Advanced Learner Loans

If you are aged 19 or over and want to take a course with Newcastle City Learning, you may now qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. These loans help you pay the fees charged by approved colleges and training organisations in England. Learners aged 19 - 23 years without a first full Level 3 will still qualify for fee remission, so please speak to our Gateway staff before you apply.

Most learners aged 19 and over, studying at Level 3 to 6, will qualify for these loans from the UK Government. It's easy to apply, your household income isn't taken into account, and there's no credit check. 

If you started your course on or after 1 August 2023, repayments will be automatically deducted from your income through the tax system if your income is more than £25,000 a year.

If you started your course on or after 1 August 2023, the earliest you’ll start to repay is April 2026, even if you leave your course early. You’ll be due to start repaying your loan in the April after you complete or leave your course. You’ll only start making repayments when your income is over the repayment threshold. Repayments will be made at 9 per cent of your income over the repayment threshold.

Eligible courses include Level 3 and 4 Certificates and Diplomas, and study up to Level 6.

Do I qualify?

To qualify you must be:

• Aged 19 or over on the first day of your course (there's no upper age-limit).
• Living in the UK on the first day of your course and have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for three years immediately before this.
• A UK national or have ‘settled status’ (have no restrictions on how long you can stay in the UK)
• Studying with a college or training organisation in England approved for public funding.
• Enrolling on an eligible course at level 3 and above 

You may also qualify under other eligibility rules Advanced Learner Loan: Eligibility - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

How does it work?

The applications, assessment, payments and repayments of loans will be administered by Student Finance England. The same organisation provides financial support for HE students. The loan will be paid directly to your college or training provider to cover the fees charged for your course.

Loan repayments are collected through the tax system.

Applying is easy

You can apply for a loan for 2023-2024 courses now.

We will provide you with the essential information you will need from us to complete your application, such as the course fees and course start and end dates. Please note you should contact the centre you intend to study at to get the information you will need to apply for a loan for one of their courses, as the information is different for each provider.

You can find more information and apply online on the Advanced Learner Loans webpage.

You could also speak to us for advice by phoning 0191 277 3520 or emailing newcastlecitylearning@newcastle.gov.uk.

Making the right choice

It is important you consider your own circumstances and look into all options for paying for your course before choosing to take out a loan.

You can get independent financial advice from the Money Advice Service.