Further education ( FE ) includes any study after secondary education that’s not part of higher education (that is, not taken as part of an undergraduate or graduate degree). Courses range from basic English and maths to Higher National Diplomas ( HNDs ). FE also includes 3 types of technical and applied qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds: level 3 tech levels to specialise in a specific technical job level 2 technical certificates help get employment or progress to another tech level applied general qualifications to continue general education at advanced level through applied learning Funding Many courses in reading, writing and basic maths are free, and you may not have to pay for tuition if you’re under 24 and studying for your first qualification equivalent to GCSE or A level. Find out about financial support , for example for your course or day-to-day living costs.

Use the National Careers Service course search to find further education ( FE ) courses by course name, provider or subject. You can also take courses through the internet or email (known as ‘distance learning’). Comparing FE colleges You can compare survey data from employers and learners about FE colleges . Advice You can get free advice from the National Careers Service if you need help choosing a course.

If you’re aged 16 or 17 you can study a further education ( FE ) course: full-time at school or college while at work If you’re coming towards the end of a school or college course, you’re guaranteed a place on an FE course the following autumn if you’re under 18 years old. Contact your school or local council to find out what’s on offer. Advice Get advice to help you decide on the right course from a National Careers Service adviser .

You may be able to get help with the costs of: your course day-to-day living costs childcare Depending on your circumstances and the subject you’re studying, you may qualify for: Learner Support Residential Support Scheme Care to Learn Dance and Drama Awards 16 to 19 Bursary Fund a loan to help with the costs of a college or training course if you’re 19 or older - called an Advanced Learning Loan Funding for essential skills In most cases you will not have to pay for level 1 and 2 English and maths courses . You might be able to take other courses for free. Funding if you’re on benefits You can get free training if you’re unemployed and: claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in an Employment and Support Allowance work-related activity group required to do training as part of your Universal Credit claim Your Jobcentre work coach will tell you what training you can do. If you’re claiming other benefits or cannot get free training through your job centre, you may be able to get funding from colleges and training providers. Funding from a charitable trust Use the Family Action grant search to check if you can get help from a charitable trust. Advice Find out more about courses and what financial help you can get through the National Careers Service .

Further education courses and funding

Overview

Further education (FE) includes any study after secondary education that’s not part of higher education (that is, not taken as part of an undergraduate or graduate degree).

Courses range from basic English and maths to Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).

FE also includes 3 types of technical and applied qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds:

level 3 tech levels to specialise in a specific technical job
level 2 technical certificates help get employment or progress to another tech level
applied general qualifications to continue general education at advanced level through applied learning

Funding

Many courses in reading, writing and basic maths are free, and you may not have to pay for tuition if you’re under 24 and studying for your first qualification equivalent to GCSE or A level.

Find out about financial support, for example for your course or day-to-day living costs.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Further education courses and funding

Overview

Funding

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Further education courses and funding

Overview

Funding

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