Locations

Free level 3 qualifications are available to eligible adults across England.

See the full list of colleges and training providers able to offer free places for level 3 qualifications.

This list will be updated as more colleges and training providers receive funding to deliver these qualifications.

Contact the college or training provider directly to find out if they are offering the qualification you’re interested in.

How to apply

If you’re eligible you will not have to pay for your level 3 qualification. The course will be paid for by the government from the National Skills Fund.

1. Find the qualification you are interested in (see the list of free level 3 qualifications available).

2. Check to see which colleges and training providers are able to offer free level 3 qualifications in your area (see the list of colleges and training providers able to offer free places for level 3 qualifications).

3. Contact the college or training provider to check if they offer the qualification you’re interested in.

4. Check the admissions criteria and apply for the course in the normal way.

5. If you’re accepted onto the course you will not have to pay a course fee.

Get advice and support

The National Careers Service offers free and impartial advice to help with decisions about careers, training courses and work.

If you claim Universal Credit you may still be able to apply for one of these free courses for adults because the length of training that you can take to support your search for work will increase from 8 weeks to 12 weeks in April 2021. Your local Jobcentre Plus can offer you guidance about this.

You can study English or maths GCSE or functional skills qualifications for free if you do not already have them. You can also take essential digital skills qualifications for free if you do not have basic digital skills. Find a maths, English or digital skills course in your local area through the National Careers Service.

The Skills Toolkit provides access to free, high-quality digital, numeracy and employability courses to help you build up your skills, progress in work and boost job prospects.

Your local authority or Jobcentre Plus may offer additional free courses.

If you already have a level 3 qualification, Advanced Learner Loans are available to help you cover the costs of learning, which you pay back when you are earning over a certain amount.

More information about skills bootcamps, including eligibility, subjects available, locations and how to apply will be added as soon as it is available.

Information for providers and employers

Information is available for colleges and training providers on the National Skills Fund.

Information is available for employers about these offers and other support available through the Plan for Jobs.