From 1 August 2025, the Department for Education is simplifying residency eligibility rules for learners funded through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) in non-devolved areas — including Free Courses for Jobs.

Key change:

Learners will now be eligible if they are ordinarily resident in the UK on the first day of learning, and the learning takes place in England.

Not eligible:

❌ Those in the UK without lawful status

❌ Those here on a holiday or sponsorship visa

❌ Students on a visa (unless they qualify under other categories)

❌ Anyone with a residence permit that restricts study

No change to asylum seeker eligibility criteria.

The full updated funding rules will be published in early July.

Read the DfE update here.