Financial Support
Many of our courses are free to residents of North Tyneside.
Some of our courses do come with a fee, however for lots of our learners this fee is waived/ reduced depending on their circumstances.
Do I have to pay?
In lots of circumstances, your course will be free, for example if you are:
- Currently unemployed and studying up to (and including) level 2 and get certain benefits.
- You’re on a low income.
- For young people under 24, who fit certain criteria. e.g. it is their first full level 3 course.
- You are studying English or Maths and you don’t have a grade C GCSE yet.
If you aren’t eligible for a free course, you might still be eligible for a discounted fee. Discounted fees are offered to people who are:
- Aged 19-23 and studying up to and including level 2, but already have a level 2 qualification.
- You get eligible benefits, and you are studying an non accredited or up to level 2 course for pleasure.
More information on eligibility can be found here.
I’m not eligible – how do I pay?
If you aren’t eligible for a discounted or free course, but you still need support paying for your course, don’t panic! Call us on: 0191 643 2288, and we will help you pick a flexible payment offer that suits you. Some of the available options are outlined below for you to look at:
Paying in instalments
Courses costing over £100, you can pay half on enrolment and the other half a fortnight before the course starts. Call 0191 643 2288 for details.
19+ Advanced Learner Loan
If you’re aged 19 or above, and are interested in studying a Level 3 or above Further Education Certificate or Diploma qualification, you may be eligible for help with fees. The Advanced Learner Loan is a Government funded loan which is provided to help learners with their fees. It is easy to apply for, doesn’t take your household income into account and doesn’t involve a credit check. Repayments won’t start until you are earning over £25,000 a year.
To find out more about eligibility for Advanced Learner Loan, click here.
Advanced Learner Loans Bursary Fund
The Advanced Learner Loans Bursary Fund is to support students who have an approved Advanced Learner Loan in place to cover the fees for their course and have an annual household income of £30,000 or less. The Fund is used to support students with travelling expenses, childcare, additional learning support and cases of extreme hardship. Additional support can also be provided to help you in your learning such as additional learning resources or other classroom support.
For more details about eligibility and applications please contact:
Adult Learning Service
Call 0191 643 2288
Email: curriculum.support@northtyneside.gov.uk