Government Funded Online Courses

All short courses are free (government funded) to those who meet the eligibility criteria, aged 19+ and live in a Non-Devolved Area of England or the Greater London Area (GLA), have lived in the UK/EEA for 3+ years (except for GLA residents who must prove they can stay for the next 365 days), have the necessary ID, not have previously done this qualification at the same or higher level.

Some regional authorities in England are classed as Devolved areas. These are Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) and they include Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, North of Tyne, South Yorkshire, Tees Valley, West Midlands, West of England and West Yorkshire.

If you reside in one of these areas, you will be unable to access the free courses advertised on this website, but you may be able to access funded training directly from your regional authority.

All other authorities are classed as Non-Devolved areas and you will be able to access these free courses if you meet the eligibility criteria. If you reside within the Greater London Authority (GLA) you will be able to access these courses, subject to eligibility.

Click here to learn more about Non-Devolved areas

The Adult Skills Fund (ASF) has replaced the Adult Education Budget (AEB). The purpose of ASF is to support adult learners (19+) to gain skills which will lead them to meaningful, sustained and relevant employment, or to enable them to progress to further learning.

Individuals who are employed, can also undertake these courses to upskill their knowledge, stay updated and build their continuing professional development.

The Adult Skills Fund (ASF) is managed by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE). Find more information about the ESFA and government funding.

Funding is available for people aged 19+ who live within the Greater London Area (GLA) and in Non-Devolved areas of England. Use our eligibility checker to see if you meet the criteria for government funding.

Yes, our short online courses are free to people age 19+ year who live within the Greater London Area (GLA) and in Non-Devolved areas of England. Eligibility criteria applies.