If you have not obtained a GCSE Grade C or above in Maths and English or have no formal qualifications in IT, are on low wages, or are in receipt of benefits, many of our courses will be free of charge.

Equally, if you are aged 18-24 and have not gained qualifications at Level 3, this may enable you to undertake study without charge. Due to recent budget announcements, a large range of Level 3 provision is available to all adults without incurring fees. Courses at Level 3 and above that do not fit within this entitlement could be funded through an Adult Learner Loan.

All of our distance learning courses are offered free of charge regardless of circumstances.

Free Courses for Jobs

Whether you’re looking to progress in your current industry or want to try something new, building on your existing strengths with a free qualification can help you on the path to a better job.

Free Courses for Jobs are available to adults (19 and over) who are unemployed, earn below the National Living Wage annually (£18,525), or do not already have a level 3 qualification.

As well as the courses being free, you may also be able to get additional financial support to pay for childcare, travel and other costs.

These courses are flexible, offering full-time, part-time or online, and vary in length, so you can find a course that fits around your other commitments.

Advanced Learner Loans

If you are aged 19+ you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan to meet the upfront costs of your course.

The loans are available for students who are 19 and over and studying a Level 3 or higher level course

To qualify for the loan you must be:

• Aged 19 or over at the start of your course.
• A resident in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of your course.
• Never previously had a loan to do the same qualification type and level of qualification.

Loans will not be means tested or subject to credit checks and any individual who meets the criteria above will be able to apply for a loan irrespective of their current employment status.

How to Apply

You will be able to apply for an Advanced Learning Loan through the Student Loans Company. The loan amount will be paid directly to Selby College on your behalf to meet the costs of course fees.

Loans can vary from a minimum of £300 to the maximum linked to the course fee.

Please note: If you are ineligible or rejected for a loan from the Student Loans Company, you will remain liable for the course fees.

Repaying the Loan

There are no upfront fees to pay, your repayments don’t start until the April after you complete or leave the course and your income is over a specified threshold.

Interest on the loan will be at the rate set by the Student Loans Company.

Distance Learning

Our Distance Learning courses are FREE subject to the eligibility criteria being met by the learner. A fee of £100 will apply if the learner fails to complete within the allocated time-frame or withdraws from the programme.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Learner must be aged 19+
• Subject to a postcode check*
• Not currently enrolled onto a government funded course

*We regret that we are no longer able to provide free Level 2 courses to the following combined authority areas: Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Tees Valley, West Midlands, West of England, London and Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside & Northumberland.