It’s good news for people wanting to improve their prospects as new Advanced Learner Loans are being introduced to make studying an affordable option.
With increasing competition for higher paid jobs and careers, it is now more important than ever that people achieve qualifications to meet the shortlisting criteria for jobs.
From this May, adults will be able to access loans similar to those taken out by university students. The new 19+ Advanced Learner Loans can be used to cover the cost of tuition fees for courses starting in September 2016, which are at Level 3 or above.
Previously, only adults aged 24 and over could access the loans but they are now available for younger adults, aged 19 plus. This means that more people can fit learning in around their work and family commitments, without having to pays fees upfront.
It’s easy to apply for the loan; they are administered by the Student Loans Company, your household income isn’t taken into account and there’s no credit check. The Advanced Learner Loans are only available for eligible courses and loan repayments only apply once students have completed their course and earn over £21,000.
The loans are great news for people who need to gain a qualification in order progress onto higher education/university level course. Students who successfully complete their Access to Higher Education programme and subsequently progress on to and complete a HNC/D, Foundation Degree or Degree course, will have their Advanced Learner Loan fees for the Access programme waived (they will still have to pay for the HNC/D, Foundation Degree or Degree course fees).
It is hoped that with these loans, more local people will have access to education in order to improve their career prospects, get back into work by gaining a qualification or gain a promotion. To find out more and check whether you qualify, simply call the college on 0151 551 7777 and speak to a Student Adviser, or visit wmc.ac.uk.