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Further Education: Finance

Volume 486: debated on Thursday 15 January 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what entitlement individuals over the age of 25 wishing to study a course at a further education college have to (a) grants and (b) income-dependent loans. (243373)

Individuals over the age of 25 studying in further education colleges can apply for an Adult Learning Grant which pays up to £30 a week for those on low incomes studying full-time for a first full Level 2 and for a first full Level 3 qualification.

There is no Government funded income contingent loan scheme available for students undertaking FE courses. Students may apply for Career Development Loan which is a commercial loan where the Department pays the interest during the period of learning. Students who wish to study on HE courses, including foundation degrees, delivered at FE colleges are eligible to be assessed for support under the HE package of maintenance grants and loans for living costs.

To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what advice on funding is available to individuals over the age of 25 wishing to study a course at a further education college. (243374)

Every adult in England can access free information and advice about careers, learning and work, including help about funding available for those wishing to study at a further education college, such as Adult Learning Grants, Career Development Loans and discretionary support for additional costs of learning such as child care and transport costs.

Advice and support is available by telephone or online through the national Careers Advice Service, or face to face from local nextstep services. All learners participating in LSC funded learning can also receive information and advice from their learning provider.