Education

Further education (FE)

Further education (FE) includes courses provided by colleges and other training providers.

FE funding is not classed as a public fund for immigration purposes. A person with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) may be able to access FE if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

To qualify for funding, a student must usually meet requirements relating to:

• their immigration status
• their length of residence in the UK

These rules can be complex. Detailed guidance is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), which also provides advice on the rules in different parts of the UK.

England

In England, funding for FE is primarily available to:

• students aged 16 to 19, through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA)
• adults aged 19 and over, through funding streams such as the Adult Skills Fund

Further information about further education and funding in England is available on GOV.UK.

Scotland

In Scotland, FE support may be available to students aged 16 and over. This can include:

• grants
• allowances
• bursaries

Support may also be available through schemes such as the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

Further information is available from Student Information Scotland.

Wales

In Wales:

• students aged 16 to 18 will not usually have to pay tuition fees for FE courses
• students aged 19 and over may be eligible for support through the Welsh Government Learning Grant (FE)
• the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is available to eligible students aged 16 to 18

Further information is available from the Welsh Government.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, FE support may include:

• grants
• loans
• funds such as the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

This support helps students aged 16 to 19 access FE courses.

Further information is available on the Northern Ireland Government website.

Page updated: 04 June 2026