Careers Advice- Funding

You’ve decided on a course and you're ready to take the leap. Now you're wondering - how will I fund the course and what will I live on?

What will my learning cost?  

Learning always costs something, whether you're planning to do a full-time, part-time or self-study course. You might have to pay course fees and budget so you've got enough money to live on. Full-time courses will probably affect your finances the most.

Is learning good value?

Learning new skills may cost a little bit but not learning new skills can cost you more in the long run. If you keep your skills up to date you’ll have a wide choice of jobs, probably earn more and be in demand by employers.

What types of funding are there? 

Funding for courses and training could be:

• a bursary - this is like a grant, and you don't have to pay it back; usually linked to a profession, such as nursing
• a loan, which you have to pay back
• assistance with fees or living costs.

Funding may be from a public body (like an education authority), a private organisation (like a bank) or an educational charity.

Visit http://careersadvice.direct.gov.uk/helpandadvice/helpwithfunding/ for full information.