Advanced Learner Loan

Advanced Learner Loans are designed to help adult learners get back into education, by helping you cover the costs of Further Education and training.

In order to apply you must be 19 or older on the first day of your course and studying an eligible level 3, 4, 5 or 6 qualification. If you are aged between 19 – 23 and this course is your first full level 3, you may be entitled to fee remission. Please check this with our Admissions Department.

Eligible courses offered at HSDC include:

Access to HE:

  • Business
  • Health Science
  • Humanities
  • Nursing & Healthcare
  • Social Care Professionals
  • Teacher Education

Business:

  • AAT Level 3
  • AAT Level 4

Teaching:

  • Level 3 Award in Education & Training
  • Level 3 Cert in Supporting Teaching & Learning in schools

Engineering:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
  • Level 3 Diploma in Engineering
  • Level 3 Engineering Bridging Course

Art, Design, & Performing Arts:

  • Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education
  • Level 3/4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

A Levels

  • All subjects (You would be required to take one loan per subject up to a total of 4 loans)
  • Once you’ve selected the College course you wish to apply to, HSDC will request that you complete an intention to apply for a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan form.  The College will then provide you with a Learning and Funding information letter.
  • In order to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan you will need your Learning and Funding Information Letter, your National Insurance Number, and a valid UK passport if you have one.
  • You can register and apply by visiting www.gov.uk/advancedlearnerloan, apply online or download the application form and return it to Student Finance England.
  • Student finance England will send you a letter to inform you whether you have been approved for the loan.
  • The College will inform Student Finance England when you start your course and regular attendance reports. They in turn will pay your course fees directly to the College.

Please aim to complete and submit your application form as soon as possible to ensure the loan is in place for the start of your course.  If your loan is not in place prior to the start of your course, you will be required to pay a 10% deposit to the College, which will be refunded once the College receives the first payment from Student Finance England.

The amount of your loan depends on the cost of your course and the maximum amount set by the UK government.

  • You can choose to take out the maximum amount to cover your loan or you can pay all or part of the fee yourself.
  • You can have a maximum of four Advanced Learner Loans in total if you start your course on or after 1 August 2018.

Loan Bursary Fund
You may also be eligible for money from the Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund if you need help with some costs while studying, for example childcare, travel or books related to your course.

You’ll begin making repayments once you’ve completed or left your course and your income is over £25,000 a year.

If you choose to withdraw from the course, you will be liable to Student Finance England for the tuition cost at that point and this would be payable once your earnings exceed £25,000. You would also be liable to pay HSDC for the outstanding total course fees immediately. It’s important you consider your own circumstances and look at the options available to you before taking out a loan.

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