Going back to school as an adult in London isn’t just about getting a degree. It’s about changing your life-landing a better job, stepping into a new career, or finally finishing what you started. But money is the biggest roadblock. You’ve got bills, maybe kids, maybe a part-time job. The idea of paying tuition on top of that can feel impossible. The good news? London has more support for adult learners than most people realize. You just need to know where to look.
What Funding Is Actually Available?
London doesn’t just offer one or two scholarships. There’s a whole system built for adults who want to learn, retrain, or upskill. The main source is the Adult Education Budget (AEB), run by the Mayor of London. This isn’t a loan-it’s a grant. If you’re over 19, live in London, and meet income or benefit criteria, you can get full or partial funding for courses at colleges across the city. Think: digital skills, healthcare support, plumbing, teaching assistants, even creative writing.
Some courses are completely free. Others cost just £100-£300. The rule? If you’re on Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or have an annual income under £22,000, you’re likely eligible for full funding. Even if you’re working, you might still qualify if you’re studying for a qualification that leads to a higher-paying job.
Colleges like City & Islington College, South Thames College, and Birkbeck, University of London, all have dedicated adult learner advisors. They don’t just hand out forms-they sit with you, figure out what you need, and match you to the right funding. No guesswork. No jargon.
Where to Find Scholarships Outside the Government
The AEB covers a lot, but not everything. If you’re studying something niche-like data science, sustainable architecture, or mental health counseling-you might need extra help. That’s where charities and trusts come in.
The Garfield Weston Foundation gives out grants to adult learners in London who are returning to education after a long break. You don’t need to be poor-just committed. One woman in Croydon, 52, got £5,000 to study nursing after raising three kids and working in retail for 20 years.
The City Bridge Foundation funds adult learners in Tower Hamlets, Southwark, and other inner-city boroughs. They’ve paid for everything from IT certifications to language classes for refugees.
And don’t overlook employer support. Companies like NHS London, Transport for London, and even large retailers like Tesco have learning funds. If you’re working while studying, ask your HR department. Many have programs that cover 50-100% of course fees if the training helps your role.
How to Apply Without Getting Overwhelmed
Applying feels like a maze. You’ve got forms, deadlines, eligibility checks, interviews. Here’s how to cut through the noise.
- Start with your local college’s adult learning office. They know which grants are still open and which ones have waiting lists.
- Use the London Adult Learning Portal (londonadultlearning.gov.uk). It’s updated weekly and lists every funded course, scholarship, and deadline.
- Apply early. Some funds run out by March-even if your course starts in September.
- Get help filling out forms. Libraries across London have free digital support desks. Staff there can help you upload documents, write personal statements, or even practice for interviews.
- Don’t wait for perfection. A messy application that’s submitted on time beats a perfect one that’s late.
One man in Brent, 48, applied for a course in cybersecurity using a handwritten personal statement on notebook paper. He got in. He didn’t have a fancy CV. He just told the truth: “I’ve been a security guard for 15 years. I want to protect systems, not just buildings.”
Hidden Costs You Can’t Ignore
Even if tuition is free, other costs add up. Travel, books, childcare, internet access. These aren’t small. A single bus ticket to college might cost £2.50 each way. That’s £25 a week. Over 12 weeks? £300.
That’s where the London Learner Support Fund comes in. It’s separate from tuition funding. You can apply for up to £1,500 to cover:
- Transport passes (Oyster card top-ups)
- Childcare during class hours
- Textbooks or software licenses
- Basic equipment like a laptop or headset
You don’t need to be on benefits to qualify. If you’re working and studying, and you’re struggling to cover these costs, you’re eligible. Just ask your college. They’ll send you the form.
Real Stories, Real Results
Sarah, 39, worked in a call center in Hackney. She wanted to become a social worker. Her income was too high for full benefits, but too low to pay for a degree. She found a part-time course at the University of East London, funded through AEB. She got £800 from the Learner Support Fund for childcare. Two years later, she’s working in a youth outreach program.
Mohammed, 56, fled Syria in 2016. He had a degree in engineering back home, but couldn’t get his qualifications recognized in the UK. He took a free engineering support course at City College London. Then a scholarship from the Refugee Council paid for his professional certification. He’s now a senior technician at a renewable energy firm in Greenwich.
These aren’t rare cases. They’re happening every week. London has the tools. You just have to reach for them.
What If You’re Rejected?
Not every application gets approved. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
If you’re turned down for AEB funding, ask why. Sometimes it’s a paperwork error. Other times, you just need to wait until the next funding cycle. Many colleges have waiting lists. If you’re on one, you might still get in if someone else drops out.
You can also try smaller, local charities. The Islington Community Trust gives out £500 grants for adult learners in that borough. The Westminster Learning Network helps people over 50 get back into education. These aren’t advertised everywhere, but they’re real.
And if you’re still stuck? Talk to your local MP’s office. They have access to discretionary funds for constituents facing hardship. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s a path most people don’t know exists.
Start Today. Don’t Wait for Perfect.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to be ready. You just need to take the first step.
Go to your nearest college. Ask for the adult learning advisor. Say: “I want to go back to school. Can you help me find funding?” That’s it. No script. No perfect answer. Just honesty.
London spends over £400 million a year on adult education. That money is there for people like you. Not for someone else. Not for the next person. For you.
It’s not about being young. It’s about being ready.
Can I get funding if I’m working full-time?
Yes. Many adult learners in London work full-time while studying. The Adult Education Budget and Learner Support Fund don’t require you to be unemployed. If your course leads to a better job or higher pay, you’re likely eligible-even if you earn £30,000 a year.
Do I have to pay back scholarships in London?
No. Scholarships and grants from the Mayor’s Adult Education Budget, charities, or the Learner Support Fund do not need to be repaid. Only student loans (like those from Student Finance England) require repayment-and most adult learners don’t qualify for those unless they’re doing a full degree at university level.
What if I’m not a UK citizen?
You don’t need to be a UK citizen. If you have settled status, pre-settled status, or are a refugee/asylum seeker, you can still access most adult learning funding in London. Some charities specifically support non-UK nationals. Check with your college’s international student advisor.
Can I study online and still get funding?
Yes. Many courses are now offered online or in hybrid formats. As long as the course is delivered by a London-based college or training provider that’s approved for the Adult Education Budget, you can get funding-even if you never step into a classroom.
How long does funding approval take?
It varies. Some applications are approved in under a week. Others take 4-6 weeks, especially if you need to provide proof of income or residency. Apply as early as possible. If you’re starting in September, apply by June.
Next Steps: What to Do Right Now
Don’t wait for motivation. Do this today:
- Go to londonadultlearning.gov.uk and search for courses near you.
- Call your nearest college. Ask for the adult learning team. No appointment needed.
- Write down one reason why you want to study. Keep it simple: “I want to earn more.” “I want to feel useful again.” “I want to be a nurse.”
- Go to your local library. Ask for help filling out the Learner Support Fund form.
- Apply before December 15. Funding cycles reset in January.
You’ve waited long enough. London’s ready for you. Now it’s your turn to show up.