Further education (FE) courses are government funded or funded through government bodies or schemes. FE funding is not classed as a public fund for immigration purposes and can be accessed by a young person or adult if they are subject to the 'no recourse to public funds' (NRPF) condition.
However, to qualify for FE funding, a student must meet requirements relating to their immigration status and length of residence in the UK. These rules can be complex and are set out in detail by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), who can also provide telephone advice for students. They can also advise on the rules that apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as schemes differ between different nations.
In England, funding is provided through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to students age 16-19. There is also funding available to students aged 19 and over through various funding streams including the Adult Skills Budget. See the government information about further education and funding for more information.
In Scotland, further education funding may be available to students over 16 years old to cover the costs of tuition fees, study, and living expenses. This can include grants, allowances and bursaries such as the Education Maintenance Allowance. See Student Information Scotland for more information.
Students aged 16-18 normally will not have to pay tuition fees to study on a further education course in Wales. Grants may also be available via the Welsh Government Learning Grant (FE) to students aged 19 and over, while the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a grant provided to assist students aged 16-18 years old who are in further education. See the Welsh government website for more information.
Funding to carry out further education courses in Northern Ireland comprises of grants, loans, and funds such as the Education Maintenance Allowance to enable students aged 16 to 19 to study on a further education course. For more information see the Northern Ireland government website.
Page updated: 06 June 2025
