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Great news! As of August 2025, you no longer need to have lived in the UK for three years to qualify for a free course in England.
This change means thousands more people can now apply for free learning, even if you’ve only recently moved here. If you’ve been unsure whether you’d be eligible, this could be the perfect time to check.
Before August 2025, adults had to prove they’d been living in the UK for at least three years to get a funded course.
That rule has now been removed.
So if you’re aged 19 or over, live in England, and have the right to live in the UK, you may be able to enrol in a fully funded Level 2 course, without being here for three years!
To qualify for a free course, you’ll need to:
This update will make a real difference for:
If you’ve moved here within the last few years, you no longer need to wait to apply.
Many working visa holders are now eligible, making it easier to upskill or retrain while working.
If you hold one of the following, you may qualify:
Courses are funded through the Adult Skills Fund, which is an education fund, not a public fund.
So, even if your visa says “No Recourse to Public Funds,” you may still be eligible to apply for a free course.
Please note: Learners on a student or skilled worker visa are not eligible for free courses.
For years, the 3‑year residency rule stopped many people from applying and closed the door to free education.
With that rule now gone, more adults can:
If you were told you weren’t eligible before, now’s the time to check again.
With the 3‑year rule gone, your learning journey could begin today.
Open Live Chat now to check your eligibility in under a minute.
Yes. The 3‑year residency rule has been removed. As long as you live in England and meet the other criteria, you may be eligible.
You may still be able to apply. These courses are funded through the Adult Skills Fund, which is an education fund – not a public fund.
No. You can apply whether you’re working, looking for work, or between jobs.
You’ll need a valid National Insurance Number (NIN) and proof of your right to live in the UK.
Yes, most working visa holders can apply.
⚠️ The main exception is those on a student visa, who are not eligible.
Just open our Live Chat and we’ll check your eligibility for you.
Lois is a marketing professional with a background in digital engagement, learner outreach, and customer communication.
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