Further education (FE) courses are funded by the UK Government for students in England through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). Further education is normally undertaken by students age 16 or older. It also includes adult education and some English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses. See the government information about further education and funding.
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.
