This is a new grant that is being introduced in this region from 2006/7. It is means tested and dependent on students’ income and that of any co-habiting partners. The grant is open to students who:

• Are 19 yrs old or more
• Studying a course that requires at least 450 guided learning hours in a year (a full-time course)
• Studying Level 2 or L3 who does not already possess this qualification
• Studying at least 12 hours per week

There are some eligibility criteria that must be met, these relate to the minimum age limit, residency rules of applicants and the type of study being undertaken. Your income is assessed to determine how much grant you are eligible for.

The grant is designed to help those adults who are in work and not on benefits such as job-seekers allowance, income-support or other work-based benefits. Learners in receipt of other allowances such as EMA, New Deal, Apprenticeships or Train to Gain are not eligible. It means that students could work part-time and study full time.

Who is eligible?

If you are studying on a Level 2 or Level 3 course for the first time you may be eligible. You need to be aged 19-31 to be eligible to receive this grant if you are studying a level 3 qualification.

Example:
If a student has 5 A – C’s at GCSE they would be eligible if they opted for AS/A level, National Diploma, or NVQ level 3.
If applicants previously studied but didn’t complete the course
If applicants previously studied GCSE’s but did not gain any qualifications they are eligible to apply for ALG for Level 2 qualifications. If an applicant gained some GCSE’s (but less than 5) you can still study Level 2 to ‘top up’.

What evidence needs to be supplied?

Upon completion of an application form students need to supply original or validated copies of:
• Identity: birth certificate, driving licence or passport
• Residency: for those born outside the UK documentation confirming immigration status
• Financial evidence for whole of previous year e.g. P60, P45’s or one year’s pay slips from April – March.

More Details and Weekly Payment Schedule

An application form is available on the website http://www.adultlearninggrant.com. Alternatively, talk to one of our members of staff in Student Services.