Free government-funded courses are available across England, but funding rules and eligibility can vary depending on where you live.
Choosing your location helps us show the most relevant courses and funding information before you apply.
Fully funded through the UK Government’s Adult Skills Fund (ASF). No cost for eligible learners.
Adult education funding in England is not managed through a single national system. While some free courses follow nationwide eligibility rules, others are funded and prioritised locally.
Local authorities and regional bodies can influence which courses are available, which learners they are aimed at, and how funding is allocated. This means the same course may be fully funded in one area but funded differently in another.
Selecting your location first allows us to show accurate, relevant information based on how funding works where you live.
Free adult education in England is funded through a mix of national programmes and local authority control.
Some areas follow national funding priorities, while others focus funding on specific skills, industries, or learner groups based on local needs. This approach helps regions address skills gaps, employment priorities, and economic demand.
Because of this, course availability and eligibility can vary by location. Checking your area first helps avoid confusion and shows you the options most relevant to you.
Free online courses can make it easier to build new skills, gain a recognised qualification or prepare for the next step in your career without needing to travel to a college or training centre.
Eligible adults across Cumbria may be able to access funded learning in subjects including health and social care, mental health, business, leadership, childcare and digital skills.
Whether you live in Carlisle, Kendal, Workington, Penrith, Barrow-in-Furness, Whitehaven, Ulverston, Keswick or elsewhere in the county, you can explore the courses available and check your eligibility online.
You can also browse free courses in some of our most searched locations:
In some areas, funding may be limited or focused on specific skills. If no fully funded options are currently available, we’ll show alternative routes or explain what options may still be open to you.
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TQUK qualifications are delivered by The Skills Network.
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