Students Finance Wales - Welsh Government Learning Grant Further Education (WGLG FE)

Welsh Government Learning Grant Further Education (WGLG FE)

You will receive funding of up to about EUR 2,225 per year (£1,919) for full-time study or up to approximately 1,110 euros per year (£959) for part-time study. The funding is paid for the duration of your studies. The exact amount depends on your household income and the length of your course. The money is paid directly into your bank account three times a year, once per semester. It is provided by the Welsh Government and administered by Student Finance Wales to help adults continue their education after leaving school.

Who can apply

• Age: On 1 September of the academic year, you will be 19 years old or older.
• Where you live: You are a British national, an Irish citizen or hold ‘Settled Status’. You are resident in Wales at the start of the academic year and have lived in the United Kingdom and on the British Isles for the three years prior to the start of your studies. People of other nationalities who live in Wales may also be eligible under certain circumstances.
• Course level: You are taking a course up to level 3, such as GCSEs, AS or A-Levels, BTEC, GNVQ, NVQ or basic skills. Levels 4 and above are not eligible for funding.
• Study hours: For your course, you are required to attend at least 275 hours per year at a school or higher education institution participating in the WGLG-FE programme. This does not necessarily have to be in Wales.
• Household income: Your household income is £18,370 (approximately 21,300 euros) or less.
• Field of study: All compartments are open.
• Not a repeat: You have not yet taken the WGLG FE course at the same or a higher level.
• Care leavers: If you grew up in care homes, you do not need to provide details of your income and are entitled to the benefit as long as you meet the other eligibility criteria.

How to apply

Apply for funding online via the Student Finance Wales portal – this takes around 30 minutes – or use a paper application form. Submit your application as early as possible. Your application must be received by Student Finance Wales within nine months of the start of your course. Following a review, you will receive a provisional award letter, sign a learning agreement at your school or higher education institution, and then receive a final award letter.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a means-tested grant, but an income-based entitlement. If you meet the eligibility criteria regarding age, place of residence, course of study and income, you will receive the funding. The most important requirement is the household income ceiling of £18,370,; your chances of receiving the grant therefore depend on whether your income is below this limit. Make sure you apply for the grant well in advance of the start of your studies so that the payments are available for the first semester.