Fees and Eligibility

Funding is not available for any individual if any of the following apply:

• Those who are here without authority or lawful status
• Those who are resident in the UK on a student visa unless they are eligible through meeting any other of the categories described in the residency eligibility section
• Those who are in the UK on holiday, with or without a visa
• Those who are a family member of a person granted a student visa, who have been given immigration permission to stay in the UK and have not been ordinarily resident in the UK for the previous 3 years on the first day of learning
• Those whose biometric residence permit or residence permit imposes a study prohibition or restriction on the individual
• Repeating the same regulated qualification where the learner has previously achieved it. The exceptions are that it is for any GCSE where the learner has not achieved grade 4 (C) or higher, or for English and maths where the learner has been assessed as having an existing skill level lower than grade 4 (even if they have previously achieved a GCSE or equivalent qualification in English or maths)
• They are learners who are to sit or resit a learning aim assessment or examination where no extra learning takes place

Most individuals will be eligible for funding if they:

• Are individual’s resident in areas of England outside of devolved authority areas
• Are aged 19 or older on 31 August within the academic year that they are studying or are aged 16 to 18 in that academic year
• Fulfil the residency requirements that are set out in one or more of the categories found in the residency eligibility section:

Individuals will be eligible for funding if they meet the criteria in the who is funded section, and they fulfil the residency requirements set out in one or more of the categories below. 

Unless otherwise stated, individuals must be ordinarily resident in the UK on the first day of learning to meet the residency requirements.

If you are unsure of your residency eligibility then please speak to a member of staff who will assist you:

UK nationals and other persons with right of abode

UK nationals or other person with a right of abode who have been ordinarily resident in the UK, or the British Overseas Territories, or the Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning.
All family members of UK nationals must meet the required residency eligibility criteria in their own right, unless they meet the criteria in the section entitled ‘UK nationals in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland’, or the criteria in the section entitled ‘family members of an eligible person of Northern Ireland’.

UK nationals in the EEA and Switzerland

UK nationals who have resided in the EEA, Switzerland or EU overseas territories have an eligible residency status if they:
• resided in the EEA or Switzerland, EU overseas territories or Gibraltar by 31 December 2020 (or resided in the UK, having moved to the UK from the EEA, Switzerland, EU overseas territories or Gibraltar after 31 December 2017), and
• resided in the EEA, Switzerland, EU overseas territories, Gibraltar or the UK for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning, and
• remained ordinarily resident in the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA, Switzerland or EU overseas territories between 31 December 2020 and the start of the course and
• the course starts before January 2028
Family members of UK nationals, where both the UK national and the family member have resided in the EEA, Switzerland or EU overseas territories, have an eligible residency status if:
• both the UK national and the family member resided in the EEA, Switzerland or EU Overseas Territories by 31 December 2020 (or resided in the UK, having moved there from the EEA, Switzerland or EU Overseas Territories after 31 December 2017), and
• both the UK national and the family member remained ordinarily resident in the UK, the EEA, Switzerland or EU Overseas Territories between 31 December 2020 and the start of the course
• the UK national to whom they are a family member has been ordinarily resident in the UK, EEA, Switzerland or EU Overseas Territories for at least 3 years on the first day of the first academic year of the course
• the course starts before January 2028

A ‘family member’ for these purposes is either:
• the husband, wife, civil partner of the UK national (principal) or
• the child, grandchild, spouse/civil partner’s child or spouse/civil partner’s grandchild of the UK principal who is either:
• under 21, or
• dependant on the principal and/or his/her spouse/civil partner

EEA and Switzerland nationals in the UK

EEA and Switzerland nationals have an eligible residency status if they have obtained either pre-settled or settled status under EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) and have lived continuously in the EEA, Switzerland, Gibraltar, or the UK for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning.
Although the deadline for most people to apply to EUSS was 30 June 2021, there may be individuals who have reasonable grounds for making a late application to EUSS and there may also be some individuals who have made an EUSS application on time but are still waiting on a final decision on their status from the Home Office, including those that have lodged an appeal. Once a valid application has been made to EUSS (evidenced by receipt of a certificate of application), the applicant will have temporary protection, pending the outcome of that application.

Family members of EEA or Swiss nationals

A family member of an EEA national is eligible for funding if:
• where required to do so, they have obtained pre-settled or settled status under EUSS and
• the EEA national (principal) has obtained pre-settled or settled status under EUSS and has been ordinarily resident in the UK, EEA and/or Switzerland for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning
Family members of an EEA or Swiss national can apply to EUSS after 30 June 2021 if they are joining them in the UK on or after 1 April 2021. They have 3 months to apply to EUSS from the date they arrive in the UK. They will have temporary protection and therefore be eligible for funding during those 3 months and pending the outcome of any EUSS application made during that period (and of any appeal). More information on applying to join a family member in the UK can be found on GOV.UK.
A ‘family member’ for these purposes is either:
• the husband, wife, civil partner of the EEA national (principal) or
• the dependant parent or grandparent of the principal or of the principal’s spouse/civil partner or
• the child, grandchild, spouse/civil partner’s child or spouse/civil partner’s grandchild of the EEA principal who is either:
• under 21, or
• dependant on the principal and/or his/her spouse/civil partner

Irish citizens in UK or Ireland

Irish citizens in the UK or Republic of Ireland have an eligible residency status if they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands, and/or Republic of Ireland for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning.

Irish citizens in EEA and Switzerland
Irish citizens have an eligible residency status if they:
• resided in the EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 (or resident in the UK, having moved to the UK from EEA or Switzerland after 31 December 2017), and
• resided in the EEA, Switzerland, Gibraltar, or the UK for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning and
• remained ordinarily resident in the UK, Gibraltar, the EEA or Switzerland between 31 December 2020 and the start of the course and
• are on a course which starts before January 2028

Other non-UK nationals

Non-UK nationals have an eligible residency status if they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning and:
• have permission granted by the UK government to live in the UK and such permission is not for educational purposes only, or
• have obtained pre-settled or settled status under EUSS

Family members of an eligible person of Northern Ireland

Family members of an eligible person of Northern Ireland have an eligible residency status if:
• they have been living in the UK by 31 December 2020, and
• they have obtained pre-settled or settled status under EUSS, and
• the eligible person of Northern Ireland (principal) has been ordinarily resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning
A ‘family member’ for these purposes is either:
• the husband, wife, civil partner of the person of Northern Ireland (principal) or
• the dependant parent or grandparent of the principal or of the principal’s spouse/civil partner or
• the child, grandchild, spouse/civil partner’s child or spouse/civil partner’s grandchild of the principal who is either
• under 21, or
• dependant on the principal and/or his/her spouse/civil partner

Long residence

A person who, on the first day of learning, has lived in the UK half their life or a period of 20 years or more, where this period of residence is ongoing, has an eligible residency status.
Learners may be able to prove this status via a confirmed entry date from Immigration Control, verified by the Home Office. Alternatively, they may provide evidence that they have been living in the UK for the period in question. This should ideally be from an official and independent source. Examples could include a signed letter on headed paper from someone in a leadership position at the school they attended, a letter from their GP, wage slips or a P45/P60. Providers funding learners under this category should obtain enough evidence to assure themselves beyond reasonable doubt that the learner was living in the UK for the necessary period.

Individuals with certain types of immigration status and their family members

Individuals with any of the statuses listed below, or leave under the listed schemes, has an eligible residency status and is exempt from the 3-year residency requirement rule. In relation to these categories, you must have seen the learner’s immigration permission. This would include the biometric residence permit (BRP) and in some cases an accompanying letter from the Home Office.
Refugee status
Individuals with refugee status, where they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since they were given leave to enter or remain in the UK.
Family members of individuals with refugee status, as defined below:
• The spouse or civil partner of a person with refugee status is eligible if all of the following apply:
• they were the spouse or civil partner of the person on the asylum application date, and
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since they were given leave to enter or remain in the UK
• The child of a person with refugee status to enter or remain, or of the person’s spouse or civil partner, is eligible if all of the following apply:
• they were the person with discretionary leave’s child or the child of the person’s spouse or civil partner on the asylum application date, and
• they were under 18 on the asylum application date, and
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK since they were given leave to enter or remain

Humanitarian protection status

Individuals with humanitarian protection status, where they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since they were given leave to enter or remain in the UK.
The family members of individuals with humanitarian protection status, as defined below:
• The spouse or civil partner of a person granted humanitarian protection is eligible if all of the following apply:
• they were the spouse or civil partner of the person on the asylum application date, and
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since they were given leave to enter or remain in the UK
• The child of a person with humanitarian protection status to enter or remain, or of the person’s spouse or civil partner, is eligible if:
• they were the person with humanitarian protection status’s child or the child of the person’s spouse or civil partner on the asylum application date, and
• were under 18 on the asylum application date, and
• have been ordinarily resident in the UK since they were given leave to enter or remain

Discretionary leave to enter or remain

Individuals with discretionary leave to enter or remain, where they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since they were given leave to enter or remain in the UK.
• The spouse or civil partner of a person granted discretionary leave to enter or remain is eligible if all the following apply:
• they were the spouse or civil partner of the person on the asylum or leave application date, and
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since they were given leave to enter or remain in the UK
• The child of a person with discretionary leave to enter or remain, or of the person’s spouse or civil partner, is eligible if:
• they were the person with discretionary leave’s child or the child of the person’s spouse or civil partner on the asylum or leave application date, and
• they were under 18 on the asylum or leave application date, and
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK since they were given leave to enter or remain

Extant leave to remain as a stateless person

Individuals who have extant leave to remain as a stateless person, where they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since they were granted such leave.
Family members of individuals with extant leave to remain as a stateless person, as defined below:
The spouse or civil partner of a person granted stateless leave is eligible if all of the following apply:
• they were the spouse or civil partner of the person on the leave application date, and
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since they were given leave to enter or remain in the UK
• The child of a person with stateless leave, or of the person’s spouse or civil partner, is eligible if:
• they were the person with stateless leave’s child or the child of the person’s spouse or civil partner on the asylum or leave application date, and
• they were under 18 on the leave application date, and
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK since they were given leave to enter or remain

Leave outside the immigration rules

Individuals with leave outside the immigration rules, where they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since they were given leave to enter or remain in the UK.
The spouse or civil partner of a person granted leave outside the rules is eligible if all of the following apply:
• they were the spouse or civil partner of the person on the asylum or leave application date, and
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK and Islands throughout the period since they were given leave to enter or remain in the UK
The child of a person with leave outside the rules, or of the person’s spouse or civil partner, is eligible if:
• they were the person with leave outside the rules’ child or the child of the person’s spouse or civil partner on the asylum or leave application date, and
• they were under 18 on the asylum or leave application date, and
• they have been ordinarily resident in the UK since they were given leave to enter or remain

Ukraine schemes

Individuals with leave to enter or remain in the UK under one of the Ukraine schemes listed below.
• the husband, wife, civil partner or child of a person granted leave under one of the Ukraine schemes listed below:
The following are the “Ukraine schemes” eligible:
• Ukraine Family Scheme
• Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (Homes for Ukraine)
• Ukraine Extension Scheme
• Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme
As stated in the learners with limited length visas section, a learner can still be funded even if their visa does not cover the full duration of the course, if the provider has a high degree of certainty that the learner intends to apply for, and be eligible to receive, further permission to remain in the UK for the duration of their course. Learners who currently have permission under one of the Ukraine schemes and intend to apply for the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (or have applied but not yet had permission granted) may be treated as eligible on that basis.

Afghan schemes

Persons granted leave under one of the Afghan schemes:
• Individuals with leave to enter or remain in the UK under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)
• individuals with leave to enter or remain in the UK under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)
• some individuals with this leave to enter or remain may have the Afghan Locally Employed Staff ex-gratia (ALES) scheme (see below) listed on their BRP. They should be able to provide other documentation detailing that their leave is under ARAP
• British Nationals evacuated from Afghanistan under Operation Pitting
• British Nationals evacuated from Afghanistan by the UK government before 6 January 2022
Persons granted leave under the ALES ex-gratia Scheme must meet the 3 year ordinary residence requirements, and are not exempt.

Indefinite leave to remain as a bereaved partner or victim of domestic abuse

Individuals with indefinite leave to remain or enter, granted only:
• as a victim of domestic abuse where they have been ordinarily resident in the UK since they were given leave to remain or enter
• as a bereaved partner, where they have been ordinarily resident in the UK since they were given leave to remain or enter
Individuals granted indefinite leave to remain for any other reason must meet the 3 year ordinary residence requirement to be eligible.
Other forms of leave

Individuals with leave to remain or enter granted:

• under Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 leave
• under Calais leave to remain

Children of Turkish workers

A child of a Turkish worker is eligible if both the following apply:
• the Turkish worker is ordinarily resident in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 and has Turkish European Community Association Agreement (ECAA) rights or extended ECAA leave and
• the child has been ordinarily resident in the UK, EEA and/or Turkey for at least the previous 3 years on the first day of learning and is resident in the UK on or before 31 December 2020

Asylum seekers

Asylum seekers are eligible to receive funding if they:
• have lived in the UK for 6 months or longer while their claim is being considered by the Home Office, and no decision on their claim has been made, or
• are receiving local authority support under section 23C or section 23CA of the Children Act 1989 or the Care Act 2014
An individual who has been refused asylum will be eligible if:
• they have appealed against a decision made by the UK government against granting refugee status and no decision has been made within 6 months of lodging the appeal, or
• they are granted support for themselves under section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, or
• are receiving local authority support for themselves under section 23C or section 23CA of the Children Act 1989

What is funded?

Adult Education courses are for learners aged 19+, however funding is available for 16-18-year-olds on some accredited courses. Please ask for details.

Fee remission is available in accordance with Department for Education (DfE) co-funding rules.

• ‘Fully Funded’ – the course is free to learners and is fully subsidised by the DfE.
• ‘Co-funded’ – the learner pays the advertised fee which is subsidised by the DfE.
• ‘Loan funded’ – the learner pays 100% of the full fee and can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan. Learners in receipt of a loan who withdraw before the end of the course will be liable to pay the balance of the fees owed directly to Leicester Adult Education.
• ‘Not funded’ – The course costs will be the full DfE listed funded fee for the qualification or, for Community Learning, £12.00 per hour plus any materials / model costs.

For funding purposes, we define a learner as unemployed if one or more of the following apply, they:

• receive Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), including those receiving National Insurance credits only
• receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• receive Universal Credit (UC), and their take-home pay as recorded on their UC statement (disregarding UC payments and other benefits) is less than £952 a month (learner is sole adult in their benefit claim) or £1534 a month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner)
• are released on temporary licence, studying outside a prison environment, and not funded by the Ministry of Justice
• receives other state benefits (not included in the list above) and their take-home pay (disregarding UC payments and other benefits) is less than £952 a month (learner is sole adult in their benefit claim) or £1534 a month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner)
• are not receiving any benefits, wants to be employed, and you are satisfied identified learning is directly relevant to their employment prospects and are under the earnings threshold.

We will fully fund learners who are taking qualification courses who are employed, or self-employed, up to and including level 2 and the level 3 offers.

• The learner is eligible for co-funding.
• The learner earns less than £25,000 annual gross salary.
• We have seen evidence of the learner’s gross annual wages that supports this. This could be a wage slip or a Universal Credit statement within 3 months of the learner’s learning start date, or a current employment contract which states gross monthly/annual wages.

Full level 2

Full level 2 is the level of attainment which, is demonstrated by:

a GCSE in 5 subjects, each at grade 4 (C) or above, or
a Technical Certificate at level 2 which meets the requirements for the 16 to 19 performance tables

Full level 3

Full level 3 is the level of attainment which is demonstrated by a:

• General Certificate of Education at the advanced level in 2 subjects
• General Certificate of Education at the AS level in 4 subjects
• QAA Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma at level 3
• Technical, or applied general qualification at level 3, which meets the requirements for the 16 to 19 performance tables
• Core maths at level 3