Courses covered by Career Development Loans
A Career Development Loan can be used to fund all kinds of vocational courses with a range of learning providers. It’s worth looking at all the options open to you when choosing your course and learning provider.Which courses can a Career Development Loan pay for?
A Career Development Loan (CDL) can help to pay for up to two years of vocational (work-related) learning or up to three years if the course includes one year’s relevant practical work experience. If your course lasts longer than this, you may still be able to use a CDL to pay for part of it.
Your loan can be used to pay for all sorts of vocational learning, from management to technical training in almost every area of work and industry. You can take any full-time, part-time, or distance learning course.
You can achieve many different qualifications, from National Vocational Qualifications or Scottish Vocational Qualifications to Open University and postgraduate qualifications. In some circumstances your CDL can also help to pay for qualification assessments.
You can only use one CDL to pay for one course. However, if you borrow less than the maximum amount you may be able to increase your loan. Remember, you still have to repay your loan, even if you do not complete the course.
You’ll need to think about what you want to achieve from your learning:
- What career do you want?
- What skills and experience will you need?
- What qualifications will you need?
A vocational course does not necessarily have to lead to a qualification to be funded by a CDL.
Which courses are not eligible?
Some courses are not eligible for CDL funding, or have some restrictions.
Careers counselling courses
A CDL cannot be used to fund any course that solely provides you with careers information, advice and guidance. This includes careers counselling, careers progression, CV writing, job-hunting etc. However, a CDL can be used to fund a course leading to a professional qualification in career guidance.
Franchise courses
A CDL must only cover the initial learning costs, usually the induction training. It must not be used to pay for the franchise or to buy a licence from the franchiser.
Foundation courses
A foundation course used as the first step towards a degree course is not eligible for a CDL. However, a stand-alone foundation course that leads to employment in its own right would be eligible.
How much will it cost?
You’ll need to consider all costs involved your learning, and how they will be funded. Find out:
- what the course fees include
- if the course fees can be paid in stages
- about additional course costs - books, childcare, travel expenses and any costs associated with disability
- if any benefits you receive will be affected
- if you can get any extra help to fund your learning
Which learning provider is best for me?
It’s worth researching several learning providers before you make a choice. You need to:
- ensure that the learning provider is on the CDL Register of Learning Providers
- speak to others who have taken the course
- check what qualifications you will get, and that the learning provider is properly accredited
- ask to see any public inspection reports on the provider
- check how the learning is delivered, whether it is a distance learning course, and if any extra costs are involved
All CDL-registered providers have signed up to a set of provider commitments. However, the LSC and the banks do not monitor or approve learning providers and cannot accept any responsibility if your chosen learning provider ceases trading or fails to deliver the education and learning you need to the standard you expect.
It is your responsibility to choose an organisation that will offer the type of learning you need to the required standard.
What happens if it doesn’t work out?
It is important to remember that, even if you fail to complete your course for whatever reason, you will still be responsible for repaying the full loan amount back to the bank.
Before you choose a course, check the learning provider’s refund policy in case you have to give it up. Also find out if any credits awarded or earned will still be valid.
How do I apply?
To find out how and when to apply, see ‘Applying for a Career Development Loan’.
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