans Company

You’ll still be eligible if you have a PGCE or a postgraduate diploma or certificate.

You will not get extra money if you repeat a year of your course.

Your course

It must:

be a full, standalone master’s course (not a top-up course)

be worth at least 180 credits - check the course provider’s website if you’re not sure

have started on or after 1 August 2016

Your course must be provided by an eligible university or college in the UK (including the Open University). Check with the university or college that your course is registered.

Your course can be taught or research-based.

It can be:

full-time, lasting 1 or 2 academic years

part-time, lasting 2 to 4 academic years - no more than twice the length of the equivalent full-time course

part-time for up to 3 years, where no equivalent full-time course exists

Examples of postgraduate master’s qualifications include:

MSc (master of science)

MA (master of arts)

MPhil (master of philosophy)

MRes (master of research)

LLM (master of law)

MLitt (master of letters)

MFA (master of fine art)

MEd (master of education)

MBA (master of business administration)

You cannot get a Postgraduate Master’s Loan for a postgraduate certificate or diploma.

Distance learning

To qualify for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan for distance learning, you’ll need to be living in England on the first day of the first academic year of your course. You’ll also need to live in:

England for the whole of your course, if you’re an EU national

the UK for the whole of your course, if you’re not an EU national

This usually does not apply if you’re:

serving in the armed forces

a spouse or civil partner of a serving member of the armed forces

a dependent parent living with a serving member of the armed forces

Integrated courses

You will not be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan if your course is:

integrated with an undergraduate degree - apply for undergraduate funding instead

integrated with a doctoral degree - apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan instead

Intercalated year

You might be eligible for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan if you’re taking a year out of an undergraduate course to study for a master’s.

This will generally mean you’re not entitled to undergraduate funding anymore because you’ll hold a higher level qualification.

You are still eligible for undergraduate funding if your course leads to a qualification in:

architecture

dentistry

medicine

social work

undergraduate Initial Teacher Training

veterinary science

Master of architecture

If you plan to study for a master of architecture (MArch Part 2) qualification full-time, apply for undergraduate funding support. Your course must be accredited by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) to be eligible.

You can only apply for the Postgraduate Master’s Loan to support your MArch course if one of the following applies:

you’re taking a part-time course

you’re not eligible for undergraduate funding support

the course does not lead to an accredited qualification as an architect

Healthcare and social work

You cannot get a Postgraduate Master’s Loan if you:

are eligible for an NHS bursary

get a Social Work Bursary - unless you only get a Placement Travel Allowance

This also applies for health and social work bursaries in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

You also cannot get a Postgraduate Master’s Loan if you’re starting a postgraduate pre-registration healthcare course on or after 1 August 2018. You may be eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan instead.

Your age

You must be under 60 on the first day of the first academic year of your course.

The academic year is a period of 12 months starting on:

1 September, if your course starts between 1 August and 31 December

1 January, if your course starts between 1 January and 31 March

1 April, if your course starts between 1 April and 30 June

1 July, if your course starts between 1 July and 31 July

Your nationality or residency status

You can apply for the Postgraduate Master’s Loan if all of the following are true:

you’re a UK or Irish national or have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or indefinite leave to remain so there are no restrictions on how long you can stay

you normally live in England

you’ve been living in the UK, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland for 3 continuous years before the first day of your course, apart from temporary absences such as going on holiday

You may also be eligible if you’re a UK national (or family member of a UK national) who either:

returned to the UK on or after 1 January 2018 and by 31 December 2020 after living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

was living in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein on 31 December 2020 and has been living in the UK, the EU, Gibraltar, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein for the past 3 years

If you’re an EU national or a family member of an EU national

You may be eligible if you’re an EU national, or a family member of an EU national, and all the following apply:

you have settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

you’ve normally lived in the UK, Gibraltar, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein for the past 3 years (this is also known as being ‘ordinarily resident’)

you’ll be studying at a university or college in England

You could also be eligible if you’re:

the child of a Swiss national and you and your parent have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

a migrant worker from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein with pre-settled status, or a family member of a migrant worker where both have pre-settled status

a resident of Gibraltar who is a UK or EU national, or their family member

Student finance for EU, Swiss, Norwegian, Icelandic or Liechtenstein nationals from August 2021

If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to get student finance.

You need to have started living in the UK before 31 December 2020 to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. If you’re coming to the UK from 1 January 2021, you may need to apply for a visa to study in the UK.

Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme. They can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme if they wish to, for example, to apply on behalf of a child.

If you have a different residency status

You may also be eligible if your residency status is one of the following:

refugee (including family members)

humanitarian protection (including family members)

child of a Turkish worker who has permission to stay in the UK - you and your Turkish worker parent must have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020

a stateless person (including family members)

an unaccompanied child granted ‘Section 67 leave’ under the Dubs Amendment

a child who is under the protection of someone granted ‘Section 67 leave’, who is also allowed to stay in the UK for the same period of time as the person responsible for them (known as ‘leave in line’)

granted ‘Calais leave’ to remain

a child of someone granted ‘Calais leave’ to remain, who is also allowed to stay in the UK for the same period of time as their parent (known as ‘leave in line’)

you’ve been given settled status but not under the EU Settlement Scheme

you’ve been given indefinite leave to remain because you’ve been the victim of domestic violence

you’ve been granted indefinite leave to remain as a bereaved partner

you’re the family member of a person of Northern Ireland and you have pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

If you’re a non-UK national and have lived in the UK for a certain number of years

You could also be eligible if you’re not a UK national and are either:

under 18 and have lived in the UK for at least 7 years

18 or over and have lived in the UK for at least 20 years (or at least half of your life)

You must have been living in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 3 continuous years before the first day of your course.

How to apply

You can apply now for courses that start or started in the following academic years:

2020 to 2021

2019 to 2020

2018 to 2019

You can apply in summer 2021 for courses that start in the academic year 2021 to 2022. Applications are not yet open - this guide will be updated as soon as they are.

Check whether you’re eligible before you apply.

You only need to apply once for the Postgraduate Master’s Loan, even if your course is longer than one year. Student Finance England will write to you in the summer to tell you how much you’ll get in the next academic year.

You’ll not be eligible for an Adult Dependants’ Grant, a Childcare Grant or Parents’ Learning Allowance from Student Finance England if you’re studying a master’s course.

Apply online

If you’ve taken out a loan with Student Finance England before, use your account to apply.

If you do not already have one, set up an account.

Apply by post

If you cannot apply online, apply by post - the address is on the form.

Read the student finance privacy notice to find out how the information you provide will be used.

Courses that start in the 2020 to 2021 academic year

Courses that started in the 2019 to 2020 academic year

Courses that started before 1 August 2019

Contact Student Finance England Postgraduate Loan Team if you cannot apply online.

When to apply by

The deadline for applying depends on when you start your course.

If you started on or after 1 August 2017

You need to apply within 9 months of the first day of the last academic year of the course.

The academic year

The academic year is a period of 12 months.

The first day of your academic year depends when your course starts.

Course start date between | First day of academic year

1 August and 31 December | 1 September

1 January and 31 March | 1 January

1 April and 30 June | 1 April

1 July and 31 July | 1 July

Proof of identity

Include valid UK passport details in your application. Use the ‘UK passport details’ form if you need to send the details after your application. Do not send the passport itself.

If you do not have a UK passport (or it has expired), send your original birth or adoption certificate to Student Finance England.

Include your name and address. You should also include your customer reference number if you have one. This is an 11-digit number. You can find it on letters or emails you’ve had from Student Finance England.

If you’re an EU national, send your passport or national identity card.

Supporting information

You should use the evidence return form for extra information to support your application, for example evidence of your residency status.

You may also be asked to complete the UK employment status form.

Change an application

Use your online account to change your personal details, for example bank or contact details. Contact Student Finance England directly if you do not have an account.

Change the amount you’ve asked for

Use the loan request form to change the amount you’ve applied for - you cannot do this online.

If your course starts in the 2020 to 2021 academic year:

If your course started in the 2019 to 2020 academic year:

If your course started before the 2018 to 2019 academic year, contact Student Finance England Postgraduate Loan Team.

Other changes

Use the change of circumstances form if you need to change any other details, for example your university or course. You cannot do this online.

Taking a break or withdrawing from your course

Tell Student Finance England Postgraduate Loan Team and your institution straight away if you need to withdraw from your course. It may affect your future payments and eligibility for funding.

Extra help

You may qualify for other funding, for example grants from charities or trusts.

Student Finance England also has more information about other kinds of student finance.

Disabled students

If you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty (for example dyslexia) you can apply for:

Disabled Students’ Allowance

extra help if you’re experiencing financial hardship

You may also qualify for disability related benefits.

Further information

You can learn more about the Postgraduate Master’s Loan on the Student Room website.

Contact Student Finance England if you have further questions.

Student Finance England Postgraduate Loan team


NHS bursaries

Overview

What you can apply for depends on when your course starts and what you’re studying. You do not have to pay your NHS bursary back.

If you’re not eligible for a bursary you may still be eligible for student finance.

If your course starts on or after 1 August 2018

You can get an annual payment from the NHS to help with your study and living costs (known as a ‘bursary’) if you’re studying to be a doctor or dentist.

If you’re studying a pre-registration postgraduate healthcare course, you may still be eligible for student finance.

If your course started in the 2017 to 2018 academic year

You can get an annual payment from the NHS to help with your study and living costs (known as a ‘bursary’) if you’re studying to be a doctor, dentist, dental hygienist or dental therapist.

If your course started before 1 August 2017

You can get an annual payment from the NHS to help with your study and living costs (known as a ‘bursary’) if you’re studying a dental, medical or healthcare course in England.

What you'll get

If you’re an eligible full-time NHS student starting a course on or after 1 September 2012, you can apply for:

a bursary from the NHS

a £1,000 grant from the NHS

a reduced Maintenance Loan from Student Finance England

If you’re an eligible part-time student starting a course on or after 1 September 2012, you can apply for:

a reduced bursary from the NHS

a reduced grant from the NHS

The amount you get depends on the length of your course.

Tuition fees

If you’re eligible for an NHS bursary, the NHS pays your standard tuition fees. Your course tuition fees are paid directly to your university.

If you’re studying a graduate-entry accelerated medical or dental programme, you can get some of your tuition costs paid with an NHS bursary in years 2 to 4 of your programme.

£3,715 if you’re starting in the 2019 to 2020 academic year

£3,715 if you’re starting in the 2018 to 2019 academic year

Bursary

Your bursary amount depends on your household income. This can be your own income, your parents’ income, or that of your partner, spouse or civil partner.

If you started a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) Nursing or Operating Department Practitioner course before 1 September 2012, you’ll receive a basic bursary which does not depend on your household income.

If you’re studying to become a doctor or dentist, you can apply for an NHS bursary from your second year for graduate entry programmes or from your fifth year for undergraduate programmes.

Grant

You’ll get a fixed amount of £1,000 if you’re an eligible full-time NHS student starting your course on or after 1 September 2012. You’ll get a reduced amount if you’re a part-time student.

You must apply for an NHS bursary to get the grant.

Maintenance Loan

You’ll get a reduced Maintenance Loan. The amount you get depends on:

where you live and study

whether you’re in the final year of your course (when you get less)

Current rates for the 2018 to 2019 academic year are:

£3,263 for students studying in London and living away from home

£2,324 for students studying outside London and away from home

£1,744 for students living at home

Current rates for the 2019 to 2020 academic year are:

£3,354 for students studying in London and living away from home

£2,389 for students studying outside London and away from home

£1,793 for students living at home

How it’s paid

The NHS bursary is paid into your bank account in 12 equal monthly instalments.

The Maintenance Loan is usually paid into your bank account at the beginning of each term.

If you’re disabled or have children

You may get extra help if you:

have dependants

Find out what extra help you could get.

Eligibility

Whether you can get an NHS bursary depends on:

where you live

your course

your household income

whether you’ve already had funding

Where you live

To be eligible to apply for an NHS bursary you must have been living in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 3 years up to the start of the academic year.

You may still be eligible if you do not meet the residency requirements - find out more from the NHS Business Services Authority.

Your course

Whether you’re eligible depends on when your course starts.

You will not get an NHS bursary if you’re a first level nurse or midwife and you’re registering for a second field in nursing or midwifery.

If your course starts on or after 1 August 2018

You must be accepted for a place on a full or part-time NHS-funded course which will lead to you registering as a doctor or dentist.

You can apply for an NHS bursary from your 5th year on the 5 or 6 year undergraduate course or from your 2nd year on the 4 year accelerated graduate course.

If your course started in the 2017 to 2018 academic year

You must be accepted for a place on a full or part-time NHS-funded course which will lead to you registering as a:

doctor or dentist (you can apply for an NHS bursary from the 5th year on the 5 or 6 year undergraduate course or from your 2nd year on the 4 year accelerated graduate course)

dental hygienist or dental therapist

If your course started before 1 August 2017

chiropodist (including podiatrist), dietician, occupational therapist, orthoptist, physiotherapist, prosthetist, orthotist, radiographer, radiotherapist, audiologist or a speech and language therapist

dental hygienist or dental therapist

nurse, midwife or operating department practitioner (degree or diploma course)

Household income

Your total bursary amount depends on your household income. This can be either your own income, your parents’ income, or that of your partner, spouse or civil partner.

If you’ve already had funding

You may be eligible for an NHS bursary even if you’ve already had public funding for higher education.

If you’ve had an NHS bursary and want to change professions, you may also be eligible.

Find out more from the NHS Business Services Authority.

How to apply

You need to create a Bursary Online Support System (BOSS) account on the NHS Student Bursaries website to apply for an NHS bursary.

You must reapply for your bursary every academic year.

There are different ways to apply if you’re from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

New students

If you’re entering the first year of your NHS-funded course or, for medical and dental students, your first year of NHS bursary funding, read the guidance for new students.

When to apply

You should wait until you have an offer of a course place from your university or college before you apply for an NHS bursary.

The date you can apply from usually depends on when your course starts. Check the NHS Student Bursaries website for the latest application dates.

Documents

If you’re applying for an NHS bursary for the first time you must provide 2 documents to confirm your identity, one of which must include a photograph of yourself, for example a birth certificate and a valid passport.

You must send original documents (not photocopies), which NHS Student Bursaries will return to you.

Continuing students

If you’ve already had an NHS student bursary for your current course and you’re reapplying for another year, read the guidance for continuing students.

When to apply

NHS Student Bursaries will send you an email invitation when you can reapply for your bursary. The date your invitation is sent depends on when your next academic year begins. Check the NHS Student Busaries website for the latest invitation dates.

You must send your application within 6 months of the first day of your academic year.

What happens next

If your application is approved, NHS Student Bursaries will send you an email when your bursary is available for you to view in your BOSS account.

If you get an NHS bursary you can apply separately for a reduced rate loan from Student Finance England.

Contact NHS Student Bursaries

Contact NHS Student Bursaries if you need help with your application.

Extra financial help

In addition to the NHS bursary you may also be able to apply for extra help if:

you have children

you have adult dependants

you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty

you do a practice placement

your course runs for more than 30 weeks and 3 days in the academic year

Find out more about extra help on the NHS Student Bursaries website.

Dependants’ Allowance

You may get this if you have adults or children who are financially dependent on you when you’re training.

How much you get depends on your household income.

Apply for Dependants’ Allowance through your BOSS account.

Childcare Allowance

You must apply for Dependants’ Allowance before you can apply for Childcare Allowance.

You may be able to get the NHS Bursary Childcare Allowance if you have dependent children.

How much you get depends on your circumstances and your household income.

You cannot get this if you’re not entitled to the NHS bursary (known as a ‘Fees Only award’).

To qualify:

you must use a registered childcare provider

your children must be under 15 on the first day of the academic year (or under 17 if they have special educational needs)

The allowance pays 85% of the gross actual cost up to:

£128.78 a week for 1 child

£191.45 a week for 2 or more children

Apply for Childcare Allowance via the form on the NHS Student Bursaries website.

Parent Learning Allowance

You must apply for Dependants’ Allowance first. If this includes a dependent child, you’re automatically assessed for Parent Learning Allowance.

You can claim up to £1,204 per academic year.

Disabled Students’ Allowances

You can get this if you have to pay extra costs because of a:

physical disability

long-term health condition

mental-health difficulty

specific learning difficulty like dyslexia

You need to give up-to-date medical evidence of the nature and severity of your disability from a qualified professional.

You can get up to:

£20,725 for a helper

£5,214 for specialist equipment for the whole course

£1,741 for other costs

Apply for Disabled Students Allowance through your BOSS account.

Practice placement expenses

If you do a practice placement you may be able to claim travel costs if:

your practice placement is in a hospital or community health centre and not at your university

it costs you more to travel to your placement than it costs to travel to university

Claim practice placement expenses via the form on the NHS Student Bursaries website.

Extra Weeks Allowance

If your course runs for more than 30 weeks and 3 days in the 2016 to 2017 academic year you may be entitled to Extra Weeks Allowance:

Where you study and live | Allowance

In London | £108 per week

Outside London | £84 per additional week

With your parents | £56 per additional week

Your Extra Weeks Allowance is calculated automatically during the application process.