19 + Advanced Learner Loans
The cost of studying as an adult or returning to study can be a concern – but an Advanced Learner Loan may be able to cover the full tuition fee of your course. The Advanced Learner Loan can help you to realise your ambitions and reach your intended destination with HRC.
If you’re aged 19 or over and want to study an Access to Higher Education Diploma, or a Level 3 to 6 Vocational Qualification, you may need to pay us for the cost of your course.
The Advanced Learner Loan is a government-funded loan to help learners. It’s easy to apply for, doesn’t take your household income into account and doesn’t involve a credit check.
Here are some key facts about the loan:
Repayments are linked to what you earn and not how much you have borrowed.
You only have to start making repayments when you’ve finished your course and you’re earning over £21,000 a year (which is £404 a week or £1,750 a month). Until then you don’t need to pay back anything, but you can make voluntary repayments at any time.
You pay 9% of the money you earn over £21,000, before tax. For example, if you earn £22,000 a year, your monthly repayment will be £7 a month; and if you earn £35,000 a year, it will be £105 per month.
Interest is charged on a sliding scale between the Retail Price Index (RPI) and RPI +3%, depending on how much you earn.
19+ Advanced Learner Loans – FAQ
Am I eligible for a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan?
Anyone who is aged 19 Years or over could qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. The scheme has also been expanded to cover not only level three and level four courses, but also some level five and level six courses.
To qualify for a loan, you must be aged 19 or over, living in the UK on the first day of your course and you must have been living in the UK for at least three years.
To be eligible for a loan you need to be a UK national or have ‘settled status’, meaning there are no restrictions on how long you can stay in the UK.
What courses can I do at HRC?
The loan covers a range of courses including Access to Higher Education, Certificates, Diplomas and more. Apprentices may also be able to apply for a loan if they take applicable courses in addition to their apprenticeship programme.
For more information on courses offered by Hertford Regional College please click here
Can I get a loan if I already have a similar qualification?
Yes, any qualifications you have already achieved will not affect your ability to apply for your first loan.
However, once you have taken out one loan you will not be able to get another loan for the same type of course at the same level. For example, if you have taken out a loan to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Sports Science you could not take out another loan for a Level 3 Diploma in Construction but you could take out another loan for a Level 4 Certificate in Sports Science.
How many loans can I take out?
You can take out up to four Advanced Learner Loans in total, but for courses which are not A Levels you can only take out one loan at a time.
How much money can I borrow?
The minimum Advanced Learner Loan is £300 and the maximum you can borrow will depend on the cost of your course.
How do I apply?
To apply for a course you can apply online or fill out an application form by visiting our Information Centres at our Broxbourne or Ware campuses.
After submitting your application, the Student Loans Company will assess you and they will contact you and the College once you have fulfilled the criteria.
For more information call the Information Team at HRC on 01992 411 411.
What information do I need to make an application?
You will need details of the course you want to study, the fee you are being charged and the amount of loan you want to take out.
You will also have to provide your personal details, including your National Insurance number and evidence to confirm your identity (e.g. a valid UK passport).
The College can provide you with a letter with the course details and fee’s that the Student Loans Company need to see. Pop into the Information Centre at one of our campuses to find out more.
How will I pay back the loan?
You do not have to pay back any of your loan until you are earning more than £21,000.
Once you begin earning £21,000 loan repayments will be automatically deducted from your salary at a rate of 9 per cent. For example, if your income is £22,000 you will pay back 9 per cent of £1,000, which works out at £7.50 each month.
If you take out an Advanced Learner Loan for an access to higher education course and go on to complete a higher education course your loan will be wiped off completely and you will not have to pay it back.
For more information, click here.
Note: The fees quoted on this website are a general guide only and may be subject to change.
