Advanced Learner Loans

Advanced learner loans aren’t means tested or subject to credit checks or employment status, but they do have some eligibility criteria.

To be eligible for a loan you need to be:

• Aged 19 or over
• Undertaking a level 3-6 course, including vocational/technical qualifications, AS/A Levels and Access to HE Diplomas
• Studying at an approved training provider or college in England.
• Residency status
  • be living in the UK on the first day of your course
  • be a UK national or Irish citizen or have ‘settled status’ (no restrictions on how long you can stay)
  • have been living in the UK, British overseas territories, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 3 years in a row before the first day of your course (apart from temporary absences such as holidays)

For further information on eligibility please check https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan/eligibility

Your loan amount depends on your course type and the overall course fee, as well as the maximum loan available for your course. You can apply for a loan to

cover either the full or partial cost of your course.  Please see table below.

The minimum loan you can get is £300 and is paid directly to your college or training provider.

The Student Loan Company https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/student-loans-company

You will apply to them once you have received a ‘Learning and funding information’ letter’. From your training provider with all the relevant information you need to apply.

There are 3 steps to follow when you’re applying for a loan.

1 Check that your training provider or college and your course are eligible.

2 Ask your training provider / college for a ‘Learning and funding information’ letter. The letter will contain details about your course and you need this to complete the application.

3 Register with the Student Loans Company and apply online. You can also apply by post if you’re unable to apply online.

For further information please view https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan

How can I apply today: https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan/how-to-apply

1. The repayment plan you’re on depends on when you started your course and what type of course you studied.
2. If you started your course on or after 1 August 2023 – You’ll be on Plan 5
3. You start repaying from April 2026.
4. You’ll only repay when your income is over £480 a week, £2,083 a month e or £25,000 a year.
5. Your repayments automatically stop if either:

• you stop working
• your income goes below the threshold

For annual salaries over £25000 you would pay 9% above the threshold.

For example:

You have an income of £26,000 a year, meaning you get paid £2167 each month. 

Calculation:

£2167 – £2083 (your income minus the Plan 5 threshold) = £83
9% of £83 = £7.53

This means the amount you’d repay each month would be £7.53. 

Monthly Loan Repayment Guide

Your repayments will be taken out of your salary at the same time as tax and National Insurance if you’re an employee. Your payslips will show how much has been deducted. 

• There’s no penalty if you make extra repayments to pay some or all of your loan off early.
• Plan 5 loans are written off 40 years after the April you were first due to repay.
• If someone with a student loan dies, the Student Loans Company (SLC) will cancel the person’s student loan.
• If you can no longer work because of illness or disability, the SLC may be able to cancel your loan if you claim certain disability benefits. You’ll need to provide evidence (for example a letter from the benefits agency) and your Customer Reference Number.