Further education financial support
Financial support you might be entitled to as a care leaver if you go into further education. Further education is study after secondary education when you are aged 16+.
The amount of support you are entitled to depends on your care leaver status. Check your rights on the GOV.UK support for care leavers website.
On this page
16 to 19 Bursary fund
If you are 16-18-years-old when you start a full-time course, you can apply for a 16 to 19 education bursary to help with education-related costs. You could receive £1,200 each year from your college.
Different places pay the bursary in different ways. Some buy travel passes, others put money directly into your bank account on a weekly, fortnightly, monthly or half termly basis.
How to apply
You will need to apply to your school, college, or training provider. Ask student services or your tutor for help.
Check Visit GOV.UK for more information on the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund
If you have an EHCP
If you have an education, health and care plan (EHCP) you may be able to continue getting the 16 to 19 bursary after you are 19-years-old. This will depend on your income and outgoings.
19+ discretionary Learner Support fund
If you are:
- 19-years-old or over
- On a further education course
- Facing financial hardship
you could get help from the discretionary Learner Support fund.
How to apply
You will need to apply to your college or training provider for Learner Support. How much you get depends on your circumstances. It is up to the education provider to decide who they support financially using this fund. It is often limited to whoever applies first.
Visit GOV.UK to learn about 19+ discretionary Learner Support fund
Funded Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications
If you are aged 19-23-years-old you may be entitled to funded learning for a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification. This will depend on the course you are hoping to study and whether you already have a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
Visit GOV.UK for guidance on free courses for jobs
Visit the DfE website to discover qualifications approved for funding
Alternatively, speak to your local college, life beyond care worker or Adult Learning provider.
Advanced Learner loan
You might need to pay the fees of a Level 3 course, which is equivalent to an A Level.
This could be because:
- It is not funded due to your age
- You have already completed a Level 3 course
To pay for the course you could apply for a Government Advanced Learner Loan.
How to apply
Your life beyond care personal adviser will support you to make an application for this loan.
Visit GOV.UK to check Advanced Learner Loan eligibility and apply
Study materials and training equipment
Help is available for care leavers until you turn 25, however it is not compulsory for us to pay for these costs.
If you will struggle to pay for study or training equipment for a course, for example, catering knives, work boots or books, tell your life beyond care worker. We might be able to help you.
You can also try and get charity funding. There are several charitable organisations for care leavers.
