Adult skills fund: level 3 qualifications flow charts
Updated 4 February 2026
Applies to England
Introduction and purpose of the guidance
The flow charts below set out the options available to a learner who wishes to enrol on a level 3 qualification funded by DfE. The charts are supplementary to the adult skills fund (ASF) funding rules and advanced learner loans rules. These rules contain full details of each policy.
Level 3 qualifications flow charts
Chart 1: 19 to 23 year olds
Level 3 qualifications flow chart for 19 to 23 year olds
Chart 2: 24+
Level 3 qualifications flow chart for 24+
Level 3 qualifications flow charts – text version
Chart 1: 19 to 23-year-olds
Step 1: learner is below earnings threshold or unemployed
If no, go to achieved full level 3 qualification
If no
- learner would be fully funded
If yes
- learner may consider an advanced learner loan
Step 2: learner is below earnings threshold or unemployed
If yes
- qualification is on the:
- full level 3 entitlement list and delivered as part of the first full level 3 entitlement and/or
- level 3 free courses for jobs (FCFJ)
If yes
- learner would be fully funded
Chart 2: 24+
Step 1: learner is below earnings threshold or unemployed
If no
- learner may consider an advanced learner loan
If yes, go to FCFJ offer
- learner would be fully funded