When you apply for a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan, you can choose the amount you want to borrow, from £300 as the minimum, up to the maximum amount of the course cost. The money you loan will be used to pay your tuition fees only. In order for the payments to be made, your attendance will need to be confirmed two weeks after you’ve started your course and every three months after.
Once approved, any payments will be made directly to us so you won’t need to worry about this, unless you’re paying some of the course fees yourself.
You will only start repaying the loan when you earn over £2,274 a month, and repayments will total 9% of your income over that threshold (correct at time of publish but may be subject to change).
The exception to this is if you’re studying an Access to HE course and then go on to complete a HE qualification (with the exception of Foundation Art Degrees), Student Finance England will write off your 19+ Advanced Learner Loan so you will not have to repay it at all.
Please note: if you are aged 19-23 and you are about to embark on your first full Level 3 course, you are legally entitled to full funding and will not need to take out this or any other loan.
You are eligible for this loan if you are:
- Aged 19 or older on the first day of your course
- Studying in England, with a training provider or college who offers the 19+ Advanced Learner Loan scheme in conjunction with the Skills Funding Agency
- Studying for a course that meets the approved criteria at Levels 3, 4, 5, and 6
Click here for impartial advice from the Government website
We often get asked a lot of questions about these loans. Here are the answers to the ones we get asked most frequently:
Am I Eligible for a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan?
You are eligible for this loan if you are:
- Aged 19 or older on the first day of your course
- Studying in England, with a training provider or college who offers the 19+ Advanced Learner Loan scheme in conjunction with the Skills Funding Agency
- Studying for a course that meets the approved criteria at Levels 3, 4, 5, and 6
What Qualifications Does The 19+ Advanced Learner Loan Cover?
These loans are available to cover the cost of the following qualifications:
- Maximum of 4 A Levels
- Access to Higher Education Diplomas
- Vocational qualifications (including technical and professional qualifications) at Levels 3, 4, 5, and 6
To check whether the qualification you wish to apply for is covered by the 19+ Advanced Learner Loan, contact one of our advisors who will gladly confirm this for you.
T: 0114 260 2600
What Information Will I Need to Provide When I Apply for This Loan?
You will need to provide details of:
- The course you wish to study
- The college or training provider you wish to study with
- The fee you’re being charged for the course
- The loan amount you wish to take out
You’ll also be expected to supply:
- Personal details such as your name, address, date of birth, etc
- Evidence to support this, such as your UK passport, or a utility bill with your address showing
- A valid National Insurance number
If My Course Lasts for More Than One Year, Do I Need To Reapply Each Year?
No, the 19+ Advanced Learner Loan will cover the full duration of your course.
What Happens If I Change My Mind Before I Start My Course?
If you decide prior to starting your course that you do not wish to undertake the course, or that you don’t want a loan to cover the course fees, you can contact Student Finance England who will cancel your loan application with no repayments necessary.
What Happens If I Change My Mind Once I’ve Started My Course?
No loan payments will be made to the college until you have been studying for at least two weeks. If you leave the course after you have been there for more than two weeks, you’ll be liable to repay the loan payments that have been made to the college or training provider on your behalf.
How Do I Repay the Loan?
Repayments will be automatically deducted from your income through the tax system from the April after you complete or leave the course, and only if your monthly income is more than £2,274 (this is the current threshold and is subject to change - click here for the most up-to-date information) before tax.
Repayments will total 9% of your income that’s over the monthly threshold of £2,274.
For example:
If your annual income is £28,800 and you are paid a monthly wage, this means that each month your income (before tax) is £2,400 (£28,800 divided by 12). This is £126 over the threshold of £2,274. This means that you’ll pay back £11 per month, which is 9% of £126.
Click here for the most up to date information
How To Apply
19+ Advanced Learner Loans are managed by Student Finance England.
You’ll need to apply online through Student Finance England, providing your personal details, National Insurance number, contact information, nationality, residency, your course, and how much you’d like to borrow. Student Finance England will then write to you to confirm your loan, usually within two weeks.
It’s also possible to apply using a paper application, though this takes longer to process.
You can visit their website to find out further information and to apply. You can also call them on 0300 100 0619 for more guidance.
How Much Can I Borrow?
The maximum amount of loan available to you depends on the type of qualification you’re undertaking. We can advise you on this - please contact us directly if you’d like to speak to someone for more information.
T: 0114 260 2600