Guidance

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