Free college courses if you claim Universal Credit: Who qualifies and how to apply

If you want to improve your job prospects or earn more cash, gaining extra training or qualifications can help.

And the good news is that for thousands of adults in England, the government will pay the tuition fees.

If you're aged 19 or over claim Universal Credit or earn below a certain income threshold or are unemployed, you could qualify for free training in areas including accounting, digital skills, childcare, engineering, construction and health and social care.

What are the free course government courses?

The Free Courses For Jobs scheme offers adults the chance to study for:

• A Level 3 qualification (equivalent to an A-level).

• A Level 2 qualification in selected industries, including construction, engineering and manufacturing.

The aim is to help people develop skills that employers are looking for, improve their chances of finding work and increase their earning potential.

The exact courses available will vary depending on where you live and which colleges or training providers are offering them.

However, you could choose from a range of different industries and skills.

Level 3 courses include:

• Accounting and finance

• Business and management

• Childcare and early years

• Construction

• Digital and IT

• Engineering

• Health and social care

• Hospitality and catering

• Manufacturing

• Maths and statistics

• Science

• Teaching

• Transport and logistics

• Warehousing and distribution

• Agriculture and horticulture

Level 2 courses include:

• Construction

• Engineering

• Manufacturing

• Food and drink operations

• Fashion and textiles

Who can get a free course?

You could be able to claim a free place if you:

• Are aged 19 or over.

• Live in England.

• Earn less than £25,750 a year, or are unemployed.

Some local areas may have slightly different eligibility rules, including different income limits or restrictions based on qualifications you already hold.

Your local college or training provider can confirm whether you qualify.

If you receive Universal Credit, you may still be able to study while continuing to claim your benefit.

Many claimants can complete full-time training for up to 16 weeks without losing their Universal Credit, provided the course improves their chances of finding work and is agreed with their work coach.

Your local Jobcentre Plus can explain what training you're allowed to do and whether you need approval before starting.

The government covers the full tuition fees if you're eligible, which could save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds compared with paying for the qualification yourself.

In some cases, you may also be able to get financial help towards childcare costs, travel expenses and learning materials or equipment.

Ask your training provider what additional support is available before you enrol.

How do you apply?

You can search for eligible courses using the National Careers Service Course Finder.

Once you've found a course, you'll then need to contact the college or training provider.

Check you meet the entry requirements and submit your application.

If you're accepted and eligible, the government will pay your tuition fees.

Many courses are available on a part-time basis, while some can be completed online, making them easier to fit around work or family commitments.

What if you're not eligible?

If you don't qualify for free tuition, you may still be able to study using an Advanced Learner Loan.

These loans help cover course fees and are only repaid once your income reaches the repayment threshold, similar to higher education student loans.

You can also speak to the National Careers Service for free careers advice and information about other government-funded training opportunities.