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The Manchester College adult learner

Adult Education Funding: Your Questions Answered

Returning to education as an adult can open a wealth of opportunities, from career advancement to personal enrichment. In England alone, over a million adults engage in further learning each year, highlighting the growing importance of lifelong learning.

Thinking about adult education funding can seem daunting, but it's more accessible than you might think. This blog post will demystify the various student funding options available, from government-backed loans and grants to bursaries and childcare support, empowering you to take that next step towards achieving your goals.

What is adult education funding?

Adult education funding is the financial support allocated to provide learning opportunities for adults beyond compulsory education. It empowers adults to acquire new skills, gain qualifications and pursue personal or professional development without the burden of finances.

Its primary purpose is to address the diverse learning needs of adults, whether it's improving basic literacy and numeracy, gaining vocational skills for employment, or pursuing higher education. It aims to promote lifelong learning, enhance employability and foster social inclusion by making education accessible to adults of all backgrounds and circumstances.

How to fund education as an adult

There are many ways you could fund your education as an adult, including:

Government funding: in England, you will be eligible for student financing through Student Finance England, if you are studying Higher Education (levels 4 to 6). Loans can cover the cost of your course and living costs. For some Level 3 courses, the Advance Learning Loan may also be available for some Level 3 courses to help with course fees only.

Employer sponsorship: many employers offer to cover the cost of tuition fees for employees seeking to enhance their skills

Using personal savings: this is a straightforward way to fund education, providing flexibility and avoiding debt

Scholarships and grants: some students may be eligible for grants. This could be in the form of cash or a discount on their course fees. Local and Central Government funding: This may be available if you are studying Entry Level to Level 3 courses

The funding adult learners are eligible for

Can adults get student loans?

Yes, adults studying Higher Education are also eligible for student loans. However, this is dependent on if they have previously been granted student loan and if they still have significant outstanding student debt. In this instance, only those applying for specific healthcare and teaching courses may be eligible for student finance. If you are studying a Level 3 course, such as Access to HE diplomas, you may be able to apply for the Advanced Learning Loan for course fees only.

Can adults get student finance?

Yes, adults can access student finance for higher education. Student finance is essentially a common term used in the UK meaning student loans. In England, adult students can receive funding for their higher education course.

Can adults get student maintenance loans?

Yes, adults pursuing higher education can access student maintenance loans. These loans are designed to help cover living costs while studying, and eligibility isn't limited to younger students. In England, mature students can apply for maintenance loans through Student Finance England, just like with tuition fee loans.

What bursaries can adult learners get?

Adult learners can access various bursaries depending on their field of study. Generally, you apply directly to the organisation offering the bursary, who will assess your eligibility. Additionally, you may qualify for the Adult Dependants' Grant, Childcare Grant, Parents Learning Allowance and support with disabilities.

Specifically, those training in medicine, dentistry, or healthcare may receive an NHS bursary, social work students may be eligible for a social work bursary, and aspiring teachers can find financial assistance for teacher training costs.

Learn more adult education funding options here.

Can adult learners get funding for childcare?

Yes, adult learners can access funding for childcare, though the available support varies based on the type of education and the learner's age.

  • College: if you're under 20 and in school or sixth form, you may be eligible for weekly payments through Care to Learn
  • Further education: for those 20 or older in further education, like NVQ, BTEC courses, check with the institution you are studying as they may provide a bursary that can help cover childcare expenses, and in some cases, Care to Learn may also apply
  • Full time higher education: finally, full-time higher education students can apply for a Childcare Grant to assist with childcare costs for children under 15, or under 17 if they have special needs.

What is an adult dependent grant?

The Adult Dependants' Grant is a non-repayable form of financial support provided by Student Finance England to eligible full-time undergraduate students who have an adult, such as a partner, financially dependent on them.

Eligibility is determined by the dependant's income and the student's relationship to them, and it aims to help students with the added financial responsibility of supporting another adult while studying.

The grant is for those who are married or in a civil partnership. If you’re over 25, this could be extended to a partner who you are not married to or in a civil partnership with.

How much is an adult dependent grant?

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the highest Adult Dependants' Grant available is £3,545, while for 2024-2025, it's £3,438.

Students with children or dependent adults

You can apply for:

If you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia) you can apply for:

Visit the Student Finance website for more information on the extra help that you might be able to apply for.

Does adult student finance depend on two incomes?

If a student is over 25, how much student finance they get will depend on their own circumstances rather than their parents’ household income. If they’re married, in a civil partnership or living with a partner, we’ll ask for details of their partner’s income as part of the application process.

Can I remove adult dependents from my student finance application?

Yes, you can remove adult dependents from your student finance application if your circumstances change. Because student finance is based on your current situation, you must update your information if, for example, your dependent becomes financially independent, your relationship status changes, or their income exceeds the eligibility threshold.

This is typically done through your online student finance account, where you'll provide accurate, updated details. Keeping your information correct is essential, as providing false details can result in penalties or repayment of financial support.

How can I apply for adult education funding?

For most adult education courses, the training provider will guide you through the funding application process. However, if you're pursuing higher education, you'll need to apply for funding directly through Student Finance England. Similarly, if you require student maintenance loans, those applications are also handled through SFE.

Choose TMC for unrivalled educational funding support for adult education

Starting your adult education journey is a significant step, and at TMC, we understand the financial hurdles that can arise. That's why we offer unrivalled educational financial support, designed to guide you through every stage of your learning journey.

From guiding you through funding options to providing personalised advice, we're committed to empowering you to achieve your academic and career aspirations. Choose TMC and unlock a world of possibilities, knowing you have a dedicated team supporting your financial needs. Explore our courses and enrol today