Advanced Learning Loans
If you’re thinking of starting a course you will qualify for an Advanced Learning Loan to help pay the tuition fees.
Learners aged 19 and over, studying at Level 3 and above, will qualify for these new loans from the UK government. Your household income isn’t taken into account, there’s no credit check and you won’t have to pay anything back until your income is over £25,000 a year.
www.gov.uk have published a range of videos featuring the case studies of learners who have benefited from taking out an Advanced Learner Loan. The case studies show you how Advanced Learner Loans can improve your skills and career opportunities.
Contact Information
📞 01702 445700
📧 sacc@southend-adult.ac.uk
🌐 www.southend-adult.ac.uk
Southend Adult Community College
Ambleside Drive
Southend-on-Sea
Essex, SS1 2UP
Eligibility
To be eligible for a learning loan you must be:
- Aged 19+ at course start
- Enrolled in an eligible Level 3–6 course at an approved college
- Living in the UK on course start date
- UK national or have ‘settled status’ (no stay restrictions)
- Lived in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man for 3+ years
You may also be eligible if you’re:
- A UK national/settled status holder living in the EEA
- An EU national or related to one
- A non-UK national living in the UK for 20+ years (or half your life)
- A refugee or related to one
- A migrant worker
- A child of a Swiss national or Turkish worker
- Under humanitarian protection or related to someone who is
- A stateless person (or family member) if your course started after 1 Aug 2018
- A UK armed forces member (or dependent) studying via distance learning after 1 Aug 2017
What will I get?
This depends on:
- Your course fees
- The maximum loan available for your course
Minimum loan: £300, paid to your college.
You can borrow less than the full course cost and pay the rest yourself.
Does getting a loan depend on my income/credit history?
No, the loan application does not check on your credit history or income.
How can I apply for a loan?
After enrolling at Southend Adult Community College and expressing interest in a loan, you’ll receive a Funding Information Letter. Use this to apply online at:
www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
This is the quickest and easiest method.
How can I get careers and/or course advice?
Our Education and Careers Advisors can help with your course or career questions.
To book an appointment, contact Learner Services:
📧 iag@southend-adult.ac.uk
📞 01702 445700
Fund your studies with confidence.
What do I need to apply?
Details of what you need will be in the letter provided:
- Course name you wish to study
- College name you wish to study
- Fee you are being charged
- The loan amount you wish to borrow
Can I apply for a loan after my course starts?
Apply as early as possible to ensure payment before your course begins.
You can apply during the course (with agreement from Southend Adult Community College) but not after completion.
How long does the application take?
Online applications without extra evidence are usually processed within two weeks.
Need advice on the Advanced Learner Loan?
Support is available.
For free, impartial financial advice, if you would like advice on managing your finances, the Money Advice Service, established by the UK government, can offer free impartial money advice.
Visit their website: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
If my course is longer than a year, do I need to apply each year?
No, your loan will last for the duration of the course.
Interest Rates
The interest accrued on your loan will be calculated based on inflation (Retail Price Index – RPI) and your income.
For more information please visit:
www.gov.uk/repaying-your-student-loan
Your future, Financially Supported
What happens if I change my mind?
You can cancel your loan via your Student Finance England account.
If you withdraw during the course, you will be liable for fees — contact Learner Services for details.
How do I repay the loan?
Repayments are deducted automatically via the tax system, starting the April after you finish or leave the course, if your income is £25,000 or more (subject to change).
Do I repay the full loan if I leave the course early?
The Student Finance Company will only pay the college in line with your attendance.
If you leave part way through your course, you will be liable to repay The Student Loans Company for the lessons attended.
You will also be liable to pay the remaining course fees, directly to Southend Adult Community College.
If this applies to you, please contact Learner Services on 01702 445700.
Can I get help with childcare and travel?
The Advanced Learner Loan covers course fees only.
However, it is possible the college may be able to provide financial support for course-related costs if you need financial help.
This funding is limited and eligibility is assessed against set criteria.
Learner Services will be able to provide you with more information.
How do I make voluntary payments?
Log into your account or visit:
www.gov.uk/repaying-your-student-loan
Early payments reduce accrued interest.
What happens if I cannot afford to repay the entire loan?
You only repay when earning above the threshold.
For advice, visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Any loan balances that remain after 30 years are waived. Is this the best value loan?
You’ll need to consider if this is the best loan for you in your circumstances.
We recommend speaking to Money Advice Service for more information and advice.
If I move abroad, do I still pay the loan?
Yes, if earning above the threshold.
The Student Loans Company will arrange payments, with thresholds varying by country.
What if a Learning Loan is not right for me?
- Pay in full with cash, debit, or credit card.
- If your Employer is funding your studies this can be paid via invoice.
- We can create an instalment plan, to pay monthly throughout the duration of the course.