First things first… What even is an Advanced Learner Loan?
In a nutshell, an Advanced Learner Loan helps with the costs of further education courses. Learners that are aged 19 and over and studying an approved learning aim (at Levels 3, 4, 5 or 6 at an approved provider in England) can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.
How much you get you loan for depends on a number of things:
- the type of course
- your course fees
- the maximum loan available for your course
The minimum loan amount you can get is £300 and it is paid directly to your college or training provider. However, you don’t have to borrow the full cost of your course – you can pay for some of it yourself and use the A.L.L for the rest!
You can apply for up to 4 loans at once and you can get more than one at the same time.
You can also apply for another loan to take the same level of a different course, for example you can apply for the level 3 qualification in Business Administration if you’ve already had a loan for the Level 3 in Digital Marketing. Keep in mind that you can only apply once for an Access to Higher Education course.
When do you have to pay your Loan back?
You’ll only start making repayments if your income is over the repayment threshold, which is currently £27,295 a year, £2,274 a month or £524 a week in the UK. If your income falls below the repayment threshold, your repayments will stop and only restart when your income is over the threshold again. You can also make additional voluntary repayments to SLC (Student Loan Company) at any time.
The repayment scheme is as follows…
You’ll repay 9% of your income over the repayment threshold. If your income changes, either rising or falling, your repayment amounts will automatically change to reflect this:
| Income each year before tax | Monthly income before tax | Approximate monthly repayment |
| £27,295 | £2,274 | £0 |
| £28,000 | £2,333 | £5 |
| £29,500 | £2,458 | £16 |
| £31,000 | £2,458 | £27 |
| £33,000 | £2,750 | £42 |
How can you see if you’re eligible?
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 and 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
What is the 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 directly. 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 to apply for the Bursary Loan:
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
What Advanced Learner Loan Courses do GLT offer?
Health and Social Care:
- Adult Care Level 2 Diploma
- Adult Care Level 3 Diploma
- Adult Care Level 4 Diploma
- Adult Care Level 5 Diploma
Sport and Fitness:
- Exercise Referral
- Personal Trainer
- Sports Massage Therapy
Beauty and Holistic Therapy:
- Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology
- Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology
- Level 3 Diploma in Massage Therapy
- Level 3 Diploma in Make-Up Artistry
- Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Massage Route
- Level 3 Diploma in Aromatherapy
- Level 3 Certificate in Fashion and Photographic Make-Up Qualification
- Certificate in Stone Therapy Massage
- Certificate in Indian Head Massage
Professional:
- Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Business Administration
- Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management
- Level 3 Diploma in Digital Marketing
How to Apply!
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.
4 Simple steps to applying for an Advanced Learner Loan
- 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).
That’s it!
If you want more information or have any questions about how to get involved through Green Labyrinth Training give our team a call today or visit the learner loan page on our website!
