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You may be entitled to a concessionary or a reduced fee, be eligible for financial support or to pay by instalments. This depends on personal circumstances. Speak to our Learner Experience team if you need more information or need help assessing our eligibility for funding.

Am I eligible?

Eligibility criteria for our funded courses in adult learning

Category Evidence Required
1. Residency Eligibility (for non-UK) Valid for the duration of the full course duration • E-Visa / settlement status
• Home Office letters or digital immigration status
• ARC (Asylum Registration Card)
• Other documents confirming valid permission to stay in the UK for the full course duration
2. ID Documents • UK or EU passport
• Birth certificate
• Photo driving licence
• Home Office immigration documents
• Non-EU passport with valid visa
3. Employment Status / Income Evidence If employed and earning under £28,860/year:
• Payslip (within 3 months)
• Universal Credit statement (income section only)

If unemployed:
• JSA evidence
• ESA evidence
• UC evidence

If unemployed but not on benefits, additional discussion/evidence may be required

Proof of Address Resident in London

 

Not Eligible for funding

those who are in UK without authority or lawful status

  • those who are resident in the United Kingdom on a student visa
  • those who are in the United Kingdom on holiday, with or without a visa
  • those who are in the UK on a sponsorship visa, including skilled worker visas and seasonal worker visas
  • those whose biometric residence permit or residence permit imposes a study prohibition or restriction on the individual

Am I entitled to a free course?

You may be entitled to a fully funded course; however, this depends on the type of course and your current circumstances.

Concession Discount Description
ESOL Free ESOL courses may be free if you can evidence your annual income is below £28,860 a year or are unemployed and living in London.
Maths and English Free Maths and English courses may be free at Entry Level to Level 2 if you do not already hold a GCSE English or Maths qualification grade 4 (C) or higher.
Digital Entitlement Free Digital Skills courses (Entry Level to Level 1) may be free if you are assessed as being below Level 1 and do not have a digital skills Level 1 qualification.
Level 2 entitlement Free The majority of Level 2 qualifications for adults are free if you meet any of the below eligibility:

  • If you are age 19–23 and do not have a Level 2 or above qualification (fully funded for a full Level 2 qualification)
  • If you are age 24+ and unemployed looking for work
  • If you are age 24+ and in receipt of active benefits
  • If you are age 24+ and earning less than the London Living Wage (£28,860)
Level 3 entitlement Free The majority of Level 3 qualifications for adults are free if you meet any of the below eligibility:

  • If you are age 19–23 and do not have a Level 2 or above qualification (fully funded for a full Level 3 qualification)
  • If you are age 19+ and unemployed looking for work
  • If you are age 19+ and in receipt of active benefits
  • If you are age 19+ and earning less than the London Living Wage (£28,860)

Many Level 3 courses are under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme.
You may also be eligible if you do not already have a Level 3 qualification.

Can I get financial help?

Help with course fees, childcare payments (to a registered nursery), travel costs and internet costs is available for eligible learners.

Can I pay by instalments?

You can spread the cost of your course if it is more than 12 weeks long

Can I get a refund?

Refunds are not normally granted unless we cancel the course. Please check our Refunds Policy for more information.

Am I eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan?

Some of our courses are eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan. You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan from the Student Loan Company to pay for your course if you are aged 19 or over. Your loan does not have to be repaid until you finish your course and are earning over *£25,000 a year.

*see https://www.gov.uk/repaying-your-student-loan/which-repayment-plan-you-are-on

The above only applies to UK/EU residents. Other learners will have additional costs.

Redbridge Institute Fees 2025/26