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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.

Are you eligible for the Advanced Learner Loan?

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 (Alton)

Business

Level 3 Cambridge Technical Certificate in Business
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Business
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Business
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma in Business
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Business

Childcare

Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development
National Extended Diploma in Children’s Play Learning and Development
National Extended Certificate in Children’s Play Learning and Development

Creative Arts

Extended Diploma in Art & Design
Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
Level 3 National Certificate in Performance Arts
Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performance Arts
Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Performing Arts
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Certificate in Graphic Design
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Graphic Design
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Media Production
Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology
Level 3 Extended Certificate in Digital Film and Video Production
Level 3 Certificate in Music (Jazz)
Level 3 Certificate in Music (Rock and Pop)
Level 3 Diploma in Music Jazz
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music Jazz
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Music Rock and Pop

Criminology

Applied Certificate in Criminology
Applied Diploma in Criminology

Digital : IT

Level 3 Certificate in IT
Level 3 Diploma in Information Technology
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Information Technology
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in IT

Engineering

Level 3 Certificate in Engineering
Level 3 Diploma in Engineering
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering

Environmental

Level 3 Certificate in Environmental Sustainability
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Environmental Sustainability

Health & Social Care

Level 3 National Certificate in Health and Social Care
Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care
Level 3 National Diploma in Health & Social Care
Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care
Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Health & Social Care
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Health & Social Care

Psychology

Level 3 National Certificate in Applied Psychology
Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Psychology

Science

Level 3 Certificate in Applied Science
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Forensic Science

Sport & Public Services

Level 3 Diploma in Public Services
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Public Services
Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Public Services
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Certificate Sport
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Sport
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma Sport
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma Sport
Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma in Sport

Eligible Courses (South Downs)

Access to HE:

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)

How to apply

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.

How much can you get?

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.

Loan repayments

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

Withdrawing from the course

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.